1. Overview
The YouComic Creator Monetization Program allows eligible creators to earn revenue from their published comics. This agreement outlines the terms, conditions, and mechanics of how creators earn, receive payments, and participate in the monetization program. By opting into the Creator Monetization Program, you agree to all terms described in this agreement.
2. How Creators Earn
Creators earn revenue through two primary channels:
- Reader Pass Revenue: A portion of Reader Pass subscription fees ($2.99/month) is distributed to creators based on qualified reads of their comics
- Ad Impression Revenue: Creators who opt into the ad program earn a share of advertising revenue generated from ad pages embedded in their comics
Creators receive 70% of all revenue attributed to their content. YouComic retains 30% to cover platform operations, AI generation costs, payment processing, and infrastructure.
3. Qualified Reads
Revenue is distributed based on "qualified reads," which are defined as follows:
- A qualified read occurs when a reader completes 50% or more of a comic's total pages
- Only reads by authenticated users with active Reader Pass subscriptions count toward revenue
- Multiple reads of the same comic by the same user within a 24-hour period count as one qualified read
- YouComic reserves the right to exclude reads that appear to be fraudulent, automated, or artificially inflated
- Reading progress is tracked automatically through our platform and reported in your creator dashboard
4. Ad Revenue Opt-In/Opt-Out
Participation in the advertising revenue program is optional:
- Creators can opt into or out of the ad revenue program at any time through their creator dashboard
- When opted in, AI-generated ad pages may be embedded in your comics during the creation process
- Opting out will prevent new ad pages from being added to future comics; existing ad pages in already-published comics will remain
- Ad revenue is calculated separately from Reader Pass revenue and is based on the number of ad impressions in your comics
- Opting out of ads does not affect your eligibility for Reader Pass revenue sharing
- Changes to your ad opt-in status take effect for comics created after the change
5. Minimum Payout Threshold
Payouts are subject to the following thresholds and conditions:
- The minimum payout threshold is $25.00 USD
- Earnings below the minimum threshold will roll over to the next payment period
- Payouts are processed monthly, on or around the 15th of each month, for the previous month's earnings
- You must have a valid payment method on file to receive payouts
- Earnings that remain below the minimum threshold for 12 consecutive months may be subject to forfeiture
6. Payment Methods
Creator payouts are processed through the following methods:
- PayPal: Payouts are sent directly to your linked PayPal account
- You are responsible for maintaining a valid, active PayPal account and ensuring your email address is correct
- PayPal transaction fees, if any, are the responsibility of the creator
- YouComic is not responsible for delays, holds, or issues caused by PayPal's policies or systems
- Additional payment methods may be added in the future at YouComic's discretion
7. Tax Responsibilities
Creators are solely responsible for all tax obligations related to their earnings:
- You are responsible for reporting all earnings to the appropriate tax authorities in your jurisdiction
- YouComic may be required to collect tax information (e.g., W-9 for US-based creators, W-8BEN for international creators) before processing payouts
- YouComic may withhold taxes as required by applicable law
- You are responsible for any income taxes, self-employment taxes, or other taxes owed on your earnings
- YouComic does not provide tax advice; consult a qualified tax professional for guidance
8. Content Ownership and Licensing
Regarding the content you create and publish on YouComic:
- You retain full ownership of the original creative content you produce using YouComic's tools
- By publishing on YouComic, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to host, display, distribute, and promote your content on the platform
- This license allows YouComic to embed AI-generated ad pages into your comics if you have opted into the ad program
- YouComic may use thumbnails, excerpts, and previews of your comics for promotional and marketing purposes
- You may remove your content from the platform at any time, subject to the terms regarding already-embedded ad pages
- Content that has been removed remains subject to any existing advertising commitments until those campaigns conclude
9. Termination and Balance Forfeiture
The following terms apply to termination of your participation in the monetization program:
- You may opt out of the monetization program at any time through your creator dashboard
- Upon voluntary termination, any earnings above the minimum payout threshold will be paid out in the next regular payment cycle
- Earnings below the minimum payout threshold at the time of termination are forfeited
- If your account is terminated by YouComic due to violation of our Terms of Service, Community Guidelines, or this agreement, all unpaid earnings are forfeited
- YouComic reserves the right to suspend payouts during an investigation of suspected fraud or policy violations
- Inactive accounts (no published content and no login for 12 consecutive months) may have their monetization status revoked and remaining balances forfeited
- YouComic will make reasonable efforts to notify creators before any balance forfeiture
10. Changes to This Agreement
YouComic reserves the right to modify this Creator Monetization Agreement at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or through your creator dashboard with at least 30 days notice before taking effect. Continued participation in the monetization program after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.