YouTube is testing a new feature that will allow viewers to contribute money to their favorite channels.
Many independent online content creators have been relying on sites like Indiegogo and Kickstarter to fund their projects, which ultimately end up on YouTube. Now, they can streamline the contribution process.
“Fans will be able to contribute money to support your channel at any time, for any reason,” according to a YouTube blog post.
The new feature may not be a way for producers to bring in big money. YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki likened the contributions to a gratuity.
“Any viewer can show any creator their love by tipping them $1, $5, even as much as $500,” she said Thursday at VidCon in Anaheim.
A handful of creators are testing this feature soon on desktop and Android, including Dulce Delight, Fitness Blender, The Healthcare Triage,The King of Random, Soul Pancake, Steve Spangler Science, The Young Turks, and Thug Notes.
Those interested in trying it on their channel can sign up here.