If you're part of the YouTube Partner Programme, you can create fun experiences for your viewers using IFTTT (a free, third-party, web-based service that connects different apps, services and devices together).
You can use IFTTT applets to automatically trigger real-life actions during a live stream, recognise paying fans, manage your community, or many other unique and fun interactions. IFTTT currently works with the following YouTube monetisation features:
- Super Chat. Actions get triggered when viewers purchase Super Chat messages.
- Channel memberships. Actions get triggered when viewers join as a channel member.
IFTTT FAQs
What is this integration?
Once you connect your YouTube account with IFTTT, you can link connected apps, services and devices with Super Chat and channel memberships. This can enable your viewers who purchase Super Chats or join as a channel member during a live stream to trigger real-life actions.
These real-life actions are triggered by applets. Applets link online services like Google Drive, social media platforms or internet-connected devices like smart lights or smart switches with Super Chat or channel memberships. See pre-made applets that you can use with Super Chat and channel memberships. You can also read more about IFTTT here.
Do I need to purchase anything?
It depends on the type of interaction that you want to create for your viewers. Some will require you to purchase an Internet-connected device. Many Internet-connected devices that you already own will work too.
You can use some shortlisted interactions that are relevant for Super Chat or channel memberships. You can also create your own. You just need to make sure that the app, service or device works with IFTTT.
How do I set it up?
First, you'll need to connect your YouTube channel with IFTTT.
- Create an IFTTT account if you don't have one already.
- Connect to YouTube with the same YouTube account and channel that you use for monetisation features.
Once your accounts are connected, you can create interactions by making an Applet that triggers actions in IFTTT or use an existing, published applet.
Get or create IFTTT applets for Super Chat
Eligibility
To enable this feature, you must:
- Be part of the YouTube Partner Programme and comply with its policies.
- Have access to, and have turned on Super Chat.
- Have an IFTTT account (IFTTT accounts are free).
Use pre-made applets
You can choose from a variety of pre-made applets. You'll find applets that allow your viewers to trigger real-life actions during a live stream, for you to recognise paying fans or to help you manage your community, among other things.
Create your own applet
You can customise the experience for your users and create your own applets. Follow these instructions to create your own applet:
- Go to ifttt.com/create.
- Click on +this.
- Select the YouTube logo.
- Follow the instructions to connect your YouTube account.
- Choose 'New Super Chat message' as the trigger and choose which colour tier you would like to be the trigger.
- Click on +that and select any action service.
- Follow the instructions to connect that service and choose the action.
- Review your applet and click Finish.
How to test Super Chat applets
Once you have created your applets, you will need to test them. The easiest way to test your applet is via email. To test:
- Go to ifttt.com/create.
- Click on +this.
- Select the YouTube logo.
- Follow the instructions to connect your YouTube account.
- Choose 'email' as the trigger and 'Send IFTTT any email' as the trigger.
- Click on +that and select any action service.
- Follow the instructions to connect that service and choose the action.
- Review your applet and click Finish.
- To test, email IFTTT's email account. Your Applet should be triggered within seconds.
Creators and viewers must abide by YouTube's Terms of Service and Community Guidelines and must also follow Copyright and protect the privacy rights of others.
Troubleshooting issues
If your applet isn't working, the issue could be with the trigger or action, or some issue with IFTTT itself. If you're having trouble, try the following:
- Make sure that your devices are switched on and connected to the Internet.
- Check your Activity feed on IFTTT – this provides the status of each execution of a trigger on your applets and will specify any errors.
Get or create IFTTT applets for memberships
Eligibility
To enable this feature, you must:
- Be part of the YouTube Partner Programme and comply with its policies.
- Have access to, and have turned on channel memberships.
- Have an IFTTT account (IFTTT accounts are free).
Use pre-made applets
You can choose from a variety of pre-made applets. You'll find applets that allow your viewers to trigger real-life actions during a live stream, for you to recognise paying fans or to help you manage your community, among other things.
Create your own applet
You can customise the experience for your users and create your own applets. Follow these instructions to create your own applet:
- Go to ifttt.com/create.
- Click on +this.
- Select the YouTube logo.
- Follow the instructions to connect your YouTube account.
- Choose 'New channel membership' as the trigger.
- Click on +that and select any action service.
- Follow the instructions to connect that service and choose the action.
- Review your applet and click Finish.
How to test Membership applets
Once you have created your applets, you will need to test them. The easiest way to test your applet is via email. To test:
- Go to ifttt.com/create.
- Click on +this.
- Select the YouTube logo.
- Follow the instructions to connect your YouTube account.
- Choose 'email' as the trigger and 'Send IFTTT any email' as the trigger.
- Click on +that and select any action service.
- Follow the instructions to connect that service and choose the action.
- Review your applet and click Finish.
- To test, email IFTTT's email account. Your applet should be triggered within seconds.
Creators and viewers must abide by YouTube's Terms of Service and Community Guidelines and must also follow Copyright and protect the privacy rights of others.
Troubleshooting issues
If your applet isn't working, the issue could be with the trigger or action, or some issue with IFTTT itself. If you're having trouble, try the following:
- Make sure that your devices are switched on and connected to the Internet.
- Check your Activity feed on IFTTT – this provides the status of each execution of a trigger on your applets and will specify any errors.
See more troubleshooting tips.