how do you earn money on youtube
So, you’ve been thinking about diving into the world of YouTube to make some cash, right? You’ve probably heard stories of creators earning big bucks and wondered, "Is that really possible?" Well, here’s the thing – making money from YouTube is absolutely doable, but it’s not exactly a walk in the park. Whether you're planning to be the next viral sensation or just trying to make a little extra on the side, it takes strategy, patience, and consistency.
But don’t worry – this guide’s got your back! We’ll walk through the steps you need to follow to start earning from YouTube, how much you can expect to make monthly, and whether YouTube is really the best platform out there for earning money.
How Can You Make Money on YouTube?
There’s no magic button you press to start making money on YouTube. You can’t just upload a video and expect to wake up with a million dollars in your bank account (though wouldn’t that be nice?). To turn your YouTube channel into a money-making machine, you've got to understand the different ways people earn on the platform.
Here’s the lowdown on the top ways to make cash on YouTube:
- Ad revenue – One of the most well-known ways to earn money from YouTube is through ads. You’ll need to join the YouTube Partner Program, and once you do, ads will start appearing on your videos. Every time someone watches those ads, you earn a little bit of cash. Keep in mind, it takes time to build up enough views to see serious earnings, but it’s a start.
- Sponsored content – Another popular option is working with brands. If your channel grows big enough or if you target a specific niche, companies will pay you to promote their products or services. These sponsorships can range from subtle product placements to full-blown video features, and the more influential your channel becomes, the bigger the payouts.
- Affiliate marketing – You know when you’re watching a video and the creator mentions they’ve got links in the description where you can buy stuff? That’s affiliate marketing! Essentially, you promote a product or service, and if someone clicks on your link and buys it, you get a commission. It’s a great way to earn money without needing millions of subscribers.
- Merchandise – Got a loyal fan base? Consider selling your own merch. T-shirts, hoodies, mugs – whatever represents your channel’s brand. The beauty of merch is that it not only brings in extra income, but it also helps build a stronger community around your content.
- Memberships & Super Chats – If your audience is really engaged, you can enable memberships or Super Chats on your channel. This allows your fans to pay for special perks, like exclusive content or shout-outs. It’s not for everyone, but for some creators, it can be a significant income stream.
Remember, the key to making money from YouTube is diversification. Most successful creators don’t just rely on one income stream – they stack multiple methods to maximize their earnings.
How Much Are YouTube’s Monthly Earnings?
Okay, let’s talk numbers. How much can you actually expect to earn from YouTube every month? Well, that’s where things get tricky. There’s no "one size fits all" answer because it depends on a lot of factors, including your views, audience engagement, and the monetization methods you use.
For ad revenue, most creators earn between $0.01 and $0.03 per view, meaning if your video racks up 1,000 views, you could earn around $10 to $30. Sounds small, right? But when you’ve got thousands or even millions of views per video, those numbers start adding up.
Sponsored deals can be a whole different ballgame. Some creators charge a few hundred dollars for a brand deal, while big influencers with millions of subscribers can earn tens of thousands (or more) for a single video.
Here’s a rough idea of potential earnings:
- Small creators with under 100,000 subscribers might make around $500 to $2,000 a month.
- Mid-tier creators (100,000 to 1 million subs) could see monthly earnings of $2,000 to $10,000, especially if they’re tapping into sponsorships and merch.
- Big-time creators with over 1 million subscribers? Well, the sky’s the limit. Some make over $100,000 a month from ads, sponsorships, and other streams.
Of course, these numbers aren’t guarantees – they’re estimates. Your actual earnings depend on a combination of how hard you grind, your audience size, and how many different ways you’re monetizing your content.
Is YouTube the Best Platform to Make Money From?
With so many platforms out there to make money from, the big question is: Is YouTube still the best one? The answer is... it depends! It’s all about what you’re trying to achieve, and what kind of content you’re creating.
Here’s why YouTube might be the best option for you:
- Massive audience – Let’s face it, YouTube has one of the largest audiences on the planet. Over 2 billion people log in every month! That’s a huge potential fanbase for your content. If you’re looking to grow fast, there aren’t many other platforms with that kind of reach.
- Long-form content – Unlike platforms like TikTok or Instagram that focus on short-form videos, YouTube allows for longer, more in-depth content. That means you can really dive deep into your topics, build a loyal audience, and even earn more ad revenue (since longer videos = more ads).
- Versatile monetization – From ad revenue to sponsorships, affiliate marketing to memberships, there’s no shortage of ways to make money on YouTube. Other platforms might offer some monetization options, but they can’t compete with the sheer variety of ways you can earn on YouTube.
That being said, YouTube isn't perfect. It’s highly competitive, and it can take months (or even years) to grow a following. Plus, their algorithm is always changing, meaning your videos might not always get the visibility they deserve. But if you’re consistent, strategic, and willing to put in the work, YouTube can be a fantastic platform for making money.
• How many views do I need to earn money on YouTube?
To earn money on YouTube, you need to meet the eligibility criteria for the YouTube Partner Program. This requires at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months, or 10 million views on YouTube Shorts within 90 days.
• How do YouTubers get paid?
YouTubers are primarily paid through ad revenue from the YouTube Partner Program, which comes from ads shown on their videos. Other income streams include sponsorships, affiliate marketing, merchandise sales, Super Chats, and YouTube Premium revenue.
• How much will YouTube pay me for 1000 views?
YouTube typically pays between $1 to $5 per 1,000 views through ads, depending on factors like the content's niche, viewer demographics, and ad engagement. The CPM (cost per thousand impressions) varies widely across creators.
• How to make $10,000 per month on YouTube without making videos?
To earn $10,000 per month without making videos, you can focus on channels that curate content, like royalty-free video compilations, top 10 lists, or meditation videos. Monetize through YouTube ads, affiliate links, sponsorships, and product sales without creating original videos.
Other Platforms to Consider
Of course, YouTube isn’t the only option. If you're not totally sold, there are other platforms worth checking out:
- Twitch – If live streaming is more your thing, Twitch can be a great place to earn. Especially if you're into gaming or have a strong personality for interactive content.
- Patreon – For creators with a loyal fanbase, Patreon offers a way for followers to pay for exclusive content. If you want more creative control and direct support from fans, this might be your go-to.
- TikTok – Short-form content is
