Earny: A Simple Way to Generate Revenue on Your Minecraft Server
Running a Minecraft server is a labor of love. You build custom biomes, tweak mechanics, and craft a unique experience for your community. But servers cost money—hosting fees, domain names, and the endless hours you pour into updates. What if your server could help cover those costs without intrusive ads or paywalls? That is exactly where the Earny plugin comes in. It is an open-source project that lets you monetize shared links in chat using popular URL shorteners, turning everyday player interactions into a subtle revenue stream.
How Earny Works
Earny is a lightweight server plugin that integrates with services like AdFly, AdFocus, and Adult.xyz. Whenever a player types a link in chat, the plugin automatically shortens it through one of these monetizing platforms. Before the link opens, the service displays a brief advertisement, and you earn a small amount per thousand views. The plugin is designed to be unobtrusive—players still reach their destination, and you earn a few cents with every click. To support the developer, 50% of the shortened links use the creator’s API key, while the other half uses your own keys, ensuring a fair split.
This system works best on active servers where players frequently share YouTube videos, mod showcases, or resource pack links. Over time, those micro-earnings can add up, helping you offset server costs or even fund your next big update. The plugin currently supports AdFly, Adult.xyz, and AdFocus, with plans to add more shorteners in future versions.
Setting Up Earny on Your Server
Installing Earny is straightforward, even if you are new to server administration. The plugin is compatible with most Minecraft versions and server software like Spigot or Paper. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Download the plugin file from the official GitHub repository (search for "Earny Minecraft plugin" to find the latest release).
- Move the .jar file into your server's
pluginsfolder. - Start the server once, then stop it. This generates the default configuration file.
- Open the configuration.toml file and add your API keys for the shorteners you want to use.
- Restart the server to apply the changes.
If you prefer a more streamlined approach, modern launchers like foxygame.net make managing server-side mods and plugins incredibly convenient. With its flexible, intuitive menu, you can install Earny directly from the launcher without manually moving files, saving time and reducing the chance of configuration errors. This is especially handy if you run multiple servers or frequently test new mechanics.
Configuring Monetization Services
Each URL shortener requires its own API key, which you obtain by creating an account on the respective platform. Below are the setup instructions for the three supported services. Remember, you only need to configure the ones you plan to use.
AdFocus (adfoc.us)
- Create an account on adfoc.us.
- Log in and navigate to Tools > API access.
- Copy the URL element that appears after
key=(stop before the&symbol). - Paste this value into the
adfocus_api_keyfield in your configuration.toml. - Reload or restart the server.
AdFly (adf.ly)
- Sign up at adf.ly and log in.
- Go to Tools > API documentation.
- Copy your user ID and API key from the page.
- Set both values in the configuration.toml under the adfly section.
- Restart the server for the changes to take effect.
Adult.xyz
- Register on adult.xyz and log in.
- Access Tools > API documentation.
- Copy the user ID and API key exactly as shown.
- Enter them into the corresponding fields in configuration.toml.
- Reload or restart the server.
After configuration, the plugin will automatically detect links in chat and shorten them using the service you have set up. You can monitor your earnings through each platform’s dashboard.
Commands and Usage
Earny also includes a handy command for manual link shortening. Players with the appropriate permissions can use /short-url <service> <url> to create a monetized link on demand. For example, /short-url adfly https://example.com will return a shortened AdFly link. This is useful for server announcements or when you want to share a resource without relying on automatic chat detection.
The plugin is designed to be set-and-forget. Once configured, it runs silently in the background, respecting your server’s existing chat mechanics and anti-spam measures. You can adjust settings like the percentage of links that use your API key versus the developer’s, though the default 50/50 split is recommended to support ongoing development.
Important Considerations
While Earny offers a clever way to earn, it is essential to be transparent with your community. Let players know that links in chat may be shortened through ad-supported services. Most users understand the need to cover server costs, and a brief ad before a YouTube video is far less intrusive than pay-to-win donation tiers. Also, keep in mind that earnings depend on your server’s activity and the geographic location of your players—ad rates vary by country.
Because Earny is open-source, you can review the code on GitHub and even contribute ideas or improvements. The developer welcomes suggestions through the Issues section, so if you have a feature request or spot a bug, your input can shape future updates. The plugin’s lightweight design means it won’t bog down your server’s performance, even on large networks with hundreds of concurrent players.
Conclusion
Earny transforms a simple chat link into a small revenue opportunity, making it easier to sustain your Minecraft server without aggressive monetization. By leveraging established URL shorteners and a fair revenue-sharing model, it strikes a balance between developer support and server owner benefit. Whether you run a cozy survival world or a bustling minigame hub, this plugin can quietly contribute to your server’s upkeep. Install it, configure your API keys, and let your community’s natural link-sharing help keep the blocks—and the bills—in check.