How to Earn More on YouTube Using Pre-Recorded Video Broadcasts

Why Do Live Broadcasts Work?

Live streams create a sense of immediacy and engagement that standard videos often lack. Even if the content is pre-recorded, viewers are drawn to the idea of watching “live” content. Here’s why:

• Increased Watch Time: Broadcasts encourage viewers to stick around longer than they typically would for an uploaded video. For YouTube, higher watch time signals engaging content, making your channel more likely to appear in recommendations.
• Boosted Engagement: Live sessions often generate more comments and interactions, even if the video isn’t truly live. This increased activity benefits your channel’s overall metrics.
• Better Monetization Opportunities: Longer sessions allow for more ad breaks, maximizing ad revenue. Even a modest number of viewers can lead to substantial earnings if the watch time is high.

Earnings Breakdown: A Real-Life Example

Let’s look at an example from one of my channels:

• Total Watch Time (Hours): 1300
• Duration: 30 days
• Average Viewers at Any Moment:

Watch Time ÷ (Days × 24 Hours)
1261.8 ÷ (30 × 24) ≈ 2 viewers

With just 2 viewers consistently, the channel earned $24.24 in a month from one broadcast.

What if you had 100 viewers? Using the same formula, you could potentially earn $1200 per month, depending on your niche, seasonality, and ad density.

Examples of Popular Channels

Curious about how other creators use this strategy? Let’s explore popular channels. For instance, if you search for “cars” on YouTube and filter by live broadcasts, you’ll find channels drawing hundreds or thousands of concurrent viewers, even with pre-recorded content.

Channels like Top Gear and Supercar Blondie often leverage live showcases to maintain strong viewer engagement and promote their content.

Researching Your Competition

To assess your potential success, follow these steps:

1. Search Your Topic: Enter your channel’s theme into YouTube’s search bar (e.g., “toys” for kids’ channels).
2. Filter for Live Broadcasts: Look at the current viewer count on similar channels using pre-recorded material.
3. Evaluate Performance: This data will give you an idea of audience interest and potential revenue.

Best Practices for Pre-Recorded Live Sessions

• Don’t Run the Same Broadcast for Months: While it’s possible, switching up sessions keeps content fresh and engaging for returning viewers.
• Use Simple Streaming Tools: Platforms like LoopingStream simplify the process. With free options for the first five days, it’s a great way to test the waters.
• Add Variety to Your Broadcasts: Include interactive elements like trivia, countdowns, or announcements to keep viewers engaged longer.

Conclusion

Running live broadcasts with pre-recorded videos is a smart way to recover views and earnings on your YouTube channel. By leveraging longer watch times, engaging audiences, and boosting monetization, you can revitalize your channel’s performance.

Start experimenting with this method today to see the difference it can make for your content!