There are so many ways to make money from YouTube as a creator. And taking advantage of one or more of these ways may be the difference between continuing your compassion or giving up on your channel.
One way to make money from YouTube is through brand deals and sponsorships. These two involve getting paid for promotions so are often regarded as the same.
However, they are different and understanding their differences can help you decide the right option for your channel and even what to charge.
In this article, we’ll consider the differences between brand deals and sponsorships, their similarities, what stands out in them and how to decide which is right for you.
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What are Brand Deals?
Brand deals is a general term for association between brands and YouTubers. It covers every partnership where the YouTubers get some reward in exchange for propping a brand and their products.
Typically, brand deals are flexible and YouTubers can decide how to incorporate the message into their content. YouTubers have a lot of control here and can decide how to structure the brand message.
While brand deals are usually project-based, some may be part of a broader campaign. The most common types are affiliate marketing, product placement, product reviews and unboxing videos.
The Cons
- ❌ Income Isn’t Steady
- ❌ More Work Finding Deals
- ❌ Learning New Requirements
- ❌ Risk of Bad Fits
The Pros
- ✅ More Creative Freedom
- ✅ Flexible Scheduling
- ✅ Better Pay Per Video
- ✅ Try Different Products
What are Sponsorships?
Sponsorships are also partnerships between brands and YouTubers but this time, in a structured manner where the brand has more control of the type of content, place and even frequency.
It is a long-term contract where a YouTuber gets paid for promoting the products or services of a brand. Some common forms of this arrangement include full channel sponsorships or segment sponsorships.
These are typically long-term partnerships, however, in some occasions it can be campaign-based. This means sponsorship offers YouTubers a lucrative compensation.
One thing to note, sponsorships usually come with exclusive rights. YouTubers cannot also promote the competitors of brands they’re working with.
The Cons
- ❌ Less Creative Freedom
- ❌ Exclusivity Rules
- ❌ Lower Per-Video Rates
- ❌ Longer Commitments
The Pros
- ✅ Steady and More Lucrative Income
- ✅ Simpler Workflow
- ✅ Deeper Brand Relationship
- ✅ Less Time on Admin
Key Differences Between Brand Deals and Sponsorships
While they all involve compensation for promotion between brands and YouTubers, brand deals and sponsorships have different structures. Let’s see the key differences between the two.
Aspect |
Brand Deals |
Sponsorships |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
A collaboration between a YouTuber and a brand where the creator promotes the brand’s product or service usually on a project basis. |
A formal partnership between a youtuber and a brand where the brand funds content or the entire channel for ongoing promotion. |
Scope |
Usually focused on specific content or campaigns. |
Broader and often long-term, covering multiple videos or series. |
Creative Control |
The YouTuber usually has more creative freedom to integrate the brand naturally. |
The brand often has more input in the content and messaging. |
Duration |
Typically short-term, tied to a single video or a small campaign. |
Typically long-term, spanning multiple videos, series or sustained promotion. |
Payment Model |
Often includes flat-fees, performance-based payouts, and free products/services. |
Can includes guaranteed payouts, often higher and more structured. |
Integration Type |
Flexible: product placements, mentions, or affiliate links. |
Fixed ad placements, channel sponsorships, consistent mentions. |
How To Choose What’s Right For You?
So you can no longer think brand deals and sponsorships are the same, great. But what do you do with that information? As a YouTuber, it is vital to choose the right monetization style and simple details like brand deals vs sponsorships can make all the difference.
How do you know which one is best for your particular situation? Here are factors that’ll help you make the right decision:
1. Channel Size Considerations
The best choice may be decided by the number of subscribers you have on your channel.
Do you have less than 10,000? You may be better off starting with brand deals to learn the ropes, build your reputation and portfolio and even learn negotiation skills.
How about medium channels above 10,000 but still under 100,000? Here you can try a combination of both but instead of long sponsorships, choose shorter ones while still leaving slots open for brand deals.
The goal here is to test what your audience wants, learn how sponsorships work and how to effectively integrate it into your channel.
When your channel has grown to over 100,000 subscribers, by this time you know what works with your audience, you have a strong portfolio of sponsors, and have developed your negotiation skills.
You can then get more long term sponsorship deals for your channel.
2. Content Niche
Your channel’s niche is also an important factor to consider as different niches have their most suitable type.
The tech niche for instance sees a lot of new products which require frequent product reviews so it is best to go with brand deals here. It’ll allow you to work with different brands.
For niches like lifestyle and beauty, sponsorship is great for consistent products, while brand deals are suitable for seasonal items. So a combination of both is ideal.
3. Time Commitment
Do you have a lot of time on your hands? How about your schedule, does it change often or remain the same for long periods? If it changes often, brand deals may be the best option.
However, sponsorship is great if your schedule is fairly stable.
If you like variety and don’t mind a little more paper work, choose brand deals. Go sponsorships if you prefer to build relationships and like predictable deadlines.
4. Personal Brand Alignment
The most suitable choice can also depend on your personal brand alignment.
Choose brand deals if you like trying new things, typically change your opinions and prefer honest reviews and authenticity.
Sponsorships are great for your channel if you find brands that match your overall style, like the idea of being a brand ambassador, and prefer consistent messaging while building deeper partnerships.
Final Thoughts
The choice between brand deals and sponsorships comes down to what fits your YouTube journey right now.
Brand deals give you the freedom to experiment and earn more per video, but you’ll need to be comfortable with unpredictable income.
Sponsorships offer that steady monthly paycheck and simpler processes, but you’ll trade some creative control for stability.
Starting out? Brand deals let you test different products and build your portfolio. As your channel grows, you might find that a mix of both works best – maybe one main sponsor plus occasional brand deals that excite you.
Whatever you choose, remember that your viewers come first. Pick partnerships that help you make better content, whether that’s through steady income that lets you focus on creating, or the freedom to try new things your audience will love.
The best part? You’re not locked into either choice forever. Your channel will grow, and your needs will change.
Ready to take the next step? Start by looking at your channel numbers and setting clear goals. Then reach out to brands that match your style.
Just make sure to read those contracts carefully – your future self will thank you.
