The ultimate guide to making money with youTube.

YouTube has evolved from a simple video-sharing platform into a dynamic ecosystem where creators can build communities, share their passions, and, most importantly, generate income.

While the allure of becoming a successful YouTuber is strong, the path to monetisation is multifaceted and requires dedication, consistency, and a strategic approach.

This blog post will delve into the exhaustive list of ways you can make money on YouTube, outlining the requirements, pros, and cons of each method, and showcasing examples of channels that are already thriving.

Be warned, however: success on YouTube isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It demands significant effort, consistent content creation, and a willingness to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of online video.

1.  YouTube AdSense Program

Description: This is the most basic way to monetize your YouTube channel. You earn revenue from the ads displayed on your videos. The amount you earn depends on factors like ad type, viewer demographics, and ad engagement.

Requirements:

• 1,000 subscribers
• 4,000 valid watch hours in the past 12 months
• Compliance with YouTube’s monetization policies
• An AdSense account

Pros:

• Passive income potential: Once your videos are monetized, they can generate revenue over time.
• Relatively easy to set up: YouTube provides straightforward tools to enable monetisation.

Cons:

• Low revenue per thousand views (RPM): The RPM can vary significantly, often falling between $1 and $10 per 1,000 views.
• Ad revenue can fluctuate: Changes in ad rates and viewer behaviour can impact earnings.
• Requires a substantial audience to generate significant income: You need a lot of views to make a substantial income.

Example: Many channels, such as PewDiePie, rely heavily on AdSense revenue, although they also diversify with other monetisation methods.

2.  Channel Memberships

Description: Viewers make recurring monthly payments in exchange for exclusive perks, such as custom badges, emojis, exclusive content, or early access to videos. This allows your most dedicated fans to support you directly.

Requirements:

• 1,000 subscribers
• Compliance with YouTube’s monetization policies
• Must be 18+ years old

Pros:

• Stable, recurring income: Provides a predictable revenue stream.
• Direct support from your audience: Fosters a stronger connection with your community.

Cons:

• Requires engaging content to retain members: You need to consistently offer valuable perks.
• Additional work to create and manage perks: This can include creating exclusive videos, hosting member-only live streams, or offering personalised shout-outs.

Example: Jacksepticeye offers channel memberships with tiered benefits, including exclusive badges, emojis, and behind-the-scenes content.

3.  Merchandise Shelf

Description: Sell branded merchandise directly on your YouTube channel, such as t-shirts, mugs, stickers, and other products featuring your logo, catchphrases, or designs.

Requirements:

• 1,000 subscribers
• Compliance with YouTube’s monetisation policies
• No strikes for violating YouTube’s Community Guidelines

Pros:

• Direct revenue from your brand: Allows you to monetise your brand directly.
• Opportunity to connect with your audience: Merchandise can strengthen the connection with your viewers.

Cons:

• Requires upfront investment in merchandise: You need to purchase or produce the merchandise.
• Need to handle inventory and shipping: This can be time-consuming and complex.

Example: Markiplier sells a variety of merchandise through his channel, including clothing, accessories, and collectibles.

4.  Super Chat & Super Stickers

Description: During live streams and Premieres, viewers can pay to have their messages highlighted in the chat. Super Chat messages stand out and remain visible for a longer duration, while Super Stickers are animated images that viewers can purchase to show support.

Requirements:

• 1,000 subscribers
• Compliance with YouTube’s monetization policies
• Must be 18+ years old

Pros:

• Direct revenue during live events: Provides immediate income during live streams.
• Encourages viewer interaction: Boosts engagement and community interaction.

Cons:

• Income depends on live stream popularity: Earnings can vary greatly depending on the number of viewers and their willingness to spend.
• Can be unpredictable: Income is not guaranteed and depends on viewer generosity.

Example: Many gaming channels, such as Dream, use Super Chat and Super Stickers during live streams to interact with fans and generate revenue.

5.  YouTube Premium Revenue

Description: When YouTube Premium members watch your content, you earn a portion of their subscription fees. This is an additional revenue stream based on viewer engagement.

Requirements:

• Compliance with YouTube’s monetisation policies
• Create content that people want to watch

Pros:

• Additional revenue stream: Provides extra income from Premium subscribers.
• Rewards high-quality content: Encourages creators to produce engaging videos.

Cons:

• Revenue depends on Premium member viewership: Earnings are tied to the number of Premium subscribers who watch your content.
• Can be lower than ad revenue: Premium revenue might not be as high as ad revenue, depending on your audience.

Example: Channels like Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, which produce high-quality educational content, benefit from YouTube Premium revenue as their videos are popular among Premium subscribers.

6.  Affiliate Marketing

Description: Promote products in your videos by including affiliate links in the description. When viewers click on these links and make a purchase, you earn a commission.

Requirements:

• No specific YouTube requirements
• Affiliate program memberships (e.g., Amazon Associates)

Pros:

• High earning potential: Commissions can be lucrative, especially for high-value products.
• No need to create your own products: You promote existing products and earn a percentage of the sale.

Cons:

• Requires trust and transparency with your audience: You need to be honest about your affiliate relationships.
• Income depends on sales conversions: Earnings are tied to the number of viewers who make a purchase through your links.

Example: Tech reviewers like Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) often include affiliate links to the products they review, earning commissions on sales.

7.  Sponsorships

Description: Partner with brands to create sponsored content, such as product reviews, demonstrations, or integrations. Brands pay you to promote their products or services to your audience. This can range from dedicated videos to integrated segments within your regular content.

Requirements:

• Vary depending on the brand: Brands
• Engaged audience: A channel with high engagement rates (likes, comments, shares) is more attractive to sponsors.

Pros:

• High earning potential: Sponsorships can be very lucrative, especially for channels with a large and engaged audience.
• Opportunity to collaborate with brands: Allows you to work with companies you admire and believe in.

Cons:

• Requires negotiation and contracts: You need to negotiate terms and sign contracts with sponsors.
• Maintaining authenticity is crucial: It’s important to choose sponsorships that align with your brand and values to maintain trust with your audience.

Example: MrBeast frequently partners with brands like Honey and Quidd in his videos, integrating their products in creative and engaging ways.

8.  Crowdfunding

Description: Use platforms like Patreon, Kickstarter, or GoFundMe to receive direct funding from your audience. This allows your viewers to support your channel financially in exchange for rewards or exclusive content.

Requirements:

• No specific YouTube requirements
• Engaged and supportive audience

Pros:

• Direct financial support: Provides a reliable source of income to fund your channel.
• Opportunity to build a strong community: Fosters a closer relationship with your audience.

Cons:

• Requires consistent engagement with patrons: You need to regularly interact with your patrons and provide them with value.
• Need to offer valuable rewards: Patrons expect to receive exclusive content or perks in exchange for their support.

Example: ContraPoints uses Patreon to fund her in-depth video essays, offering patrons exclusive content and behind-the-scenes access.

9.  Selling Digital Products

Description: Create and sell digital products like e-books, online courses, templates, presets, or software. This allows you to monetize your expertise and offer valuable resources to your audience.

Requirements:

• No specific YouTube requirements
• Product creation skills

Pros:

• High profit margins: Digital products have low production costs, resulting in high profit margins.
• Scalable income potential: You can sell an unlimited number of digital products.

Cons:

• • Requires time and effort to create products: You need to invest time in developing high-quality digital products.
  • Need to market

Example: Ali Abdaal sells online courses on productivity and personal development, leveraging his YouTube audience to drive sales.

10.  Consulting and Services

Description: Offer consulting services based on your expertise, such as coaching, mentoring, or business consulting. This allows you to monetize your knowledge and help others achieve their goals.

Requirements:

• Expertise in a specific area
• Ability to provide value to clients

Pros:

• High earning potential: Consulting services can command high fees.
• Opportunity to help others: Allows you to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Cons:

• Requires strong communication skills: You need to be able to effectively communicate your expertise to clients.
• Time-intensive: Consulting can be time-consuming, requiring dedicated time for client meetings and project work.

Example: Gary Vaynerchuk offers business consulting services, leveraging his YouTube channel to attract clients.

Written by ericyates

XPTI helps everyday people make extra money, save more of what they earn, and use AI tools without the hype.