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YouTube has introduced a new 'Gifts' feature for creators in India who host live streams. This feature allows viewers to send animated gifts to their favorite creators during live streams. These gifts feature designs inspired by Indian culture, such as Vada Pav, Chai-Toast, and Pani Puri. This offers creators an opportunity to connect better with their audience and provides a new avenue for earning revenue through vertical live streams.

Alongside this, YouTube has launched a new feature called 'Jewels.' It aims to open up new revenue streams for creators and provide viewers with an easy, fun way to support their favorite creators.

What are Gifts and Jewels?

YouTube's 'Gifts' feature consists of animated virtual gifts that viewers can send to their favorite creators during live streams. Through these gifts, viewers can instantly express their happiness, reactions, and support. As soon as a gift is sent, its animation appears on the live stream, enhancing the connection between the creator and the audience.

To send these gifts, viewers must first purchase 'Jewels.' Using Jewels, they can send various animated gifts to creators during eligible vertical live streams. This makes the live stream experience more entertaining and offers creators a new way to earn money.

When viewers send a gift to a creator using Jewels, the creator receives 'Rubies' in return. These Rubies represent the earnings generated through this feature. To make the feature even more special, YouTube has introduced several virtual gifts inspired by Indian culture. These include animated gifts like Vada Pav, Chai-Toast, Pani Puri, 'Badhai Ho' (Congratulations), 'Kem Chho' (How are you?), 'Macha' (Buddy), and 'All is Well.' Viewers can send these to support and cheer on their favorite creators. The company has also stated that new seasonal virtual gifts for festivals and special occasions will be launched in the future.

How to enable the 'Gifts' feature?

Creators whose channels are eligible for this feature can enable it by visiting the 'Earn' section in YouTube Studio. They will then need to accept the terms of the 'Virtual Items Module.' Once enabled, the option for gifts will automatically appear in their vertical live streams. However, creators who enable the gifts feature for their vertical live streams will not have access to the Super Stickers feature during those streams.

YouTube has launched this feature at a time when the creator economy in India is growing rapidly. According to the company, there has been a more than 20 percent increase in the number of Indian YouTube channels earning ₹7 lakh or more annually.

Growing fan engagement on YouTube in India is also propelling the creator economy forward. According to a survey, 92 percent of Indian YouTube creators believe that the platform helps them build a strong community with their audience. Commenting on this new feature, popular gaming creator Naman Mathur said that having multiple options to connect with fans enhances the live streaming experience. According to him, features like Super Chat and memberships are not merely revenue streams; they also motivate creators to stay live longer and connect more effectively with their audience.

Naman Mathur noted that fan interaction is clearly visible during events like 'Super Chat Battles.' In these instances, viewers not only interact with the creator but also share their sentiments. He added that people appreciate features that allow them to respond instantly and engagingly during live streams.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Money Control. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.