In 2024, the world of online make money through YouTube continues to evolve, opening doors to a variety of revenue opportunities. While ads remain the traditional means of earning money, platforms like YouTube now offer creators alternative ways to supplement their income. From affiliate marketing to merchandise sales, creators have options to diversify their earnings, reach new audiences, and capitalize on the growing creator economy. If you’re motivated and consistent in delivering quality content, YouTube can be a rewarding online earning platform.
1. Earn with Ads as a YouTube Partner Program Member
Becoming a YouTube Partner is the first, often most anticipated step toward monetizing your content. However, this path comes with eligibility requirements: 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours on long-form content or 10 million views on Shorts. Once you meet these benchmarks, the YouTube Partner Program allows you to begin earning ad revenue. With this setup, ads displayed on your content, along with perks like chat features and income from YouTube Premium subscribers, create multiple streams of income for those serious about online earning. For a stable income, it’s essential to build a devoted audience and consistently publish high-quality videos.
2. Take a Cut with Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a fantastic method to start online earning on YouTube, especially for creators focused on product reviews or demonstrations. This strategy involves partnering with brands or affiliate networks to promote products in your videos. By including affiliate links in your video descriptions, you earn a commission when viewers make purchases through those links. Beginners can explore programs like Amazon Associates, while seasoned creators with larger audiences may consider the YouTube Shopping Affiliate program. To thrive in affiliate marketing, it’s essential to select products that resonate with your audience and create engaging, informative content.
3. Land a Brand Deal and Make Sponsored Content
As your YouTube channel grows, you may attract brand partnerships, one of the most lucrative online earning methods. Brands often seek creators with established audiences and will pay for video shoutouts or product placements. With brand deals, you could earn flat fees, and commissions, or receive free products. However, creators must disclose any paid promotions to comply with YouTube’s guidelines. Building authentic relationships with brands whose products align with your channel’s focus is key to securing sponsorships and cultivating a trustworthy audience.
4. Sell Some Merch
Selling merchandise allows you to earn money directly from your audience by offering items that reflect your brand or content. This could range from custom t-shirts to exclusive digital content. Successful creators often link to their merchandise in video descriptions, making it easy for fans to support them. While setting up merchandise may require some initial investment, it allows creators to maximize their profits as product owners. Merch sales are an excellent online earning opportunity for those with a dedicated fan base.
5. Offer Memberships
Membership programs are an effective way to generate recurring online earnings by offering viewers exclusive perks in exchange for a monthly fee. Patreon is a popular third-party option, while YouTube also offers channel memberships as part of its Partner Program. Eligibility requirements for memberships are generally lower than those for ads, making it accessible for newer creators. By offering unique benefits like members-only livestreams or exclusive content, you can deepen viewer loyalty and establish a steady income stream.
How Many Views on YouTube Does it Take to Make Money?
The question of “how many views” often arises for new creators exploring online earning. YouTube pays based on ad engagement rather than views alone, with most creators averaging around $3 to $5 per 1,000 views. This depends heavily on factors like video content, viewer demographics, and ad types. Consistently creating engaging videos and growing an active audience are crucial for maximizing ad revenue on YouTube.
When Do You Start Making Money on YouTube?
After reaching YouTube’s minimum payout threshold of $100, you’ll begin receiving payments. For small channels, this may mean monthly payouts, while larger channels may see more frequent income. Understanding YouTube’s payment system and Google AdSense’s tax implications is essential for managing and optimizing your online earnings.
Alternative Ways to Earn Before You Hit 1,000 Subscribers
For channels with fewer than 1,000 subscribers, there are still ways to generate income on YouTube. Tactics like affiliate marketing, brand partnerships, and merchandise sales can help you start earning while growing your subscriber count. By creatively exploring these options, new creators can build a foundation for online earning even before reaching traditional monetization milestones.
How Much Money Can You Make on YouTube?
Income on YouTube varies widely. Major influencers with millions of followers, like MrBeast, can earn seven figures, while smaller creators may see modest but consistent returns. The potential for online earning depends on audience size, engagement, and the monetization methods a creator uses. By focusing on content quality and viewer engagement, even smaller creators can achieve substantial income, making YouTube a viable online earning platform for many.
Earn an Audience, and Earn More in the Long Run
At the heart of YouTube’s online earning potential is audience growth and engagement. Building a loyal viewer base takes time, effort, and a clear niche or focus. Creators who consistently publish valuable, targeted content are more likely to retain viewers and attract subscribers, leading to higher online earnings over time. Using strong titles, attractive thumbnails, and thoughtful content planning helps capture audience interest and encourages them to become part of your channel community.
FAQs:
Q: How many subscribers do I need to start making money on YouTube?
A: To earn through ads, you need at least 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 hours of watch time on long-form videos in the past 12 months or 10 million views on Shorts within the past 90 days. However, with affiliate marketing, brand deals, and merchandise sales, you can start earning with fewer subscribers.
Q: How much can I expect to earn per 1,000 views on YouTube?
A: On average, creators earn between $3 to $5 per 1,000 video views. This depends on factors like viewer demographics and engagement with ads. It’s important to remember that YouTube ad revenue is based on ad views and clicks rather than video views alone.
Q: Do I need to join the YouTube Partner Program to make money?
A: While joining the YouTube Partner Program is necessary for earning ad revenue, there are other ways to make money on YouTube without it. Affiliate marketing, brand sponsorships, selling merchandise, and offering memberships are alternative methods to generate income.
Q: How long does it take for YouTube to approve a Partner Program application?
A: Once you apply for the YouTube Partner Program, it typically takes about one month for YouTube to review your application and let you know if you’ve been accepted. Make sure your content meets YouTube’s monetization policies for the best chance of approval.
Q: Can I earn money from YouTube Shorts?
A: Yes, YouTube now allows creators to monetize Shorts through ads if they’re part of the YouTube Partner Program. Alternatively, popular Shorts can drive traffic to affiliate links or merchandise, indirectly supporting your earnings.
Q: Do I have to pay taxes on YouTube earnings?
A: Yes, YouTube earnings are typically subject to income tax. Google, which handles YouTube’s AdSense payments, will report your earnings to tax authorities. It’s important to keep accurate records and consult a tax professional to manage your online earnings correctly.
Q: What’s the best way to promote merchandise on YouTube?
A: Mention your merchandise in videos, and include a link in the video description. Highlighting the value of your products, showing them in action, or offering exclusive designs for your audience can help increase merchandise sales.
Q: How long does it take to make a full-time income from YouTube?
A: The time it takes to earn a full-time income on YouTube varies widely and depends on your niche, content quality, consistency, and audience engagement. For some, it may take several years, while others may see results faster if they focus on high-demand topics and maintain a regular posting schedule.
