How to Make Money on YouTube in 2024

How to Make Money on YouTube

In today’s digital age, YouTube has emerged as a powerful platform that not only entertains and informs but also offers a lucrative income stream for content creators. With its vast reach and diverse audience base, YouTube has become the go-to platform for individuals looking to turn their passion into profit.

Nowadays, YouTube stars have become the epitome of self-made celebrities. These talented individuals have captivated audiences by crafting engaging video content that ranges from educational and entertaining to review-based and simply awe-inspiring. They have truly mastered the art of captivating people through the power of the internet.

While making money on YouTube might not have been your initial motivation for starting a channel, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the abundance of opportunities to earn. Fortunately, there are numerous creative paths you can explore to learn how to monetize your YouTube presence.

When it comes to monetizing your YouTube channel, your audience plays a crucial role. Just like Instagram influencers or bloggers, they have the potential to unlock your earning possibilities. However, it’s important to also explore other avenues for generating revenue. Diversifying your income through side hustles or businesses can truly maximize your profit-making opportunities.

Table of Contents

Becoming a full time YouTuber

1. Join the YouTube Partner Program

As you embark on your journey to monetize your YouTube channel, one of the primary revenue streams you’ll undoubtedly consider is ads. Whether you’re looking to generate income without creating videos yourself or as a content creator, enrolling in the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and configuring monetization is an essential and pivotal step. By enabling ads on your channel, you open up a world of opportunities to earn revenue from your valuable content.

In order to monetize your YouTube channel, it is essential to comply with all of YouTube’s monetization policies. Additionally, you must reside in a country or region where the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is available. Once you meet these requirements, you will be eligible to apply for monetization once you achieve a certain milestone. 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours over the past year, or 1,000 subscribers with 10 million valid public Shorts views within the past 90 days.

Here is how you can enable monetization on YouTube:

Sign in to the YouTube account you want to monetize.
To access your account, simply locate and click on the icon situated in the upper right-hand corner. It’s conveniently placed for easy accessibility, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Click YouTube Studio.
In the left menu, navigate to Other Features > and then select Monetization.
Take a moment to carefully read and wholeheartedly agree to the terms and eligibility requirements of the YouTuber Partner Program. By doing so, you will unlock incredible opportunities for growth and success on the platform.
Unlock the full potential of your channel by creating a brand new Google AdSense account or seamlessly connecting an existing one. With an AdSense account in place, you not only get access to monetization opportunities, but also ensure that you are rightfully compensated for your efforts.
Please set your monetization preferences.

Once you’ve completed those tasks, return to the dashboard and locate the Analytics tab on the left-hand side. Click on it to proceed. Next, select Revenue from the options at the top of the page. Scroll down until you find the Monthly Estimated Revenue chart, which will provide you with a valuable insight into your projected YouTube earnings.

What is YouTube Premium?

Unlock an ad-free experience and show your support for your beloved YouTube content creators with the remarkable YouTube Premium. This membership program offers fans a seamless viewing experience devoid of any pesky ads. What’s more, creators won’t miss out on any compensation as they will be duly rewarded for both their content consumed by non-members on YouTube and the content enjoyed by YouTube Premium members. It’s a win-win situation that benefits both fans and creators alike.

YouTube Premium offers creators an exciting opportunity to earn additional revenue based on the viewership of their content. By considering the revenue generated from YouTube Premium subscribers as a secondary income stream alongside your existing ad earnings, you can maximize your overall earning potential on the platform. With an increasing number of users subscribing to YouTube Premium, this additional source of income can significantly enhance your overall financial success as a creator.

Although setting up advertising as a YouTube Partner may seem effortless, it’s important to note that it is not the most lucrative revenue stream available. There are other avenues that can bring in higher financial returns for you.

There are several reasons why you should consider looking beyond ads for revenue.

YouTube faced significant criticism for its lack of transparency when it came to advertising and what content was deemed “advertiser friendly.” This raised concerns among many creators, who were worried about potential loss of advertising revenue due to the nature of their content.

YouTube has established certain guidelines to determine content eligibility for ad revenue. While it is essential to adhere to these guidelines, if your content is deemed ineligible by YouTube, it may result in exclusion from ad revenue.

The content may contain sexually suggestive elements, including partial nudity and sexual humor.
The content may include violent elements, including displays of serious injury and events related to violent extremism.
Inappropriate language, including harassment, profanity, and vulgar language, is not acceptable.
Promotion of drugs and regulated substances, including their sale, use, and abuse
Controversial or sensitive topics, including events and subjects related to war, political conflicts, natural disasters, and tragedies, should be approached with caution, even if graphic imagery is not shown.

It’s true that YouTube has been demonetizing content that it considers unfriendly to advertisers since 2012, using an automated system. Initially, this was done without any prior warning or knowledge on the part of the content creators.

Creators now have the advantage of receiving timely notifications whenever their content is flagged. This allows them to promptly address any concerns and contest any exclusion from YouTube’s advertising network, ensuring a fair and accurate assessment of their videos.

While advertising on platforms like YouTube can be a reliable source of passive income for content creators, it’s important to consider the trade-off involved. In this case, YouTube’s parent company, Google, retains around 45% of the ad revenue generated. However, given the vast reach and audience that these platforms offer, many creators still find it worthwhile to leverage advertising as a means of monetization.

In order to maintain their creative passion, it is essential for YouTubers to diversify their income sources. Fortunately, there are various ways to generate revenue from YouTube without solely relying on AdSense. Let’s delve into some effective strategies that can help YouTubers monetize their content in alternative ways.

2. Sell products or merchandise.

Expanding your revenue streams on your YouTube channel is an exciting opportunity. One way to do this is by offering a variety of products for sale, such as stylish merch like t-shirts, coffee mugs, tote bags, and snapbacks. Not only does this generate additional income, but it also brings several other benefits that go beyond just financial gains.

By leveraging merchandise, you have the opportunity to extend your online brand and personality into the physical world, thus boosting your exposure. This not only allows you to connect with your fans on a deeper level but also strengthens the bond between you and them as they actively invest in and support what you’re passionate about.

Don’t be fooled, selling branded swag is actually simpler than you might think. With the help of freelance platforms like Fiverr, you can easily find talented designers who can create customized and budget-friendly designs for various products, such as trendy t-shirts. It’s a hassle-free way to elevate your brand presence and engage with your audience in a stylish and cost-effective manner.

When it comes to streamlining your order handling process, you have the option to seamlessly integrate your store with convenient services such as DSers or a variety of print-on-demand providers. These services not only handle shipping and fulfillment but also provide reliable customer support, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for both you and your customers.

An alternative approach would be to collaborate with established merchandising networks tailored for creators, such as the well-known DFTBA (Don’t Forget to Be Awesome). By joining forces with these platforms, you can tap into their wide-reaching network and benefit from their expertise in promoting and selling merchandise. While utilizing YouTube as a platform for your content can be beneficial, it’s important to acknowledge the competition you’ll face from other YouTubers. Additionally, you may have less control over aspects such as product integration, discounts, and other advantages that come with owning your own ecommerce site. It’s crucial to weigh these factors when considering the best approach for your business.

Why settle for just promoting products on your YouTube channel when you can take it a step further? Create and sell your own unique products, just like Luxy Hair did with their hair extensions. By combining informative how-to video tutorials with an entrepreneurial spirit, you can harness the power of YouTube to drive sales and grow your business.

As a successful YouTuber with a dedicated audience, you have two distinct advantages that would make any store owner envious:

Unlock the power of an exceptional content engine that effortlessly drives a consistent stream of traffic straight to your online store. With this innovative solution, you can effortlessly attract and engage potential customers, ensuring your business remains at the forefront of their minds. Say goodbye to uncertainty and hello to steady growth and success.
The trust of your audience is invaluable, and you have earned it through consistent delivery of valuable content under your own brand. By providing high-quality content free of charge, you have strengthened your relationship with them, establishing yourself as a reliable source they can count on.

3. Why not consider crowdfunding for your upcoming creative project?

When you have a brilliant idea but lack the necessary funds to bring it to life, crowdfunding emerges as a powerful solution. This innovative approach enables you to bridge the financial gap and turn your vision into reality. With the support of a like-minded community, your idea can truly thrive and make a lasting impact.

When it comes to funding your creative projects, you have a powerful tool at your disposal – your own audience and the crowdfunding community. If your idea is truly captivating, you can tap into their support for assistance with purchasing top-notch equipment, hiring talented actors, or covering other production expenses. With their help, nothing can stand in the way of bringing your vision to life.

One effective strategy for successful crowdfunding campaigns is to provide a sneak peek or a captivating trailer. By creating a video that explains your project and offers a tantalizing glimpse into what it will be like, you can generate excitement among potential supporters. This approach has been proven to be highly effective in capturing the attention and support of your target audience. One outstanding example of a successful project on Kickstarter is the campaign for Kung Fury, a highly acclaimed short film that pays homage to the iconic action movies of the 1980s. This project gained significant popularity and support from backers who shared an appreciation for nostalgic cinema.

Kickstarter, renowned as one of the leading crowdfunding platforms, is an excellent choice for financing remarkable products and innovative ventures. However, it’s crucial to set a realistic funding goal that you can achieve. Remember, you will only secure the funds if you successfully meet the target you establish.

If you’re looking for an alternative to Kickstarter, Indiegogo is the perfect choice. With a range of flexible funding options, it gives you more control over your campaign’s financial success. Whether you prefer fixed funding or flexible funding, Indiegogo can cater to your needs and help you reach your fundraising goals.

4. Allow your audience to show their support through the power of “fan funding”

By giving your followers the opportunity to financially contribute, you not only strengthen your connection with them but also create a sustainable source of income to further enhance your creative endeavors. Embrace the generosity of your fans and let them be an integral part of your success.

Just like crowdfunding, you have the option to create “fan funding” initiatives to gather financial support from your dedicated audience. This approach allows your fans to contribute towards your project and show their appreciation for your work in a meaningful way.

As a content creator, you have the power to share your voice online without putting a financial burden on your audience. By providing valuable and engaging content, you may find that your audience is willing to support you over time through various means of ongoing support.

Fan-funding platforms have emerged as a valuable tool for content creators. These platforms not only provide an additional avenue for people to discover their content, but also offer a unique opportunity to engage and reward their most loyal audience. It’s a win-win situation that allows creators to grow their fan base while giving back to those who support them.

Wait But Why has established itself as a prolific creator of long-form written content, surpassing their output in the form of YouTube videos. Despite this focus, they have successfully tapped into the power of the Patreon community to receive strong support for their work. This serves as a great example of how creators can leverage platforms like Patreon to flourish and engage with their dedicated audience.

When it comes to crowdfunding, it’s important to follow some key best practices for success. Start by being transparent about how the funds will be utilized. By doing so, you can truly engage your fanbase and make them feel connected to your story or mission. They’ll not only support you financially but also believe in the value of your content and what it offers.

To maximize your chances of securing donations and higher pledges, consider offering enticing rewards. By making donors feel like they’re part of an exclusive community and receiving something special for their support, you create a sense of loyalty and appreciation. With these perks in place, you’ll be able to attract more generous contributions and foster stronger connections with your valued fans.

Some popular fan funding options include:

Unlock the potential of YouTube’s Super Chat feature for your live streams. By using Super Chat, you can establish a virtual tipping jar, allowing your viewers to donate whenever and however much they choose. To get started, simply set up your YouTube account for advertising as detailed above. Embrace the power of audience engagement and create an additional revenue stream with Super Chat on YouTube.
Discover the incredible benefits of channel memberships! By allowing your viewers to support your channel through monthly payments, you can offer them exclusive perks that are reserved only for your valued members. This feature is similar to Super Chat, but please note that you must be a part of YouTube’s Partner Program to access and make the most out of this exciting opportunity. Start building a loyal community today with channel memberships!
With Patreon, creators are finally able to effortlessly monetize their passions. By offering fans the opportunity to subscribe for as little as a dollar a month, they can access exclusive rewards and support their favorite artists directly. It’s a win-win situation that fosters a thriving community of dedicated fans and financially empowers creators like never before.
Tipeee is the perfect platform for those seeking a blend of one-time and recurring contributions. With Tipeee, you can easily facilitate both types of donations, empowering supporters to choose the option that works best for them.
Indulge in the convenience of Buy Me A Coffee, a platform that empowers creators and artists to receive donations and membership fees from their devoted fans. With a staggering number of over 300,000 talented individuals already onboard, it has earned the reputation as the ultimate alternative to Patreon. Join this thriving community today and unlock new opportunities for support and success.Buy Me A Coffee offers a seamless payment experience, making it easier for you to accept payments. Unlike Patreon, which charges up to 12% on various features, Buy Me A Coffee has a flat 5% fee across all its offerings. Additionally, with Buy Me A Coffee, you get the added benefit of instant payouts.

5. Monetize your content by licensing it to the media.

Imagine the exciting possibility of creating a viral video that captivates and entertains the masses. Whether it’s a hilarious clip showcasing your beloved four-legged friend or an irresistibly shareable moment, you have the opportunity to turn your content into a lucrative venture. By licensing your video, you can monetize its popularity and receive financial compensation in return. It’s an excellent way to capitalize on your creative endeavors and potentially generate income from the widespread appeal of your content.

As the creator of viral videos, you may find yourself receiving requests from TV news outlets, morning shows, online news sites, and other content creators who are interested in using your footage. This presents a great opportunity for you to gain exposure for your work and reach a wider audience.

In addition to that, consider listing your videos in a reputable marketplace like Jukin Licensing. By doing so, you increase the visibility of your content and make it more accessible to potential buyers who are specifically interested in what you have to offer. This can greatly enhance your chances of selling your videos to the right audience.

The moment this captivating video of a woman donning a Chewbacca mask gained immense popularity, numerous media outlets were eager to get on board. Clearly, its viral status caught the attention of many!

6. Unlock amazing opportunities by collaborating with renowned brands as an influential figure.

In today’s competitive marketing landscape, brands are wisely allocating a significant portion of their advertising budgets towards influencer marketing and sponsorships. By partnering with influential individuals who have already gained the trust and loyalty of their dedicated followers, brands can effectively reach their target audiences in an engaging and authentic way. This strategic investment not only maximizes the impact of their advertising efforts but also helps establish a genuine connection with consumers that traditional advertising methods often struggle to achieve.

As a creator, the growing use of AI writing assistants presents an enormous opportunity for you. By leveraging these tools and negotiating favorable deals, you can enhance your productivity and maximize your creative output.

Brendan Gahan, a reputable YouTube marketing expert and influencer, brings forward an insightful recommendation for determining your baseline flat fee. By analyzing the average number of views your videos receive and multiplying it by $0.05 to $0.15 per view (a range that aligns with many brands’ willingness to invest in YouTube ads), you can establish a reasonable starting point for negotiating your rates with potential partners. This approach combines industry standards with data-driven insights to ensure you are fairly compensated for the value you bring as a content creator.

WebFX’s data reveals the potential costs associated with influencer marketing on YouTube. These figures give businesses valuable insights into the investment required to leverage this powerful marketing channel.

The rates for YouTubers based on their subscriber count are as follows
$20 per video for a YouTuber with 1,000 subscribers$
200 per video for a YouTuber with 10,000 subscribers$
2,000 per video for a YouTuber with 100,000 subscribers$
20,000 per video for a YouTuber with 1,000,000 subscribers

If you have a strong position in terms of your audience demographics, content quality, and the uniqueness and profitability of your niche, there is a good chance that you can negotiate a more favorable deal with brands that align well with your brand. Your leverage gives you the opportunity to secure better terms and benefits from partnerships.

When it comes to collaborating on brand-sponsored content, transparency is crucial. It’s important to only endorse products or services that genuinely align with your values and beliefs. Openly communicate with your audience about the reasons behind your partnership, ensuring they understand why you are engaging in such collaborations. Building trust with your audience should always be a top priority when participating in sponsored content endeavors.

There are numerous influencer marketplaces out there, offering you a fantastic opportunity to showcase your channel and get noticed by brands of all sizes. These platforms serve as powerful tools for discovering exciting collaborations, enabling you to connect with both big-name companies and emerging brands alike.

Introducing Crowdtap, the platform that rewards you handsomely for completing quick and easy content creation tasks. Whether you have a large or small following, there are no restrictions on joining. Earn money and other exciting rewards while showcasing your creativity. Join Crowdtap today and start reaping the benefits of your content creation skills!
Experience the power of Upfluence, the ultimate influencer platform that boasts a massive database of over 3 million influencers. With Upfluence, you can effortlessly search for creators using specific keywords and seamlessly connect with them to forge valuable partnerships. Say goodbye to endless hours spent manually searching for influencers – Upfluence streamlines the process and empowers you to take your influencer marketing strategy to new heights.

In the world of influencer marketing, there are various marketplaces that provide exciting opportunities. Some offer complimentary products, while others attract big brands who are willing to pay a premium. It’s essential to leverage the opportunities that align with your specific needs. However, don’t limit yourself – make sure to list your channel on as many platforms as possible to maximize its visibility and reach potential collaborations with diverse brands.

7. Unlock the potential for incredible income by becoming an affiliate marketer.

Affiliate marketing is an effective way to earn a commission by promoting products or services from other brands. By incorporating product placements, endorsements, or creating engaging content, you can become a successful affiliate marketer for various brands. However, it is essential to maintain transparency and disclose any partnerships to your viewers in your videos. This builds trust and ensures transparency in the affiliate marketing process.

If you’re a YouTuber who frequently reviews products, incorporating AI writing assistants can be a game-changer. It’s a win-win situation for both you and the brands you collaborate with. Brands only pay commissions when they generate sales through your channel, so the entry barrier is typically low, making it easier to begin these partnerships and start earning.

If you’re looking to earn some extra income through affiliate marketing, ClickBank is a fantastic option. With commission rates ranging from 1% to an impressive 90%, you have the opportunity to maximize your earnings based on what the vendor sets. Additionally, don’t limit yourself solely to ClickBank – many brands in your niche operate their own affiliate programs, which is quite common in the booming ecommerce industry. By reaching out and partnering with these brands, you can expand your earning potential even further.

How many views do you need on YouTube in order to generate income?

Data from Influencer Marketing Hub reveals that the average YouTube channel earns around 18¢ per view, amounting to a considerable $180 for every 1,000 views. This highlights the potential financial opportunities that exist for content creators on this popular platform.

It’s important to understand that the number of views alone doesn’t necessarily translate into revenue earned. Even if your video garners thousands of views, if viewers don’t actively engage with the ads or click on them, your earning potential may be limited. It’s crucial for content creators to strive for a balance between attracting a large audience and encouraging meaningful interactions that can generate revenue.

One of the reasons why YouTube is so attractive to advertisers is its strict criteria for billing. In order for content creators to earn revenue, viewers must either click on an ad or watch it in its entirety, whether it’s a short clip or a longer one spanning 10, 15, or 30 seconds. This ensures that advertisers are getting their money’s worth and encourages engagement from the audience.

How to get paid on YouTube

Publish ads on your channel, offer channel subscriptions, provide channel memberships, and sign up for affiliate marketing.

If you want to start monetizing your YouTube channel and earning money directly from it, there are a few requirements you need to meet. You must have a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and accumulate 4,000 watch hours in the past year. Alternatively, if you have at least 1,000 subscribers, you can also qualify if your videos have received 10 million valid public Shorts views within the past 90 days. These criteria ensure that you have an engaged audience before you can start monetizing your content on YouTube. Once you’ve achieved either of those milestones, you’ll be eligible to apply for YouTube’s Partner Program – a fantastic opportunity to start monetizing your channel.

Affiliate marketing is a lucrative avenue for beginners looking to monetize their content, even with a limited number of subscribers. You can easily tap into popular niches such as food reviews, product openings, or creating top [X] lists on YouTube. These topics have proven to be highly engaging for viewers and can generate significant income through affiliate partnerships. With the right strategies and compelling content, you’ll be well on your way to making money in no time! By leveraging affiliate marketing, you have the opportunity to earn money whenever your audience purchases products through your videos. This is an incredibly lucrative alternative to relying solely on ad clicks or video views. Instead of just making a small fraction from ads, you can generate substantial income by promoting and endorsing affiliate products. It’s a win-win situation for both you and your viewers!

Curious about the earning potential of YouTubers? ( How much money do YouTubers make per year?)

The success of top YouTubers is truly remarkable, with millions of loyal followers each. MrBeast, Like Nastya, Dude Perfect, and JuegaGerman are just a few examples of these influential content creators. Their annual earnings can reach an astonishing $28.5 million through their channels alone. However, it’s important to note that even smaller accounts have the potential to earn a decent living on YouTube. The platform offers opportunities for creators of all sizes to monetize their content and build a thriving career from their passion.

Look no further than Justine Leconte’s YouTube channel as a prime example. With an impressive following of 913,000 subscribers and a staggering 91 million video views, she has quickly become a go-to resource for those seeking to improve their fashion sense and gain a deeper understanding of the industry. Her channel is truly a game-changer in empowering individuals to dress better and master the art of fashion. Based on calculations from Influencer Marketing Hub’s YouTube Money Calculator, she is estimated to earn approximately $259,304 solely from ad revenue. On average, each of her videos earns around $979. These impressive earnings showcase the lucrative potential of her influencer career on YouTube.

Justine has the potential to make a living through her YouTube channel by consistently posting one or two videos per week, according to these estimates. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these figures are just estimates and may vary in reality. Justine has the potential to earn even more or less than the figures mentioned above, all depending on the clever YouTube monetization strategies she chooses to implement for her business. With the right approach, there is a vast scope for maximizing her earnings and achieving great success.

How do YouTubers get paid?

According to data from Forbes, a significant portion of the annual income for top YouTube earners comes from ads. Setting up an AdSense account and enabling monetization is a crucial step once you create your own YouTube channel. It’s important to note that payment is made only after reaching the threshold of $100 in your AdSense account.

Monetizing your YouTube channel doesn’t necessarily require a massive subscriber base. The earning potential goes beyond just the number of subscribers and views you accumulate. Factors such as engagement levels, niche targeting, and revenue diversification also play a vital role in determining your success in generating income from your channel. While it’s true that the number of subscribers on YouTube is important, it’s not the only factor to consider.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the list of top 10 earners may lead you to believe that their millions of dollars in earnings solely come from YouTube. However, it is important to recognize that each of these channels has also established its own line of merchandise. This diversification allows them to generate additional revenue streams and further expand their financial success.

Successful channels on platforms like YouTube have one thing in common – they prioritize building an audience before launching their own merchandise. If you’re aiming to monetize your YouTube presence, the first crucial step is to gain a deep understanding of your target audience. By knowing who you’re creating content for, you’ll be better equipped to tailor your marketing strategy and ultimately generate revenue from your efforts.

Tips for selling on YouTube

When it comes to monetizing your content, there are various strategies that involve promoting products or campaigns. However, it is crucial to maintain the integrity of your high-quality content while doing so. Ensuring that your promotions align with the value and integrity of your content will help you strike the right balance between earning revenue and preserving the trust of your audience.

The fear of “selling out” is understandable for many creators. However, it’s important to remember that if you never ask for opportunities, you’ll never receive them. There are a variety of strategic placements available to promote your products or campaigns effectively.

It is crucial to understand your audience on YouTube.

By taking the time to build your own audience, you are setting yourself up for tremendous opportunities to monetize your content. Understanding the characteristics and preferences of your audience is key to maximizing these opportunities and tapping into their needs effectively. By truly knowing your audience, you can tailor your content and offerings in a way that resonates with them, leading to greater success in monetizing your efforts.

If you’re a YouTuber aiming to monetize your channel, it’s essential to carve out a niche for yourself. This not only helps you stand out but also puts you in a favorable position to collaborate with brands seeking to reach specific target audiences. I’ll elaborate on this further shortly.

You’ll want to pay close attention to the following:

To determine if your audience skews toward one particular gender.
The age range that most of your audience falls into.
The geographic locations, such as countries or cities, where your videos are being watched.
The overall engagement of your audience, also known as “watch time,” is an important metric to consider.

By having access to this valuable demographic information, you can gain a deeper understanding of your target audience. This knowledge will empower you to collaborate more effectively with brands and tailor your content to resonate with your viewers. While YouTube analytics can provide comprehensive demographic insights, Social Blade offers a convenient tool to compare your channel’s performance against others in the industry.