YouTube draws over 2 billion logged-in users every month. But beyond its vast library of entertainment, tutorials, and vlogs, YouTube has slowly become one of the best earning apps online. This explains why so many people ask; How do people make money on YouTube?

We created this post to answer the question and guide you through the key strategies that successful YouTubers use to generate revenue and maximize their earnings.

We will break down the requirements and benefits of each strategy so you know what works and what to expect. So, it doesn’t matter whether you’re an aspiring creator looking to turn a passion into profit or simply curious about the intricacies of digital entrepreneurship, You will find this post helpful.

In the meantime, you may also want to check this other guide on How to Make Money on TikTok.

How Exactly do People Make Money on YouTube?

If you’re new to YouTube monetization, a question that may naturally come to mind is; how do people make money on YouTube? Or, how exactly do YouTubers get paid?

People make money on YouTube through ad revenue, sales from YouTube Shopping, a share of YouTube Premium subscription fees, channel memberships with exclusive perks, and interactive features like Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks. Each of the method requires above meeting specific eligibility requirements.

You will also need to comply with YouTube’s monetization policies. Here’s all you need to know about these strategies to make money on YouTube;

       I.            Advertising Revenue

Advertising revenue is one of the most common ways content creators make money on YouTube. Earnings come from ads displayed on videos, including Watch Page ads for standard videos and Shorts Feed ads for shorter content.

Also read: How to Make Money on OnlyFans without Showing your Face

To qualify for YouTube advertising revenue, you will need at least 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 public watch hours within the past 365 days or 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days. Also, you must comply with YouTube’s advertiser-friendly content guidelines to ensure your content is suitable for ads.

    II.            Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is an effective to make money on YouTube from commissions. People make money on YouTube through affiliate marketing by promoting products or services in their videos.

To do this, you will want to include affiliate links in your video descriptions and most importantly, encourage viewers to purchase the items. When a viewer clicks on these links and completes a purchase, you earn a percentage of the sale.

This strategy works particularly well for channels focused on product reviews, tutorials, or lifestyle content. To boost your income while providing valuable recommendations to your audience, choose relevant and high-quality affiliate products.

 III.            Shopping (Your Own Products)

YouTube allows creators to integrate their online stores directly into their channels. This way, your fans can browse and purchase products direct from the platform.

You may find this feature valuable if you already have merchandise or product lines. To be eligible, you will need to meet specific subscriber threshold or be recognized as an Official Artist Channel.

Also read: How Much Does Amazon Pay You to Work from Home?

Channels must avoid content flagged as “Made for Kids” and maintain a clean record without violations of YouTube’s Monetization Policies or Hate Speech strikes. This monetization avenue can help you diversify income through product sales while building brand loyalty among your audiences.

 IV.            Sponsorships and Brand Deals

Sponsorships and brand deals are partnerships where brands pay creators to showcase their products or services in videos. This often includes dedicated segments where the creator highlights the brand’s offerings, explains benefits, or shares personal experiences.

The payment structure can vary considerably. Typically, the pay tends to range from flat fees to performance-based bonuses.

Successful creators with a strong niche following can negotiate higher rates as they deliver targeted exposure to engaged audiences. These collaborations help brands reach potential customers while providing creators with a lucrative source of revenue that supplements ad earnings.

    V.            YouTube Premium Revenue

YouTube Premium allows subscribers to watch content ad-free, but creators can still earn money from these views. Revenue comes from a portion of the subscription fees that is distributed based on how much Premium subscribers engage with a creator’s content.

To capitalize on this, you must accept the necessary contract modules and consistently produce engaging videos that attract Premium viewers. With this method, you can benefit from ad-free views and get an additional income stream that supplements traditional ad revenue.

 VI.            Crowdfunding and Donations

Crowdfunding platforms like Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, and Ko-fi enable creators to receive financial support directly from their viewers. In exchange, supporters may gain access to exclusive content, behind-the-scenes videos, or perks like shout-outs.

YouTube’s own Channel Memberships can also function as a form of crowdfunding, but external platforms offer more flexibility. This model helps create a sense of community and allows loyal viewers to contribute to the sustainability of a channel. Creators often use this approach to fund larger projects, maintain ad-free content, or create niche content that may not attract mainstream sponsorships.

VII.            Channel Memberships

Channel memberships allow creators to monetize their audience through recurring monthly payments. Subscribers, or members, gain access to exclusive perks like members-only posts, special badges, and custom emojis.

To activate channel memberships to make money on YouTube, your channel must have at least 500 subscribers and have uploaded at least three public videos within the last 90 days. The channel will also need either 3,000 public watch hours over the last year or 3 million public Shorts views in the past 90 days. This form of income can help you build a loyal community willing to support you for added value and exclusive content.

VIII.            Selling Digital Products or Courses

Creators with expertise in specific fields can also make money on YouTube by monetizing their knowledge. This can be achieved through the sale of digital products like e-books, templates, or online courses.

Educational channels, for example, can create comprehensive courses that delve deeper into topics discussed in videos. These courses can be hosted on platforms like Teachable or Udemy, or sold directly through the creator’s website.

Selling digital products not only diversifies a creator’s income but also establishes them as an authority in their niche. What’s more, the low production cost of digital products makes them a highly profitable revenue stream.

 IX.            Super Chat & Super Stickers

Super Chat and Super Stickers are interactive monetization features for live streams. They allow fans to pay to highlight their messages or send animated stickers in real-time chats.

Creators who make money from YouTube with this strategy receive payments when viewers purchase these options to stand out in crowded chat rooms, often during Q&A sessions, live performances, or other interactive streams. To be eligible for Super Chat and Super Stickers, creators must be 18 or older and based in a country or region where Super Chat and Super Stickers are available.

    X.            Consulting or Coaching Services

YouTubers who have established themselves as experts in fields like marketing, fitness, finance, or personal development can offer consulting or coaching services. This could range from one-on-one coaching sessions to workshops and webinars tailored to the needs of their audience. Once you’ve set up your consulting services, you will need to determine applicable rates for example $35/hour depending on your service or industry and the prevailing demand.

Also read: $35 an Hour is How Much a Year?

By leveraging your YouTube channel to demonstrate expertise, you can attract clients who trust your knowledge. This income stream is particularly beneficial for creators looking for high-value engagements and long-term client relationships. Consulting services can also be integrated with other platforms such as Zoom or dedicated coaching websites for seamless interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many views do you need on YouTube to make money?

To be able to make money on YouTube, you will need to join the YouTube Partner Program, which requires at least 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 public watch hours in the past 12 months or 10 million Shorts views within 90 days. Monetization begins once eligibility is confirmed.

• How much does YouTube pay per 1,000 views?

YouTube’s payment per 1,000 views varies widely based on factors like audience demographics, video content, and ad type. On average, creators earn between $1 and $3 per 1,000 views from ad revenue. However, high-performing niches can sometimes yield up to $10 or more per 1,000 views.

• How exactly do YouTubers get paid?

YouTubers get paid through Google AdSense, which deposits earnings generated from ad views and clicks. Payment sources include ad revenue, YouTube Premium views, and features like Super Chats, memberships, and channel shopping. Once a creator reaches the $100 payout threshold, AdSense releases the funds to their linked account.

• How much does YouTube pay for 1 million views?

For 1 million views, YouTube ad revenue typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on factors like viewer location, content type, and ad engagement. However, niche channels with higher CPMs (cost per thousand impressions) can earn significantly more, sometimes up to $5,000 or more for 1 million views.

In Closing

Each of the monetization methods mentioned on this page provides unique opportunities for creators to earn income and grow their channels sustainably. Channels that comply with YouTube’s guidelines and maintain high-quality, consistent content can benefit the most.