How Indian YouTube creators receive their earnings from overseas

Google AdSense is fully operational in India, allowing publishers and content creators to earn revenue by displaying targeted ads on their websites or YouTube channels. The program works by matching ads from Google's advertising network to your site's content and audience, with earnings based on user clicks (CPC) or impressions (CPM).

Super Chats, channel memberships, and YouTube Premium revenue shares are other ways many Indian YouTube creators earn from the platform. But since YouTube is US-based, earnings are in USD. Popular Indian YouTube creators also work with international clients on partnership deals and could be paid in USD.

Whether you are earning directly from Google monetisation or collaborating with international clients, you need the most efficient payout option to maximise your earnings. This article explores payout options for Indian YouTube creators earning from overseas.

Also read: Online shopping from abroad for Indians: a simple guide

Available payment methods for Indian YouTube creators

Indian YouTube creators mainly receive overseas earnings through one of these methods:

Direct bank transfer (local INR bank account)

Google can pay out via wire/EFT to an Indian bank account linked to AdSense. The amount (originally in USD) is converted into INR when credited. The conversion is done by the bank at its forex rate. This is the most straightforward method and doesn’t require additional account setup. However, this method doesn’t let you hold your earnings in USD and convert at the best rate. It involves exchange rates with markups and high bank charges.

Receiving via a payment platform

Payment solutions like Grey, Wise and Payoneer let you create a USD account you can link to your AdSense payment method. Once paid into your account, you can choose to withdraw to your Indian bank (in INR) or keep it in USD. This option offers better control over when to convert, and possibly a better exchange rate. It is even more ideal if you have international expenses or buy goods/services abroad. Compare the pros and cons of each platform before opting for one.

Also read: Wise vs Payoneer and PayPal: which is better for Indians?

Payment challenges Indian YouTube creators face

While global YouTube creators have the immense opportunity to earn big, their Indian counterparts face unnecessary hassles that complicate matters or lead to lower earnings. Here are some of those problems.

• Exchange rate and forex conversion losses: When Google pays in USD, and your bank converts to INR, you lose value if the exchange rate is unfavourable. This is a common complaint by creators.
• Tax compliance: Earnings from YouTube (AdSense revenue, sponsorships, etc.) count as taxable income. In India, creators must declare this under “income from profession/business. If you have a PAN card linked to AdSense, income-tax deduction at source (TDS) may apply when receiving payments.
• Payment holds or verification delays: Payments may be held or delayed if Google needs you to verify identity, provide bank/PAN details, or resolve policy issues. Always keep the AdSense profile information accurate and up to date. Payoneer users sometimes have their accounts suspended or frozen, making it difficult to create an account or receive payments.

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Best practices for Indian YouTube creators receiving overseas earnings

Here are some tips to ensure you have a seamless experience when earning from YouTube.

• Use a global account: Receive payouts in USD, and convert only when rates are favourable.
• Batch your withdrawals: Instead of withdrawing small amounts each time, accumulate funds before conversion to reduce conversion fees.
• Keep PEN & PAN info in AdSense up to date: Stay compliant with tax regulations to ensure smooth payments and avoid penalties.
• Maintain proper income records: Keep invoices for sponsorships and AdSense payouts for tax filing.
• Monitor FX rates: Keep an eye on the exchange rate and convert when the rates are favourable.

Managing YouTube earnings seamlessly.

When choosing payout options as an Indian YouTube creator, consider convenience, cost, flexibility, speed, and exchange rates. Grey ticks all boxes with its multi-currency accounts that support USD, GBP, and EUR transactions at low cost. You can easily integrate your USD account with your YouTube payout page. Create a Grey account and request an instant USD account. Then, follow these steps to withdraw your earnings:

• Sign in to your AdSense account.
• Navigate to the “Payments” section and then “Payment settings”.
• Click “Add payment method”.
• Choose “Wire transfer to bank account” or "Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)" as your preferred method.
• Enter your bank account details carefully, including your account number, IFSC code, and bank name, as they appear on your bank statement.
• Verify your account by adding a test deposit amount that AdSense will send to you.
• Once verified, confirm the test deposit amount in your AdSense account.

Read more about how Indian creators can withdraw from Adsense

If you are collaborating with international clients, you can share your Grey account so they can pay in USD, EUR, or GBP. You can withdraw to your local Indian account at competitive rates and without delays.

Get started with Grey today and manage your YouTube earnings without breaking a sweat.

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