How to Make Money on YouTube: 7 Effective Strategies

Are you ready to turn your passion into profit? If you’re wondering how to make money on YouTube, read on. Whether you’re a budding vlogger, or gamer, or showing off some DIY projects, YouTube offers many opportunities to monetize your creativity.

In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of building a profitable YouTube channel, from growing your subscriber base to leveraging different revenue streams. Let’s dive in!

Understanding YouTube monetization

If you’re new to creating content, check out our detailed guide on how to make a YouTube video. Creating quality, engaging content and setting up your YouTube channel the right way is critical for your success on YouTube. 

To monetize your content, one of the first milestones is reaching 1,000 subscribers and gaining 4,000 valid public watching hours within a year. This lets users join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and activate an AdSense account to earn revenue from ads on videos.

As your channel grows, opportunities like influencer marketing with media companies and creating sponsored content can provide significant income, while chats and highlighted messages during live streams offer additional revenue. YouTubers can also earn money by licensing content or exploring YouTube Premium revenue.

Along with earning revenue, the YPP gives YouTubers copyright protection, assistance from YouTube, and a full range of YouTube earning options.

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Turning Your YouTube Channel into a Business: Here's How!

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#1 – YouTube ads

For many YouTubers, ad revenue generates the most income. Creators can earn money when viewers watch or click on ads. Creating longer videos or allowing display ads throughout can help you make more ad revenue. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of videos to see what resonates most with your audience. After all, the more views and engagement, the more opportunities you have to display ads on your videos.

How to activate an AdSense account 

Setting up your AdSense account is super simple. From the YouTube Studio go to the Monetization section. From there, you can apply for the YouTube Partner Program. Once your application is approved, you’ll be able to connect to an Adsense account. 

Provide the necessary information, and link your YouTube channel to your new AdSense account. AdSense will review your application, and once you’re approved, you can start earning money from ads on your YouTube videos.

#2 – Make recurring revenue with channel memberships and subscriptions

You can also earn money on YouTube by offering channel memberships. With these memberships, you can build a dedicated fan base while generating reliable monthly income. Basically, YouTubers offer select perks and content to viewers who join the channel as paying members.

For example, YouTuber Andru Edwards offers members of his channel priority Q&A access, behind-the-scenes footage, shout-outs, and exclusive tech deals.

#3 – Use affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is another approach for viewers and creators to interact in a way that benefits both, as the viewer learns about a product or service, and the creator earns a commission. Once a YouTuber joins an affiliate program, the creator is issued a unique link for each product. 

YouTubers can then include links onscreen, in the comments, or in the description. When viewers click on it and buy from it, creators can make a percentage of the sale.

Make sure to get to know your audience. Learn their preferences and promote products that they are likely to use and appreciate. Staying true to your niche helps ensure authenticity. If you’re watching a YouTube video about a woodworking project, it would be weird if the host suddenly encouraged you to buy a trampoline.

#4 – Sell merchandise from your YouTube channel

Offering merchandise associated with a YouTube channel, is another way to monetize your channel by selling directly to your viewers.

First, YouTube requires users to choose an approved merchandise platform. In the YouTube Studio, you can connect a merchandise partner’s store with your YouTube channel. Creators can then select which items they want to display on their merchandise shelf. Then – sell away! Creators can easily make showcasing products part of their videos.

Create designs that resonate with your channel’s theme. For example, YouTuber and plumber Roger Wakefield offers hats and T-shirts with phrases like “Tradesman Built America” that his viewers will resonate with.

You can even use polls or Q&A sessions to gather feedback on what types of merchandise your viewers would like to see.

#5 – Partner with other brands

YouTubers don’t have to go it alone – companies love working with creators on sponsorships and brand deals to promote their products. Once you have a following, companies might even come to you!

For example, in this video YouTuber Nick Nimmin partners with SkillShare, presenting a little bit about the brand before diving into the topic of his video. 

If you are interested in a particular brand, just reach out to them directly. Showcase yourchannel’s statistics of subscribers, views, and demographics to convince them why they would be a good fit. 

For instance, here’s a list of information to include in your pitch email:

• Your subscriber count, average views, and audience demographics
• Any relevant accomplishments or collaborations

• Specific ideas for collaboration that benefit both parties
• How this collaboration will benefit the brand
• A call to action. Clearly state what you’re hoping to achieve, likea product review, sponsored video, joint giveaway, etc.
• An invitation to schedule a call or meeting to discuss

#6 – Use crowdfunding and fan funding 

For an even more direct route, crowdfunding and fan funding help YouTubers raise funds from viewers. For instance, the Patreon platform connects fans and creators. The fans become patrons and pay a monthly subscription fee in exchange for exclusive rewards.

Another platform, Kickstarter, raises funds for specific projects like a new video series or equipment. Creators set a funding goal and ask people to support the project. If the goal is reached, backers receive rewards based on their donation level.

To get people excited about donating, tell a compelling story and explain the impact it will have on your viewers. Offering rewards viewers really want—like experiences, exclusive content, or personalized shoutouts—is commonly used to attract funding.

#7 – Create YouTube Shorts

YouTube offers other incentive programs designed to reward creators for producing engaging content. 

For instance, the YouTube Shorts Fund is a fund of $100 million distributed to creators who produce high-quality Shorts, which are short-form videos that are 60 seconds or less. At the end of each month, YouTube notifies channels and gives them a bonus based on their performance.

Other YouTube programs include challenges, when YouTube runs programs that ask creators to participate in themed challenges, with the chance to win prizes or gain exposure. YouTubeNextUp is a program that selects creators and provides them with resources, training, and opportunities to help them monetize their videos.

Valerie Pennington of The Penguin Prof YouTube channel effectively uses YouTube Shorts for quick, informational videos.

Bonus tip: quality content leads to success

One of the most critical factors in making money on YouTube is creating high-quality content. Viewers are more likely to subscribe, share, and engage with videos that are polished and professional. The good news? Making your videos look top-notch is not as hard as you think!

Whether you’re making tutorials, product reviews, or reaction videos, Camtasia’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface means you don’t have to be a professional video editor to create stunning videos. Give Camtasia a try, and watch your content–and your channel–reach new heights.