How Creators Make Money on YouTube: Top Methods

With over 2.7 billion monthly users and more than a billion hours of video watched daily, YouTube is one of the most powerful platforms for earning money online. Whether you’re a content creator, influencer, or business owner, making money on YouTube is more accessible than ever.

If you’re wondering how to monetize your channel, you’re not alone. This guide explores 10 smart strategies to make money on YouTube—from ad revenue and sponsorships to affiliate marketing and digital product sales.

1. Join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)

The first step to monetizing your YouTube channel is to become a YouTube Partner. This unlocks access to ads, channel memberships, Super Chats, and more.

To qualify, you’ll need:

• At least 1,000 subscribers
• 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days
• A linked AdSense account
• No violations of YouTube’s monetization policies

Once approved, you can start earning money from YouTube ads and other built-in monetization tools.

2. Enable Ads on Your Videos

Once you’re in the YPP, you can turn on ads for eligible content. YouTube automatically places ads before, during, or after your videos.

There are different ad types:

• Skippable and non-skippable ads
• Bumper ads (short, unskippable)
• Overlay ads (on desktop)
• Display ads (next to the video)

You’ll earn based on RPM (Revenue Per Mille), which averages between $1 to $30 per 1,000 views, depending on your audience and niche.

3. Launch Your Own Merchandise Line

If you’ve built a loyal audience, selling branded merchandise is a smart way to make money on YouTube without relying on ads.

You can sell:

• T-shirts, hoodies, mugs
• Stickers or phone cases
• Digital products (e-books, PDFs, templates)

Use platforms like Spring, Printful, or Shopify to design and fulfill orders. If eligible, you can enable YouTube’s Merch Shelf to showcase your products directly under your videos.

4. Collaborate with Brands for Sponsored Content

Brands are constantly looking to partner with creators. As a YouTube influencer, you can get paid to promote products or services through sponsored videos.

You can:

• Create product reviews or tutorials
• Integrate a brand mention in your content
• Offer shoutouts in videos or descriptions

Always disclose sponsorships according to YouTube’s guidelines. Rates vary but depend on your niche, views, engagement, and negotiation skills.

5. Use Affiliate Marketing to Boost Your Income

Affiliate marketing lets you earn a commission by promoting other companies’ products. When a viewer clicks your link and makes a purchase, you get paid.

Here’s how to start:

• Sign up for programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or Impact
• Insert affiliate links in video descriptions
• Create content that aligns with product promotions (reviews, tutorials)

This is one of the most passive ways to make money on YouTube, especially for product-focused content.

6. Offer Channel Memberships and Exclusive Perks

Once you have 1,000+ subscribers, you can activate channel memberships and let fans support you directly.

You can charge monthly fees in exchange for:

• Exclusive videos or livestreams
• Custom emojis and badges
• Behind-the-scenes content
• Member-only community posts

Make sure to consistently deliver value to keep members engaged and subscribed.

7. Receive Fan Donations via Super Chat and Super Thanks

If you livestream often, Super Chat and Super Stickers allow viewers to tip during your broadcast. For regular videos, Super Thanks offers a way for fans to send one-time payments.

These features not only help you make money on YouTube, but also boost community engagement.

To enable them:

• Join the YouTube Partner Program
• Turn on monetization features under your Live settings

8. Crowdfund Your Channel’s Growth

Crowdfunding platforms let fans invest in your content journey. You can run campaigns to fund a new project or even seek ongoing support.

Popular platforms:

• Patreon – best for ongoing monthly support
• Buy Me a Coffee – good for one-time donations
• Kickstarter – for launching new shows or gear upgrades

Offer exclusive perks or early access content to attract backers.

9. License Your Videos to Media Outlets

Got viral videos? You can license your footage to news outlets, media platforms, or documentary producers for a fee.

To get started:

• List your content on sites like Jukin Media or Storyful
• Add contact details in your video descriptions
• Tag your videos properly so they’re searchable by publishers

Licensing is ideal for viral or newsworthy content, and it can generate recurring income without new uploads.

10. Sell Online Courses or Coaching

If you’re an expert in your niche—music, fitness, finance, or design—use YouTube as a funnel to sell online courses, workshops, or 1:1 coaching.

You can:

• Promote your course in video content
• Add links in your description or pinned comments
• Host live Q&A sessions to drive leads

Platforms like Teachable, Thinkific, or Gumroad make it easy to get started. This approach positions you as an authority and builds a scalable revenue stream.

How Many Views Do You Need to Make Money on YouTube?

There’s no universal number, but here’s a general idea:

• Ad revenue: RPMs vary from $1 to $30 per 1,000 views, depending on niche and audience country.
• Affiliate marketing and sponsorships can generate income with even a few hundred targeted views.
• Fan funding and merchandise work better with strong community engagement rather than high view counts alone.

It’s not about views alone—it’s about value, niche, and audience loyalty.

Final Thoughts

YouTube is no longer just a place to upload videos—it’s a business platform. Whether you’re looking to turn on ads, sell merch, or offer coaching, there’s a monetization strategy for everyone.

Start with the basics, like joining the YouTube Partner Program and setting up ads. Then branch out into affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and fan funding.

With the right approach, consistent content, and smart monetization tactics, you can make money on YouTube doing what you love.

FAQs