YouTube creators are modern-day digital stars who capture audiences by sharing videos entertaining, educating, inspiring, or reminding us how exciting the internet can be.
If you’re thriving as a Money on YouTube creator, there are numerous ways to monetize your channel effectively. Some methods utilize YouTube’s built-in tools, while others involve directing viewers to external platforms.
Explore these seven powerful strategies for earning on YouTube and uncover how much money successful creators can potentially generate.
How to Make Money on YouTube
1. Join the YouTube Partner Program
The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) allows creators to access monetization tools for shorts, live streams, and long-form content.
Creators who qualify can enjoy features like:
- Revenue sharing from video and Short ads.
- Earnings from YouTube Premium subscriber views.
- Super Chat, Super Thanks, and channel memberships.
- Integration with YouTube Shopping for showcasing products.
Additionally, YPP members gain access to the Money on YouTube Copyright Match Tool and priority creator support.
While the Partner Program is a great start, creators can explore external revenue opportunities, such as affiliate marketing or sponsored content, as discussed below.
Eligibility for the YouTube Partner Program
To qualify for YPP, your channel must achieve:
- At least 1,000 subscribers.
- Either 4,000 watch hours in the last year or 10 million Shorts views in the past 90 days.
Once eligible, go to the Earn tab in Money on YouTube Studio and apply to unlock these benefits.
2. Monetize Videos with Ads
After being accepted into YPP, a simple way to earn money. Money on YouTube displays ads before, during, and after your videos.
Creators of videos over eight minutes can even enable mid-roll ads, which can be placed manually or automatically.
While ads offer passive income, combining them with other revenue streams for greater earnings is wise, especially since YouTube takes a 45% cut from ad revenue.
3. Utilize Fan Funding Options
Fan funding allows viewers to support your channel directly through direct contributions. YouTube provides features like:
- Super Chat and Super Stickers, where fans pay to highlight comments during live streams.
- Super Thanks, enabling fans to tip creators on regular videos.
- Channel Memberships, offering exclusive perks to paying members, such as custom emojis, badges, and members-only content.
For external fan funding, creators can also explore platforms like Patreon, Tipeee, and Buy Me a Coffee. These platforms give creators unique rewards for consistent supporters, fostering community engagement.
4. Sell Merchandise and Products
Merchandising is an effective way to monetize your brand. Using YouTube Shopping, creators can:
- Display a storefront directly on their channel.
- Tag products in their videos.
- Promote branded merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags.
Collaborate with print-on-demand services to produce and ship merchandise cost-effectively. If you have a Shopify store, connect it with YouTube to sync your product listings seamlessly.
5. Partner with Brands for Sponsorships
Influencer marketing continues to grow, offering creators lucrative opportunities to collaborate with brands.
To calculate your baseline rate for sponsored content, multiply your typical video views by $0.05 to $0.15. High-quality content or a niche audience may allow you to negotiate higher rates.
When collaborating, ensure transparency and endorse products that align with your values and resonate with your audience. Use tools like Shopify Collabs or YouTube’s branded content features to streamline partnerships.
6. License Viral Content
If your videos go viral, you can license them to media outlets for extra income. Clips with universal appeal, like funny pet videos, are in high demand for news sites and morning shows.
List your content on platforms like Jukin Licensing to make it easily accessible to potential buyers.
7. Explore Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services from other brands and earning a commission on sales made through your referral links.
Start by joining affiliate programs that align with your content niche. Add affiliate links to your video descriptions or use end screens for promotion.
The money on the YouTube Shopping affiliate program simplifies this process for creators in the Partner Program. You can tag products in your videos and earn commissions directly through the platform.
Bonus Tip: Crowdfunding Your Projects
Crowdfunding is another way to finance creative projects on Money on YouTube. Platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo let creators seek financial support for ambitious ideas, such as new video series or enhanced production quality.
Find Affiliates for Your Products
If you’re a creator with a unique product line, consider enlisting affiliates to boost product promotion.
Eligible Shopify merchants can seamlessly integrate their products with the Money on YouTube Shopping affiliate program. This enables affiliates to discover and feature your products in their videos. Sync your inventory via the Shopify YouTube app and establish commission rates that suit your business model.
YouTube Earnings: The Facts
How Many Views Does It Take to Make Money on YouTube?
Influencer Marketing Hub says the average Money on YouTube channel earns approximately 1.8¢ per view, translating to $18 for every 1,000 views.
However, the number of views alone doesn’t guarantee income. For revenue generation, viewers must interact with ads by clicking or watching the ad for a certain amount of time(10, 15, or 30 seconds).
How Much Do YouTubers Earn Annually?
Top creators like MrBeast earn millions annually, but smaller channels can generate sustainable income.
For instance, with one million subscribers focused on fashion advice, Justine Leconte’s channel reportedly earns $259,304 annually from ad revenue, averaging $979 per video (data: Influencer Marketing Hub). While these figures are estimations, they highlight the earning potential of strategic content and monetization.
Maximizing Revenue as a YouTuber
Even channels with modest subscriber counts can generate income. Engagement levels, niche focus, and diverse revenue streams influence earnings.
Many top-earning creators also sell merchandise, leveraging their audience to diversify income. Building an engaged audience is critical before exploring additional monetization strategies.
Tips for Successful Selling on YouTube
Maintain Authenticity While Promoting
Balancing promotions with authentic content is vital. While “selling out” is a common concern, neglecting monetization opportunities can limit earning potential.
Understand Your Audience
Knowing your audience helps you tailor content and partnerships. Pay attention to:
- Audience gender distribution
- Predominant age groups
- Geographic locations of viewers
- Engagement metrics such as watch time
Money on YouTube Analytics to gain insights and collaborate with brands more effectively.
Enhance Videos with Info Cards
Use info cards to draw attention to promotions or products. Incorporate them strategically to ensure they add value without disrupting the viewing experience.
Leverage Video Descriptions
In your video descriptions, include links to your store, crowdfunding pages, or other revenue platforms for easy access.
Promote Beyond YouTube
Expand your reach through platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. Effective cross-platform promotion can significantly enhance visibility and engagement.
The Rise of Creators: Passion Meets Opportunity
With effective monetization strategies, creators can transform their passions into careers. MrBeast, for example, started creating videos at 13 and gradually mastered the art of viral content.
For businesses, the challenge lies in audience growth and retention—something successful YouTubers often excel at.
FAQs on Making Money with YouTube
How Many Views Do You Need to Earn on YouTube?
Revenue depends on ad engagement rather than views. For earnings, viewers must click or fully watch ads.
How Much Do You Earn per 1,000 Views?
Channels typically earn $18 per 1,000 views, varying based on niche and engagement levels.
Do You Get Paid for Uploading Videos?
YouTube doesn’t pay creators for uploading. To earn, enable monetization, join the YouTube Partner Program, or have your content on YouTube Premium.
How Can You Earn Without Making Videos?
Partner with creators to promote your products via YouTube’s affiliate marketing program. Shopify users can quickly integrate their products, allowing creators to feature them in videos for seamless shopping experiences.
