How to donate: YouTube vs PayPal and drawing entries

Published on March 12, 2026
Duration: 0:54

This video explains the best methods for donating to content creators on YouTube, differentiating between YouTube's built-in donation system and PayPal. The speaker, TheYankeeMarshal, advises using YouTube for small donations ($2-$5) that qualify for giveaways, while recommending PayPal for larger amounts to ensure more of the money reaches the creator.

Quick Summary

Content creators on YouTube recommend using PayPal for donations exceeding $5, as YouTube's platform can take 50% or more, whereas PayPal allows creators to receive approximately 90% of the funds. Small donations ($2-$5) via YouTube's dollar symbol feature can qualify for channel giveaways.

Chapters

  1. 00:00YouTube Donation Method
  2. 00:08YouTube Drawing Entries
  3. 00:13PayPal for Larger Donations
  4. 00:29Avoiding YouTube for Larger Sums
  5. 00:40Website and Grip Drawing

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I donate to content creators on YouTube?

For small donations ($2-$5) that qualify for giveaways, use YouTube's dollar symbol feature. For larger amounts, use the creator's PayPal link to ensure they receive the majority of the funds, as YouTube takes a significant portion.

Why is PayPal better than YouTube for larger donations?

YouTube's platform takes a substantial cut of donations, sometimes 50% or more, while PayPal allows creators to receive around 90% of the donated amount, making it more beneficial for larger contributions.

Can I enter drawings by donating through YouTube?

Yes, donations of $5 or less made through YouTube's donation feature typically qualify you for channel-specific drawings, such as knife or silver bullet giveaways, as mentioned by TheYankeeMarshal.

What is the recommended donation strategy for content creators?

TheYankeeMarshal advises using YouTube for small donations ($2-$5) to enter drawings and PayPal for larger amounts to maximize creator earnings, as YouTube's fees can be very high on substantial contributions.

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