YouTube has transformed ordinary individuals into self-made celebrities. These creators captivate audiences with videos that entertain, educate, and inspire, proving the internet’s incredible potential. If you’ve cultivated a following on YouTube, numerous avenues exist to monetize your content and channel. These methods range from utilizing YouTube’s built-in features to guiding viewers to external platforms.
Explore these seven proven strategies to generate income on YouTube and understand the earning potential of successful YouTubers.
First: Join the YouTube Partner Program
The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is the gateway to various monetization features on the platform, enabling creators to earn from shorts, livestreams, and long-form videos.
Members of the YPP gain access to:
- Ad Revenue Sharing: Earn from ads displayed during videos and between Shorts.
- YouTube Premium Revenue: Share in the revenue from YouTube Premium subscribers watching your content.
- Super Features: Utilize Super Chat, Super Thanks, and channel memberships for fan funding.
- YouTube Shopping: Offer products directly to your audience through your channel.
The program also provides access to YouTube’s creator support and the Copyright Match tool, which safeguards your original content.
While the YPP isn’t the sole path to making money on YouTube, it simplifies and often enables most monetization methods. Alternative strategies, such as directing viewers to your online store, affiliate links, or creating sponsored content, are also viable and discussed below.
However, joining the Partner Program unlocks significant earning potential. YouTube has distributed over $50 billion to its partners in the last three years, making it a worthwhile consideration if you meet the eligibility criteria.
How to Join the Partner Program
To be eligible for the YouTube Partner Program and access monetization features, your channel must meet these requirements:
- 1,000 subscribers
- Either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months or 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
Certain program features may be accessible with fewer subscribers and views, but full monetization requires meeting these thresholds.
Your channel must also be in good standing with YouTube, adhering to all YouTube’s monetization policies and Community Guidelines. Furthermore, you must reside in an eligible region.
Once you meet these criteria, navigate to YouTube Studio, access the “Earn” tab, and begin the application process.
1. Turn On Ads for Your Videos
Example of an in-video YouTube ad for a bicycle brand
Once accepted into the YouTube Partner Program, the most straightforward way to start generating revenue is by enabling ads on your videos. YouTube’s ad platform is largely automated, streamlining the process for creators.
When you enable monetization for a long-form video, YouTube automatically inserts pre-roll and post-roll ads, which may be skippable or non-skippable. While you can’t choose specific ads, for videos exceeding eight minutes, you gain control over mid-roll ads. These can be automatically placed or manually positioned within your content to optimize viewer experience and ad revenue.
Monitor your ad earnings through the “Revenue” tab in YouTube Studio. This section provides reports, including monthly estimated revenue for monetized videos, offering insights into your ad performance.
Consider Diversifying Revenue Streams Beyond Ads
While YouTube ads offer a relatively simple and passive income method to monetize your videos, relying solely on ad revenue might not yield substantial earnings. To maximize your income, it’s advisable to combine ads with other monetization strategies.
YouTube’s demonetization policy is perceived by some creators as overly strict, potentially limiting ad revenue on certain content. Additionally, YouTube retains 45% of ad revenue from standard videos and 55% from Shorts. This revenue split underscores the importance of exploring diverse income streams to build a sustainable YouTube business.
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YouTube Shorts Monetization: How Much You Can Make (2025)](https://www.shopify.com/blog/youtube-shorts-monetization)
YouTube Shorts Monetization: How Much You Can Make (2025)
Article preview image for YouTube Shorts Monetization, linking to a detailed guide on earning from short-form videos.
Learn the essentials of YouTube Shorts monetization and discover supplementary methods to earn from your short-form video content.
2. Let Your Audience Support You with Fan Funding
The Patreon page of YouTube channel Wait But Why.
For creators within the Partner Program, YouTube’s fan funding features provide avenues for viewers to directly support your channel through tips and recurring payments. Platforms like Patreon also offer external fan funding solutions.
Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks are features that allow viewers to purchase highlighted messages and animations during livestreams and video premieres. These “tip jar” features make fan comments stand out in the chat, increasing visibility and interaction.
YouTube Channel Memberships offer a tiered system where paying fans receive exclusive perks in exchange for recurring monthly payments. You can create up to six membership levels with escalating benefits, such as:
- Custom Badges and Emojis: Members gain unique badges and custom emojis to use in live chats and comments, enhancing their visibility.
- Members-Only Content: Offer exclusive community posts, shorts, and videos accessible only to members, providing premium content.
- Early Access: Grant members exclusive first-viewing rights to your new videos, fostering a sense of exclusivity.
- Members-Only Live Chats and Livestreams: Host exclusive live interactions for members, building a closer community.
- Member Recognition Shelf: Feature member avatars prominently at the top of your channel page, acknowledging their support.
Exploring Alternative Fan Funding Platforms
Beyond YouTube’s native features, platforms like Patreon provide robust solutions for fan funding. Patreon allows creators to offer additional content, exclusive access, and various perks in return for regular donations from their audience.
While Patreon and similar platforms may require investing in creating extra content to reward donors, they offer a recognized and user-friendly way for your audience to provide ongoing support and contribute to your channel’s growth.
Alternative fan funding platforms to Patreon include Buy Me a Coffee and Ko-fi, each offering different features and fee structures to suit various creator needs.
3. Sell Products and Merchandise
T-shirts on a website category page
YouTube Shopping provides seamless ways to sell merchandise directly to your audience through your channel. Popular creator Roman Atwood, for example, sells merchandise under his Smile More brand.
With YouTube Shopping, you can:
- Open a Storefront: Establish a dedicated storefront directly on your YouTube channel to showcase your products.
- Connect Your Online Store: Link your existing online store (like Shopify) to display products across your channel and videos, ensuring inventory synchronization and streamlined management.
- Tag Products in Content: Tag your own products or products from partner brands directly within your videos and Shorts, making them easily discoverable and purchasable for viewers.
According to YouTube data, over 160,000 creators leverage YouTube Shopping to sell on the platform, highlighting its popularity and effectiveness.
Many creators choose to promote merch such as branded tote bags, snapbacks, t-shirts, and other items. You can also recommend products from brands you review or collaborate with, expanding your product offerings.
Selling branded merchandise is more accessible than ever with print-on-demand (POD) services. POD platforms allow you to design products without upfront inventory costs; items are produced and shipped only when an order is placed, simplifying logistics and reducing risk.
Setting Up YouTube Shopping with Shopify
The most efficient way to use YouTube Shopping is by connecting your Shopify store to your YouTube channel. This integration automatically syncs your product listings, enabling customers to seamlessly purchase directly on YouTube or navigate to your store for a more comprehensive shopping experience.
If you don’t have an online store, you can easily start a Shopify store with a free trial and quickly integrate it with YouTube to begin selling your products.
Start selling your products on YouTube from Shopify
Call-to-action button linking to Shopify’s YouTube sales channel setup page, encouraging users to start selling on YouTube through Shopify.
Shopify offers powerful tools to facilitate product promotion and sales on YouTube. Features include product catalog syncing, product tagging in livestreams, and centralized sales management within Shopify.
4. Work with Brands as an Influencer
Brands are increasingly investing in influencer marketing and sponsorships, allocating advertising budgets to influencers who have cultivated engaged and loyal audiences. This trend presents a significant opportunity for YouTube creators to negotiate brand deals in exchange for featuring products to their viewers.
YouTube marketing expert and influencer Brendan Gahan suggests establishing a baseline flat fee for sponsored content by calculating your average video views and multiplying that number by $0.05 to $0.15 per view.
Your negotiation leverage depends on factors such as your target audience demographics, content quality, and the uniqueness and profitability of your niche. High-value niches and highly engaged audiences can command premium rates.
Transparency is crucial in brand partnerships. Only endorse products you genuinely like and believe in to maintain audience trust and authenticity. Clearly disclose sponsored content to comply with advertising guidelines and build credibility.
5. License Your Content to the Media
A woman in a Chewbacca mask on a YouTube video screenshot
Creating a viral video with broad appeal can open opportunities to license your content for financial gain. For example, the viral video of a woman wearing a Chewbacca mask generated significant media interest and licensing opportunities.
TV news outlets, morning shows, online news platforms, and fellow creators often seek rights to use viral videos. If your content gains widespread attention, be prepared for inquiries about licensing.
You can proactively list your videos on content marketplaces like Jukin Licensing. These platforms facilitate connections between content creators and media buyers, streamlining the licensing process and increasing visibility for your viral content.
6. Crowdfund Your Creative Projects
A Kickstarter campaign for the Kung Fury movie with a preview image
Crowdfunding is a viable strategy to secure funding for ambitious creative projects when financial resources are a limiting factor. The successful Kickstarter campaign for the ’80s homage movie Kung Fury demonstrates the potential of crowdfunding for YouTubers.
Whether you need funds for upgraded equipment, hiring actors, or covering production expenses, engaging your audience and community through crowdfunding can provide the necessary capital—provided your project is compelling.
Successful crowdfunding campaigns often feature compelling sneak peeks or trailers that generate excitement and encourage contributions. Consider creating a video to articulate your project vision and offer a glimpse of the final product to attract backers.
Popular crowdfunding sites with a proven track record for YouTubers include Kickstarter and Indiegogo. These platforms offer robust tools and broad reach to maximize your fundraising potential.
7. Use Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a content monetization strategy where you earn commissions by promoting products or services from other brands within your videos. As a YouTube creator, you can become an affiliate marketer by creating content that features relevant products for your viewers.
Becoming an Affiliate Marketer
To start with affiliate marketing, identify affiliate programs that align with your content niche and resonate with your target audience. Relevance is key to success—the more relevant the product, the higher the likelihood of conversions.
Once you join affiliate programs, incorporate affiliate links into your video descriptions or end screens. These links direct viewers to product pages, and you earn a commission on sales generated through your links.
Affiliate marketing is particularly effective if your YouTube channel includes product reviews or tutorials. Since brands only pay commissions on actual sales, it’s generally low-risk for them, making it easier for creators to get started. Always clearly disclose your affiliate relationships to maintain transparency and audience trust.
YouTube simplifies affiliate marketing with its Shopping affiliate program. This program allows you to quickly find relevant products to promote and view commission rates. Tagging products directly in your videos through YouTube Shopping streamlines the process for both creators and viewers.
While any creator can include affiliate links on YouTube, utilizing the official YouTube Shopping affiliate program requires Partner Program membership and meeting YouTube’s eligibility criteria.
Finding Affiliates for Your Products
Conversely, if you have your own product line, consider recruiting affiliates to promote your offerings.
Eligible Shopify merchants can easily add products to the YouTube Shopping affiliate program. This enables other creators to discover and promote your products in their videos. Sync your product catalog via the Shopify YouTube app and set competitive commission rates to incentivize affiliates.
Learn more
Call-to-action button linking to Google, likely related to YouTube Shopping or affiliate program information for merchants.
Let popular YouTube creators market your products through YouTube’s affiliate program. Set your commission rates and enable creators to feature your products in their videos, allowing viewers to shop directly as they watch.
Getting Paid on YouTube: Understanding the Numbers
How Many Views Do You Need on YouTube to Make Money?
The number of views alone doesn’t directly translate to revenue. While high view counts increase visibility, earnings depend on ad engagement. According to Influencer Marketing Hub, the average YouTube channel earns approximately $0.018 per view, equating to $18 per 1,000 views.
Revenue is generated when viewers interact with ads by either clicking on them or watching the video ad in its entirety (typically 10, 15, or 30 seconds). Videos with thousands of views but low ad engagement will not generate significant income.
How Much Money Do YouTubers Make Per Year?
Top-tier YouTubers like MrBeast can earn tens of millions of dollars annually through diverse revenue streams. While these figures are exceptional, smaller channels can also generate a sustainable income on YouTube.
Consider Justine Leconte, whose fashion advice channel with one million subscribers generates estimated annual earnings of around $259,304 based solely on ad revenue, averaging approximately $979 per video, according to Influencer Marketing Hub’s YouTube Money Calculator.
These figures are estimations and can vary based on monetization strategies, engagement rates, and niche. However, they illustrate the potential to earn a living from YouTube, even with consistent weekly uploads.
How Do YouTubers Maximize Their Revenue?
Channel size isn’t the sole determinant of earning potential. Engagement levels, niche market, and diversified revenue streams significantly influence YouTube income. Even channels without millions of subscribers can be effectively monetized.
While lists of top YouTube earners may suggest direct YouTube earnings as the primary income source, most top channels diversify through merchandise lines and brand partnerships. Building a dedicated audience is the foundational step before effectively launching additional revenue streams. Understanding your target audience is paramount for any monetization strategy.
Tips for Selling on YouTube
Monetization strategies often involve product promotion. Maintaining content integrity while promoting products is essential to avoid alienating your audience. “Selling out” is a valid concern for creators, but strategic and authentic promotion is key.
Follow these tips to integrate promotional content into your videos without compromising audience trust:
Understand Your YouTube Audience
Knowing your audience demographics and preferences is crucial for effective monetization. Niche channels often attract brands targeting specific demographics, making audience understanding particularly valuable.
Key audience insights to analyze include:
- Gender Distribution: Identify if your audience skews towards a particular gender.
- Age Range: Determine the primary age demographics of your viewers.
- Geographic Location: Understand the countries or cities where your videos are most watched.
- Audience Engagement: Analyze watch time and audience retention metrics to gauge engagement levels.
YouTube Analytics provides comprehensive demographic data and engagement metrics to inform your monetization strategies and brand collaborations.
Add Info Cards to Your Videos
Info cards (formerly YouTube Cards) are an effective, non-intrusive way to highlight products, playlists, or external links within your videos. Strategically placed info cards capture viewer attention at relevant moments without disrupting the viewing experience.
Utilize free video editing software to seamlessly integrate info cards at opportune times, maximizing their impact and click-through rates.
A YouTube video with two info cards and an ad for shoes
Add Links in Your Video Descriptions
Video descriptions are prime real estate for directing viewers to your online store, Patreon page, crowdfunding campaign, or other revenue sources. Include clear and concise links to facilitate easy access to your offerings.
Gymshark YouTube video with links to follow the brand on social media in description
Promote Your Offer on Other Platforms
Extend your promotional reach beyond YouTube by leveraging other distribution channels. Promote new campaigns, product launches, or discounts across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and your email list.
Cross-promotion maximizes visibility and increases the likelihood of reaching a broader audience. Cultivating a social media presence beyond YouTube through social media marketing is crucial for expanding your overall reach and impact.
The Rise of the Creator
While financial gain may not be the initial motivation for creators, effective monetization strategies enable passionate individuals to build sustainable careers and be rewarded for their dedication and creative efforts in mastering the YouTube algorithm.
The journey of MrBeast, who began creating videos at age 13 and dedicated years to refining his viral content, exemplifies the potential of long-term commitment and strategic content creation.
Building and retaining a loyal audience is a significant challenge for businesses. YouTubers have already achieved this crucial step, positioning themselves for diverse monetization opportunities.
Shopify supports creators and businesses of all sizes, from emerging sellers to global brands. Explore Shopify plans and pricing to find the right solution for your needs.
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How to Make Money on YouTube FAQ
How many views do you need on YouTube to make money?
View count is not directly proportional to earnings. Revenue is generated when viewers engage with ads by clicking or watching them completely. High view counts alone do not guarantee income if ad engagement is low.
How much do you get paid per 1,000 views on YouTube?
The average YouTube channel earns approximately $18 per 1,000 views, or $0.018 per view, according to Influencer Marketing Hub data. However, this is an average estimate and can vary based on factors like ad engagement and video topic.
Do you get paid for uploading videos on YouTube?
YouTube does not directly pay creators for uploading videos. Monetization must be enabled in your YouTube account settings to start earning. Options include joining the YouTube Partner Program and YouTube Premium.
How do YouTubers make money on YouTube?
YouTubers make money through various methods including:
- Joining YouTube’s Partner Program (Ad Revenue, Premium Revenue)
- Selling products or merchandise (YouTube Shopping, Online Stores)
- Crowdfunding (Kickstarter, Indiegogo)
- Fan funding (Super Chat, Memberships, Patreon)
- Licensing content to media (Jukin Media, Viral Video Licensing)
- Working with brands as an influencer (Sponsored Content, Brand Deals)
- Becoming an affiliate marketer (Affiliate Links, YouTube Shopping Affiliate Program)
How can you make money on YouTube without making videos?
Partnering with popular YouTube creators to promote your products to their audience is a way to leverage YouTube’s reach without creating videos yourself. Shopify users can add products to YouTube’s affiliate marketing program, allowing creators to tag and promote products within their content.
