YouTube boasts an astounding 2 billion monthly active users, offering immense opportunities for aspiring content creators seeking to make money on YouTube.
Whether you’re a vlogger, gamer, or educator, or possess a distinctive viewpoint, YouTube provides different ways to earn money through your channels.
From traditional advertising revenues and sponsored collaborations to merchandising ventures and crowd-funded initiatives, YouTube empowers creatives to capitalize on their passions while building a dedicated fan base.
However, achieving success on YouTube necessitates more than merely posting videos – it calls for strategic planning, persistent efforts, and a profound comprehension of one’s audience’s interests. By producing top-notch, captivating content that aligns with your target viewers’ tastes, you can build a good following and emerge as an authoritative figure within your specialty.
How To Make Money on YouTube? 9 Crazy Ideas

1. Ad Revenue
To start earning money through YouTube’s Partner Program, you need to meet specific conditions like getting over 4,000 hours of public viewing time in the previous year and at least 1,000 subscribers.
After meeting these rules, you can turn on earnings for your channel and connect it to a Google AdSense account to get paid.
As you enable earnings for your videos, ads will show up either before, during, or next to them. These ads make money by counting how many times they are seen or clicked. Seeing the ad is called an impression, and clicking it is known as a click.

YouTube has two primary kinds of ads: those that can be skipped and those that cannot. If someone chooses to skip an ad after five seconds, then no money is made. However, if they continue watching, you earn money.
For ads that cannot be skipped, you always get paid since they run for a set amount of time (around 15-20 seconds), whether people keep watching or not.
Apart from this, various ad styles exist, such as display ads, overlay ads, promoted cards, and masthead ads.
Display ads show up above the video, while overlay ads appear underneath. Promoted cards come up during videos, recommending related items or services, and masthead ads take the most noticeable place on YouTube’s homepage.
The amount of money earned from ads depends upon different things, like what type of ad it is, the topic, where the audience is located, and how much competition there is. Generally, creators receive about $0.25 to $4 for every thousand views their video gets.
Although ad revenue might not bring in lots of cash independently, mixing it with other ways to make money could result in higher profits.
2. Channel Memberships
Channel memberships are a fresh approach for YouTubers to gain regular income from devoted followers.
This technique allows channel audiences to back their preferred content creators financially by paying a small monthly charge for special advantages and extras.
For a YouTube channel to become eligible for channel memberships, it should have over 30,000 subscribers and operate in one of the authorized countries.
Content makers can establish distinct membership tiers, giving extra features according to each level’s cost. Perks could involve private glimpses into production, live chats, first dibs on new uploads, personalized greetings, unique emoticons, and restricted group discussions.
From membership fees, creators collect 70%, leaving 30% for YouTube. The platform processes payments using the creator’s connected Google Payments account, just like handling ad revenue earnings.
By establishing channel memberships, creators strengthen connections with their supporters, boosting interaction and devotion. Furthermore, involved members often provide important opinions and ideas that help shape upcoming material choices.
Effective promotion of channel memberships includes leveraging social networks, mailing lists, and conclusion displays to steer visitors toward signing up. Offering temporary promotions or trial periods encourages potential members to join and check out the added value.
3. Merchandise
Merchandise Shelf is a tool provided by YouTube that lets content creators offer official goods straight from their video web pages. This tool helps YouTubers to make money with YouTube videos.
By integrating shopping with their videos, this feature streamlines the purchasing process for viewers, enhancing sales and raising conversion rates.

Qualifying creators can handpick suitable products aligned with their fanbase’s preferences and traits. Typical merchandise sold through Merchandise Shelves consists of clothing, jewelry, household items, collector’s pieces, and virtual files.
Before gaining access to Merchandise Shelf, creators must satisfy several prerequisites –
- Possessing over 10,000 subscribers
- Being situated in a certified nation
- Consistently following YouTube’s Community Standards
- Additionally, collaborations with approved suppliers and vendors are necessary to manufacture and distribute ordered goods.
Revenue distribution between creators and YouTube differs contingent on the purchase source.
Should a buyer discover a product through a creator’s Merchandise Shelf and complete the deal, the creator keeps 85% of the earnings, allocating 15% to YouTube.
In contrast, when a customer locates a product outside the shelf (e.g., search engine outcomes or external hyperlinks), normal advertising earnings apply.
Maximizing Merchandise Shelf visibility necessitates embedding visual hints within the whole viewing journey – inserting clickable pictures onto video covers, emphasizing products all through the videos themselves, and harnessing ending screens to guide users towards the Merchandise Shelf.
4. Super Chat & Super Stickers
Discover innovative ways to monetize your content with YouTube’s Super Chat and Super Stickers! Launched in 2017, these interactive features empower viewers to support creators financially during live chats and premieres. With Super Chat, user messages rise to the top of the conversation feed, locked in place for a designated time—from minutes to hours—based on the chosen contribution level. Meanwhile, Super Stickers add captivating graphic embellishments to text messages, intensifying their effect.
How do Super Chat and Super Stickers benefit creators? They deliver additional income streams beyond conventional advertising. A favorable 70/30 revenue share exists between creators and YouTube, ensuring creators secure 70% of the funds generated from both features. Utilize these engaging resources to diversify your revenue mix, fortifying yourself against instability in individual income channels.

Here’s how to encourage supporter participation in Super Chat and Super Stickers:
- Foster vibrant communities by interacting with viewers during live events, answering questions, and recognizing their input. Such actions inspire users to engage with these advanced features.
- Integrate Super Chat and Super Stickers into comprehensive monetization plans. Mix them seamlessly with ad revenue, channel memberships, and merchandise initiatives for optimal profit growth. Diversification shields creators from reliance on singular income avenues.
5. Brand Partnerships
Boost your YouTube earnings through strategic brand partnerships! Collaborative efforts between creators and companies encompass sponsored content, product mentions, or endorsement deals, benefiting everyone involved. Brands capitalize on creators’ sway and extensive fanbases, while creators enjoy alternative income flows.
Brand partnership opportunities abound, manifesting as influencer marketing ventures, hosted contests, promotional movies, or representing select commodities or services.

Remuneration models fluctuate based on undertaking size and complexity, involving lump sums, complimentary merchandise, or royalties tied to success indicators.
Embrace making money on YouTube by excelling in brand partnerships! Establish robust connections, define niche markets, maintain professionalism, ensure clarity, and research industry standards to thrive in the dynamic realm of online creation.
6. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing presents another lucrative opportunity for savvy YouTubers to make extra money with their YouTube videos.
Essentially, creators advocate products or services and garner commissions from resulting purchases. Leveraging ties with e-commerce platforms, creators incorporate distinctive tracking URLs in video summaries or annotations, funneling viewers toward suggested items.
Ultimately, once a consumer buys a product, the affiliate receives a portion of the overall sale price, typically oscillating around 3% to 10%, albeit variable rates depend on the agreement terms.
Leading affiliate programs comprise Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and Commission Junction. Every service hosts an exhaustive compilation of associated retailers across niches, encompassing sectors like style, innovation, exploration, well-being, and finances.
Effectively implementing affiliate marketing strategies demands careful consideration of various factors, including:
- Selecting appropriate products: Endorsements carry substantial weight, so choosing reputable, high-quality items resonates positively with viewers.
- Crafting compelling calls-to-action: Persuading viewers to explore affiliate recommendations necessitates concise yet persuasive messaging, emphasizing the value proposition and urgency.
- Utilizing effective promotion techniques: Embedding links organically within videos, employing visually appealing graphics, and mentioning affiliations verbally during broadcasts can heighten awareness and interest.
- Monitoring analytics: Regularly assessing key performance indicators, such as click-through rates and conversion ratios, reveals patterns, and identifies growth opportunities.
Below you can check out this guide on MoneyPathMastery YouTube channel:
7. Online Classes or Coaching
Start by developing a series of insightful, engaging, and informative videos covering topics pertinent to your niche.
Organize lessons systematically, address common queries comprehensively, and incorporate visual aids liberally to bolster comprehension. Publishing consistently contributes to establishing credibility, fostering anticipation, and building a devoted following.
After amassing a critical mass of viewers, transition gradually towards gated content or private coaching sessions. Implement paywalls shielding advanced modules, webinars, or workshops accessible exclusively to registered students or personalized coaching clients.

Alternatively, consolidate courses into structured curricula, bundling components into tiered pricing plans accommodating varied budget constraints and learning pace preferences.
- Subscription Model: Construct recurring revenue streams through membership portals aggregating archived lectures, live Q&As, and exclusive discussion boards. Periodic renewals guarantee steady cash flows, obviating dependency on fickle advertising algorithms.
- One-Time Payment: Levying singular charges for full access to evergreen libraries, resource guides, or printables provides frictionless entry barriers whilst preserving optionality for subsequent upgrades or add-ons.
- Hourly Coaching Fees: Billing per session caters specifically to learners requiring hands-on assistance, fine-tuning skills, or troubleshooting obstacles impeding progress. Hourly billing scales proportionately with complexity, reflecting invested effort without penalizing beginners deterred by steep upfront costs.
8. Consultation Services
Giving online consulting services on YouTube can be a creative way to earn money. Here’s how to go about it:
Step 1: Build an expertise in a particular field, like marketing, business, or health. People seek consulting services from experts who know their stuff. So, study hard and stay updated in your chosen area.
Step 2: Create a YouTube channel focusing on your expertise. Publish interesting, useful, and engaging videos regularly. Showcasing your knowledge will help attract viewers and build credibility.
Step 3: Optimize your video titles, tags, and descriptions with keywords related to your consulting services. Doing this will improve your ranking on YouTube searches, drawing even more viewers.
Step 4: Attract potential clients by interacting with viewers in the comment sections. Answer their questions patiently and thoroughly. Don’t forget to occasionally remind viewers about your consulting services.
Step 5: Set up a website or landing page describing your consulting services in detail. Link it in your YouTube profile and call-to-actions in your videos. A proper website gives a professional image and builds trust.
Step 6: Decide on your consulting rates. Remember, charging reasonable fees keeps you competitive while still letting you earn a decent income.
Step 7: Schedule appointments with clients using booking systems or calendar software. Hold meetings virtually using video conferencing tools. Being organized saves time and energy for everyone involved.
Step 8: Deliver fantastic consulting sessions filled with value and insights. Happy clients are likely to recommend you to others and come back themselves.
Step 9: Ask satisfied clients for testimonials or case studies. Positive reviews prove your effectiveness, helping convince potential clients to hire you.
9. Licensing Your Content
When you license your YouTube content, you let other organizations, like TV networks or movie studios, use parts of your videos for specific purposes.
In exchange, they pay you. With licensing your content you can make additional money from your YouTube videos.
This allows you to keep owning your content while earning money from how others distribute and use it. To navigate this process successfully, you need to stay informed, stand up for yourself, and negotiate wisely. Working with experts such as literary agents, lawyers, or entertainment companies can strengthen your position and increase your chances of securing good terms.
Determining fair payment involves carefully evaluating various factors, including whether usage is exclusive, where it will take place, what format it will follow, and how long it lasts.
Providing evidence of impact, like views, news coverage, or social media engagement, can boost your argument during negotiations, showing the true value of your content.
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How Many Views Do You Need To Get Paid on YouTube?
There isn’t a minimum threshold for views required to get paid on YouTube. Instead, getting paid on YouTube primarily depends on reaching 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours within the previous 12 months, qualifying you for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Only then can you start monetizing your channel with ads, channel memberships, merchandise shelf, and Super Chat.
YouTubers earn anywhere between $1 and above $25 for every 1,000 views they receive.
For instance, finance and tech channels usually generate greater revenue per thousand views (known as RPM) than entertainment or gaming ones because advertisements in these areas typically bring in more cash.
List of YouTube Category That Makes The Most Money
- Personal Finance & Money
- Health & Wellness
- Technology & Software Reviews
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Home Improvement & DIY
- Education & Tutoring
- Food & Cooking
- Travel Vlogs
- Beauty & Style
- Entertainment & Pop Culture
What Are Some Common Mistakes To Avoid When Trying To Make Money on Youtube?
To avoid common mistakes when attempting to make money on YouTube, consider the following guidelines:
- Create content that provides value and engages your audience.
- Don’t solely depend on ad revenue; explore options like sponsorships, merchandise, and crowdfunding.
- Understand your target audience and the competitive landscape to maximize your earning potential.
- Consistent effort and time are required to build a successful YouTube channel.
- Quality content requires adequate equipment and skills development.
- Find the style that resonates with your audience.
- Keep up with industry trends and best practices.
- Avoid burnout by maintaining healthy habits and prioritizing self-care.
- Study successful YouTubers and apply their techniques to your own strategy.
- Connect with your audience by presenting genuine content.
- Regularly analyze your performance metrics and adjust your approach accordingly.
- Ensure proper attribution and permission for all used materials.
- Foster relationships with your followers to encourage loyalty and interaction.
- Develop a clear roadmap for your channel’s growth and evolution.
- Monetization takes time and dedication.
- Believe in your abilities and stay confident in your content.
- Embrace change and evolving trends in the YouTube ecosystem.

Brett is a tech enthusiast with a deep curiosity for exploring digital tools, apps, and gadgets that simplify everyday life. This passion led him to start his blog, where he shares in-depth reviews, helpful guides, and honest recommendations about the best apps and tech solutions available today.