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YouTube is one of the largest search engines in the world, with over 1.9 billion users logging in every month and over 500 hours of video content uploaded every minute.
More than 1 billion hours of video content are watched daily on YouTube, which is more than Facebook and Netflix combined.
This makes YouTube an ideal platform to connect with a wider audience and earn money online.
YouTube gives its creators an opportunity to monetize their YouTube channel and videos.
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned content creator, there are many ways to earn money on YouTube.
While some methods have low barriers to entry, producing high-quality content and keeping an audience engaged is the key to success.
If you’re creative and willing to put in the work, you will be able to earn money on YouTube.
In this article, I will cover the 10 best ways to make money on YouTube which are used by top YouTubers.
Let’s start the article.
How To Make Money On Youtube?
Here are the 13 best ways to make money on YouTube:
1. Join the YouTube Partner Program.
One of the most common ways to make money on YouTube is through the YouTube Partner Program, which allows creators to monetize their content by displaying ads on their videos.
In addition to ads, the YouTube Partner Program offers creators opportunities for additional revenue streams such as channel memberships, merchandise sales, and donations, allowing them to diversify their income sources and maximize their earnings potential.
To join the YouTube Partner Program, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have at least 4,000 watch hours on your YouTube channel in the last 12 months or 10 million YouTube Shorts views within the last 90 days.
- You must have at least 1,000 subscribers on your YouTube channel.
- You must have an active AdSense account linked to their YouTube channel to receive payments.
- You must be at least 18 years old and reside in a country or region where the YouTube Partner Program is available.
- Your YouTube channel must adhere to YouTube’s community guidelines, copyright policies, and terms of service.
If your channel meets the above requirements, you can apply to become a part of the YouTube Partner Program and begin to monetize your YouTube videos by displaying ads.
Once accepted, YouTube will start displaying ads on your videos, and you’ll earn a share of the revenue generated from those ads.
The revenue generated from the ads is split between the video creator, which receives 55% of the revenue, and YouTube, which receives 45%.
However, it’s important to note that the amount you earn from ads can vary based on factors like the number of views, ad engagement, and the advertisers’ budgets.
To maximize your earnings, focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that attracts a large audience.
Additionally, consider experimenting with different ad formats, placements, and targeting options to optimize your ad revenue.
2. Affiliate Marketing.
Affiliate marketing is another lucrative way to make money from your YouTube channel by promoting other companies’ products or services and earning a commission for each sale generated through your affiliate link.
As an affiliate marketer, you simply search for products you like, promote them to consumers, and earn a commission for every sale you make.
Identify products or services relevant to your niche and audience, and sign up for affiliate programs offered by companies or affiliate networks.
Some popular affiliate networks are:
After signing up for the affiliate program, create affiliate links and include them in your YouTube video descriptions.
When someone clicks on your affiliate links and buys the product, you will earn a commission.
Your commission will be determined by the affiliate products you are promoting.
Companies typically pay commissions between $10 and $100 per sale.
Authenticity and transparency are key in affiliate marketing, so only promote products you genuinely believe in.
It is also recommended that you let your viewers know that you are using affiliate links in your YouTube video descriptions as this helps build trust with your audience.
Learn more about affiliate marketing:
- What Is Affiliate Marketing And How To Get Started?
- Best Affiliate Programs For YouTubers.
- Top 14 Affiliate Networks And Platforms.
- More Affiliate Marketing Articles.
3. CPA Marketing.
Cost Per Action (CPA) marketing is another lucrative way to monetize your YouTube channel by earning a commission for specific actions taken by your audience, such as submitting an email, filling out a form, clicking on a link, signing up for a trial, downloading a file, or making a purchase.
Unlike traditional affiliate marketing, where you earn a commission for sales generated, CPA marketing rewards you for actions beyond just purchases, making it an attractive option for a wide range of advertisers.
Identify CPA offers relevant to your niche and audience, and sign up for CPA offers provided by companies or CPA networks.
Some popular CPA networks are:
After signing up for the CPA offers, create CPA affiliate links and include them in your YouTube video descriptions.
When someone clicks on your CPA affiliate links and completes the required action, you will earn a commission.
The more actions your audience takes, the more money you will make.
Your commission will be determined by the CPA offer you are promoting.
Companies typically pay commissions between $1 and $15 per action.
It is recommended that you let your viewers know that you are using CPA affiliate links in your YouTube video description as this will build trust with your audience.
Learn more about CPA marketing:
4. Create And Sell Merchandise.
If you have a loyal fanbase, consider creating and selling merchandise related to your channel, such as t-shirts, accessories, coffee mugs, etc.
Merchandise sales can be a great supplementary income stream and also serve as a way to deepen the connection with your audience.
To get started, design merchandise that reflects your brand and resonates with your audience’s interests.
You can also use freelance sites like Fiverr to order affordable designs for specific products.
Many print-on-demand platforms make it easy for YouTubers to create and sell custom merchandise without the need for upfront investment or inventory management.
Some of the popular print-on-demand companies are:
Promote your merchandise in your videos, social media channels, and website to maximize visibility and sales.
Learn more about print-on-demand business:
5. Create And Sell Digital Products.
In addition to merchandise, consider creating and selling digital products such as online courses, eBooks, or presets related to your niche.
Digital products are items that exist only in digital form, and they are easy and inexpensive to create.
Digital products offer a scalable income stream as they can be created once and sold repeatedly without incurring additional production costs.
Identify areas of expertise or topics that your audience is interested in and create valuable digital products that address their needs or challenges.
You can create your own digital products using tools like Canva, or hire a freelancer from sites like Fiverr to create them for you.
Once you have your digital products, you can start selling them to your audience.
You can set up an online store where you can sell your digital products and include a link to it in the description of your videos.
Many digital platforms allow you to easily sell digital products, manage payments, and deliver products to your customers.
Some popular platforms to sell digital products are:
Some of your viewers will visit your online store through the link and purchase your digital products.
This way you earn money on YouTube by selling digital products.
Learn more about selling digital products:
- What Are Digital Products And How To Make Money By Selling Digital Products?
- 24 Best Platforms to Sell Digital Products.
6. Create Sponsored Content.
Collaborating with brands for sponsored content can be a profitable revenue stream for YouTubers with a sizable and engaged audience.
Brands are willing to pay creators to feature their products or services in videos, reviews, tutorials, or endorsements, leveraging the creator’s influence to reach their target market.
According to digital marketing agency WebFX, YouTube influencers can expect to earn the following amounts:
- $20,000 per video for a creator with a million subscribers.
- $2,000 per video for a creator with 100,000 subscribers.
- $200 per video for a creator with 10,000 subscribers.
When pursuing sponsored deals, choose brands that align with your channel’s niche and values to maintain credibility with your audience.
Clearly disclose sponsored content according to YouTube’s guidelines and ensure transparency by clearly stating any partnerships or sponsorships within the video.
7. License Your Content To The Media.
Licensing your content to media outlets is another way to earn money from your YouTube channel.
If you create a viral video with mass appeal, such as a funny clip featuring your pet, you can license it in exchange for money.
When a video goes viral, many news outlets and other creators may reach out to use your video for their audience.
Established media companies know they need to pay for the content they use, so licensing your videos can be a great way to make money on YouTube.
Additionally, you can list your videos in marketplaces such as Jukin Media, Trusted Media Brands, etc., making it easier for the right people to find and purchase your content.
Ensuring your work is easily findable is the key to licensing it to the media as a content creator.
8. Let Your Fans Pay You Directly.
Another way to make money on YouTube is by allowing your fans to pay you directly.
As a YouTuber with a dedicated audience, you can influence your fans to pay you directly for your content.
Here are some ways that allow your audience to pay you directly:
Method 1: Super Chat Payments.
YouTube now allows users to purchase “Super Chats” which allows them to have their messages pinned on top of everyone’s chat window during a live stream.
This is a great way to make money on YouTube by letting your fans pay you through chats.
Creators can monetize their channels during live streams, with Super Chat payments ranging from $1 to $500.
Method 2: Channel Membership.
You can also influence your YouTube viewers to become members of your own channel.
If you have a large following, you can attract them by promising special benefits for being a member.
You can sell channel memberships to subscribers, allowing them to join your channel through monthly payments.
In return, you can offer perks such as badges and emojis.
To make money on YouTube this way, you need to be over 18 years of age and have at least 30,000 subscribers.
Method 3: Crowdfunding.
Crowdfunding can be an excellent way to allow your fans to contribute to a specific cause or project.
In this method, there is no fixed amount as you can ask your audience to donate as much as they want to support your task or objective.
This is also known as a “tip jar” and allows viewers to offer financial support for your channel.
Crowdfunding can help you diversify your income and start new projects.
YouTubers can raise money for their creative ideas by using crowdfunding to finance personal projects.
Viewers feel they have a stake in the project and your goals.
You can use platforms like Patreon and Buy Me A Coffie to collect money for your crowdfunding projects.
Method 4: Encourage Your Audience To Become YouTube Premium Members.
Lastly, you can encourage your audience to purchase YouTube Premium subscriptions, which will allow you to earn a higher revenue share from YouTube ads without having any commercial impact on your videos.
These are some ways to monetize your YouTube channel and make money from your fanbase.
With the help of these methods, you can increase your income through your YouTube channel.
9. Use YouTube For Blogging.
While YouTube is primarily a video-sharing platform, it can also serve as a powerful tool for driving traffic to your blog.
Create engaging and informative videos that complement your blog content, providing additional value to your audience and enticing them to visit your blog for more in-depth information.
Incorporate calls-to-action within your videos, encouraging viewers to visit your blog for related articles, resources, or exclusive content.
Optimize your video descriptions with clickable links to relevant blog posts or landing pages, making it easy for viewers to navigate to your blog.
Additionally, cross-promote your blog on your YouTube channel by mentioning it in your video intros, outros, or channel banners, increasing visibility and attracting new visitors.
By integrating YouTube into your content marketing strategy, you can drive targeted traffic to your blog, increase engagement, and ultimately make money from your blog through affiliate marketing, ad revenue, sponsored content, or product sales.
More information about blogging:
- What Is A Blog? Definition Of Blog, Blogging, And Blogger.
- How To Start A Blog That Generates $4000 Every Month?
- 13 Best Ways To Make Money Online Blogging.
- 15 Best Ad Networks For Bloggers And Publishers.
- More Blogging Articles.
10. Sell Your Services.
If you possess skills or expertise beyond creating content for YouTube, consider offering your services directly to your audience.
Whether you’re a graphic designer, video editor, SEO specialist, voiceover artist, or business consultant, your YouTube channel can serve as a platform to showcase your talents and attract potential clients.
Promote your services through your videos by highlighting your portfolio, testimonials, the benefits of working with you, and past projects to establish credibility and trust with your audience.
Encourage viewers to reach out to you for inquiries or collaborations, and provide clear instructions on how they can contact you for your services.
Utilize platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or your own website to streamline the process of offering and delivering your services, and provide exceptional customer service to build trust and credibility with your clients.
Additionally, consider offering specialized packages or exclusive discounts to your YouTube subscribers as an incentive to choose you over competitors.
By leveraging your YouTube channel as a marketing platform for your services, you can expand your client base, generate leads, and increase your income opportunities beyond ad revenue or affiliate marketing.
11. Create And Sell YouTube Accounts.
Another unconventional yet potentially lucrative method to make money on YouTube is by selling YouTube accounts.
This approach is particularly viable if you’ve managed to build multiple channels with substantial subscriber bases and engagement metrics.
There’s a market for established YouTube channels, especially those within profitable niches or with a loyal following.
Individuals or businesses looking to kickstart their YouTube presence or expand their reach might be interested in purchasing pre-existing channels to avoid the time and effort required to grow from scratch.
Ensure that you’re compliant with YouTube’s terms of service and policies regarding the sale of accounts.
Additionally, accurately represent the channel’s performance metrics, audience demographics, and any existing monetization methods to potential buyers.
Platforms like Flippa or specialized forums cater to buying and selling online assets, including YouTube channels.
If you have channels you’re willing to part with, consider listing them for sale and negotiate with interested buyers to secure a profitable deal.
12. Sell Online Courses.
Leveraging your expertise and knowledge in your niche, you can create and sell online courses to your YouTube audience.
Online courses offer an excellent opportunity to provide in-depth education and valuable content to your subscribers while generating revenue.
Identify topics or skills within your niche that your audience is eager to learn and develop comprehensive course content that delivers tangible value and actionable insights.
Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare provide tools and resources to create, market, and sell online courses efficiently.
Promote your courses through your YouTube channel by teasing course content in videos, providing sneak peeks or previews, and including links to your course landing pages in video descriptions and channel banners.
Offer special discounts or bonuses to your subscribers to incentivize course enrollment and encourage engagement.
By monetizing your expertise through online courses, you can diversify your revenue streams and establish yourself as a thought leader in your field while helping your audience achieve their learning goals.
More information about selling online courses:
- 9 Steps to Create And Sell Courses Online: The Complete Guide!
- The 23 Best Platforms to Create and Sell Online Courses.
13. Offer Coaching.
Providing personalized coaching services is a highly lucrative way to monetize your YouTube channel while offering individualized guidance and support to your audience members.
Whether you’re an expert in fitness, business, personal development, or any other niche, offering one-on-one coaching sessions allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level and help them achieve their goals more effectively.
Establish yourself as a credible authority through your YouTube content, showcasing your expertise and sharing valuable insights with your viewers.
Clearly outline your coaching services, including the areas you specialize in, session durations, pricing, and booking procedures.
Use platforms like Acuity Scheduling to manage appointments and streamline the booking process.
Promote your coaching services through dedicated videos, custom coaching landing pages, and personalized outreach to engaged subscribers.
By offering personalized coaching, you can provide tailored solutions to your audience’s specific challenges and build meaningful relationships while generating a substantial income stream from your YouTube channel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Money On YouTube.
Here are some frequently asked questions about earning money on YouTube:
Q1. How Can You Make Money On YouTube?
There are several ways to make money on YouTube.
The most common methods include joining the YouTube Partner Program, which allows you to monetize your videos through ads, and utilizing other revenue streams such as affiliate marketing, CPA marketing, sponsored content, merchandise sales, digital products sales, channel memberships, etc.
Q2. How Much Money Can You Make On YouTube?
The amount of money you can make on YouTube varies depending on several factors such as ad monetization, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content.
The average YouTuber earns $7.60 per 1,000 views through CPM, CPV, and CPC advertising.
However, keep in mind that according to Google’s rules, creators receive 55% of ad revenue while Google keeps 45%.
When using affiliate marketing, advertisers pay you based on different models, often cost per sale or cost per lead.
Your revenue in this case is directly proportional to the number of conversions and sales commission you get from advertising.
Sponsored product placements in your films may also be sold, and brands will pay you if you can build a large following on your channel.
Q3. How Much Money Do YouTubers Make?
It is difficult to determine a specific amount of money that YouTubers make as it varies greatly depending on the popularity and engagement of their channel.
However, for the most successful YouTubers, the income can reach up to millions of dollars per year.
Ad revenue, which can range from $0.35 to $5 per 1,000 views, is one way to make money on YouTube, but the profitability of a channel also depends on the creator’s belief in their content and their expertise in monetization strategies.
Some popular fields such as listicles, news, celebrity gossip, cosmetics and beauty, and famous flops can lead to faster monetization on YouTube.
Utilizing YouTube income calculators can also help creators estimate their earning potential based on the number of views and engagement on their channel.
Q4. Is It Hard To Make Money On YouTube?
Generating income on YouTube can be a challenging task, as it requires effort and dedication.
According to YouTube’s guidelines, you must have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time in the past 12 months to be eligible for the YouTube Partner Program.
Additionally, you need to acquire a significant number of views and keep track of your cost per view (CPV) to understand how much money you’re earning from ads.
Affiliate marketing is a good strategy to monetize your channel and make money on YouTube when you have a large number of views.
You can review products or provide product demonstrations in your videos and include affiliate links in the description.
Additionally, you can earn more revenue from your advertising CPV by earning a commission on each sale.
Another suggestion is to start a blog and connect it to your YouTube channel.
This way, you can advertise affiliate links on both your YouTube channel and blog, as well as embed your videos in your blog posts to increase views and improve your SEO.
Q5. How Many Views Make Money On YouTube?
There is no set number of views required to make money on YouTube as it varies based on various factors such as the type of content, the demographics of the viewers, and the type of advertising used.
Q6. How Much Does YouTube Pay For 1,000 Views?
The earning potential from 1000 views on YouTube can vary depending on the type of content, the demographics of the viewers, and the type of advertising used.
Advertisers use Google AdWords to pay either per view (CPV) or click (CPC).
The amount earned can range from $0 to $5 per click.
Additionally, using banner ads before the video starts can earn around $6-7 per 1000 views, with an average of $0.75-$1.00 per 1000 views.
Q7. How Many Subscribers Do You Need To Make Money On Youtube?
To monetize your YouTube channel and start earning revenue, YouTube Partner Program requires that you have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time on your channel within the past 12 months.
Additionally, you must have a valid Google AdSense account.
After being approved, you can enable monetization on your videos and select advertising options.
Q8. Who Is The Highest Paid YouTuber?
Many YouTube creators are able to generate significant income through the monetization of their channels.
In 2022, the top-earning YouTubers were:
- Ryan Kaji with an estimated $26 million in revenue.
- Dude Perfect with $20 million.
- Anastasia Radzinskaya with $18 million.
- Rhett and Link earned $17.5 million.
- Jeffree Star at $17 million.
- Preston with $14 million.
- PewDiePie at $13 million.
- Markiplier with $13 million.
- DanTDM at $12 million.
Please note that these figures are estimates, and the actual earnings of YouTubers may vary.
Q9. Is It Wise To Make Money On Youtube?
Making money on YouTube can be a wise decision as there are many YouTubers who earn substantial income from the platform.
However, building an audience and getting views on your videos may be challenging in the beginning.
Once you establish yourself as a creative talent and gain a following, you can monetize your content through various methods such as brand sponsorship or affiliate marketing.
YouTube is a global platform that allows individuals to easily share their ideas and content with a wide audience.
If you have expertise in a particular field, utilizing marketing and promotion strategies can help you monetize your channel through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate partnerships, regardless of the number of subscribers you have.
Q10. How Do YouTubers Get Paid?
YouTubers can earn money through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
According to data from Forbes, the top earners on YouTube make 50% of their annual income from ads.
To start earning money from ads, you can set up an AdSense account and enable monetization on your channel.
However, you will only be paid once you reach $100 in your AdSense account.
Additionally, it is important to note that earning potential on YouTube is not solely based on the number of subscribers and views a channel has, but also on the level of engagement generated, the niche the channel caters to, and the revenue channels that are explored.
Q11. Can You Monetize Copyrighted Content On YouTube?
No, you cannot monetize copyrighted content on YouTube unless you have explicit permission from the copyright owner.
Using copyrighted material without proper authorization may result in your videos being removed or your channel being penalized.
Q12. How Do You Enable Monetization On Your YouTube Channel?
To enable monetization on your YouTube channel, you need to meet the eligibility requirements (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours) and adhere to YouTube’s policies.
Once eligible, you can apply for the YouTube Partner Program and set up monetization options in your YouTube Studio.
Q13. Can You Make Money On YouTube Without Ads?
Yes, you can make money on YouTube without relying solely on ads.
As mentioned earlier, sponsored content, merchandise sales, and channel memberships are alternative revenue streams that can generate income.
Additionally, you can explore crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or create and sell digital products such as e-books or online courses.
You can also try affiliate marketing, CPA marketing, etc., to earn money on youtube without ads.
Q14. How Can You Increase Your Chances Of Making Money On YouTube?
To increase your chances of making money on YouTube, focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your target audience.
Consistency in uploading videos, optimizing your titles, descriptions, and tags for search engine optimization (SEO), and promoting your channel through social media and collaborations can also help grow your subscriber base and views.
Q15. How And When Does YouTube Pay Its Creators?
YouTube pays creators through AdSense, its advertising program.
Once you’ve reached the $100 earning threshold, you can set up your payment method in your AdSense account.
YouTube pays creators around the 21st of each month for the previous month’s earnings.
Q16. Can You Make Money On YouTube If You Live Outside The United States?
Yes, you can make money on YouTube regardless of your location.
The YouTube Partner Program is available in many countries, allowing creators from around the world to monetize their content.
However, the availability of certain monetization features may vary by country.
Q17. How Long Does It Take To Start Earning Money On YouTube?
The time it takes to start earning money on YouTube varies for each creator.
It depends on factors such as the quality of your content, your marketing efforts, and how quickly you can grow your subscriber base and views.
Some creators see results within a few months, while others may take longer to reach the monetization requirements.
Q18. Are There Any Age Restrictions For Making Money On YouTube?
To participate in the YouTube Partner Program and monetize your YouTube videos through ads, you need to be at least 18 years old.
However, if you’re under 18, you can still create and upload content on YouTube, but a parent or guardian would need to manage the monetization aspects on your behalf.
Q19. Can You Lose Your Monetization Eligibility On YouTube?
Yes, you can lose your monetization eligibility if you violate YouTube’s policies or engage in fraudulent activities.
It’s important to adhere to the platform’s guidelines, avoid copyright infringement, and refrain from any practices that may result in penalties or account termination.
Q20. Can You Make Money On YouTube If You Have A Small Audience?
Yes, even with a small audience, you can make money on YouTube.
While having a larger audience generally leads to higher earnings potential, engagement, and niche targeting can still be valuable.
By producing content that resonates with your specific audience, you can build a dedicated community that may be more likely to support your channel through donations or merchandise sales.
Q21. How Can You Track Your YouTube Earnings And Analytics?
YouTube provides an analytics dashboard within YouTube Studio that allows you to track your channel’s performance, including earnings, views, audience demographics, and engagement metrics.
This dashboard provides valuable insights to help you optimize your content and make informed decisions regarding your monetization strategy.
Q22. Can You Make Money On YouTube If You’re Not A Full-Time Creator?
Yes, you can make money on YouTube even if you’re not a full-time creator.
Many successful YouTubers initially started their channels as a hobby while working other jobs. It’s possible to generate income
Conclusion.
Making money on YouTube can be a viable way to earn income online.
From ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing, the earning potential on YouTube is diverse.
To succeed on this platform, it’s important to consistently create high-quality content and invest in effective promotion strategies.
Building an audience and increasing visibility are key to monetizing your YouTube channel.
With the right mindset and planning, anyone can turn their passion into a profitable career and make money on YouTube.
Remember to optimize your videos with relevant keywords, titles, and descriptions to increase your chances of being found by your target audience and help your videos rank better on youtube and other search engines.
I’m optimistic that this article “How to earn money on YouTube” will guide you in earning money through YouTube.
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