YouTube isn’t just a place to watch funny cat videos—it’s also a great platform to make money! If you have a passion for creating videos, you can turn that hobby into a profitable venture. This comprehensive guide will walk you through 60 of the easiest ways how to make money on YouTube, offering full details on each method.
Whether you’re just starting with a small subscriber base or are looking to maximize your channel’s earnings, this list covers everything from simple steps to advanced strategies. You’ll discover both direct and indirect ways to monetize your content, so you can turn your passion for video creation into a lucrative income stream.
Let’s dive in and explore how you can start earning money on YouTube today!
1. Ad Revenue
When you join the YouTube Partner Program, ads are displayed on your videos. You earn money every time someone watches or clicks on these ads. For example, popular YouTubers like PewDiePie and Jenna Marbles make significant money through ad revenue because of their large number of views.
2. Affiliate Marketing
This involves promoting products from other companies in your videos. You include special links in your video descriptions, and when someone clicks those links and buys the product, you earn a commission. For example, Linus Tech Tips often includes Amazon affiliate links in his tech review videos.
3. Sponsorships: How To Make Money on YouTube
Companies can pay you to promote their products or services in your videos. This usually happens when you have a large following. For example, MKBHD frequently collaborates with tech companies for sponsored reviews and product placements.
4. Merchandise Sales
You can design and sell your own branded merchandise like t-shirts, hats, or mugs through platforms like Teespring. YouTubers like Casey Neistat sell merchandise to their fans, generating additional revenue.
5. Crowdfunding: How To Make Money on YouTube
You can ask your viewers to support your channel through crowdfunding platforms like Patreon. In return, offer them exclusive content or perks, like behind-the-scenes videos or early access to new content. For instance, Philip DeFranco uses Patreon to get support from his fans.
6. Super Chat and Super Stickers
During live streams, viewers can pay to have their messages highlighted. This feature is available for channels that are monetized. Popular live streamers like Jacksepticeye use Super Chat to engage with their audience and earn extra money.
7. Channel Memberships
Offer exclusive perks to viewers who become paid members of your channel. These perks can include special badges, emojis, and access to members-only videos. For example, Lilly Singh offers memberships with exclusive content and perks.
8. YouTube Premium Revenue
Earn a share of the subscription fee from YouTube Premium members who watch your content. YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service that offers ad-free videos. Channels like Tasty benefit from YouTube Premium revenue.
9. Selling Digital Products
Sell e-books, courses, or digital art directly to your audience. Digital products are great because they can be sold over and over without any additional costs. For example, Roberto Blake sells digital courses on YouTube and content creation.
10. Consulting Services
Offer your expertise in a particular field through one-on-one consultations. For example, if you’re an expert in video editing, you can offer coaching sessions to help others improve their skills. Sunny Lenarduzzi offers consulting services for social media and video marketing.
11. Brand Deals: How To Make Money on YouTube
Collaborate with brands to create sponsored content. This can be a product review, an unboxing, or even a how-to video featuring the brand’s product. For example, Zoella often works with beauty and lifestyle brands for sponsored content.
12. Product Placement: How To Make Money on YouTube
Integrate products naturally into your videos and get paid by the companies. For example, if you have a cooking channel, you can use and mention a specific brand of kitchenware. Channels like Binging with Babish often feature specific brands in their cooking videos.
13. Licensing Your Content
Allow other companies to use your videos for a fee. This can be particularly lucrative if you create high-quality, unique content that others want to use. For example, news channels or websites might pay to use viral clips from Dude Perfect.
14. Live Streams: How To Make Money on YouTube
Host live events and earn money through donations and Super Chat. Live streaming is a great way to engage with your audience in real time. Streamers like Valkyrie and Ninja make a significant portion of their income through live streams.
15. Creating a Blog: How To Make Money on YouTube
Create a blog to accompany your YouTube channel and earn money through ads and affiliate links. You can write articles that complement your videos and drive traffic back to your YouTube channel. For example, Michelle Phan has a blog that offers beauty tips and links to her videos.
16. Public Speaking
Use your YouTube fame to get paid speaking engagements. If you become an authority in your niche, you might be invited to speak at conferences and events. Gary Vaynerchuk is a great example of someone who turned his YouTube success into a public speaking career.
17. Selling Courses: How To Make Money on YouTube
Create and sell online courses on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare. Teaching others how to do something you’re good at can be very rewarding and profitable. For instance, Amy Porterfield sells courses on digital marketing and business growth.
18. Writing a Book
Write a book related to your YouTube content and sell it to your audience. This can be an autobiography, a how-to book, or a novel. For example, Lilly Singh wrote a book titled “How to Be a Bawse.”
19. Podcasting: How To Make Money on YouTube
Start a podcast and earn money through sponsorships and ads. You can use your YouTube platform to promote your podcast and vice versa. For example, H3 Podcast by Ethan and Hila Klein started as a YouTube channel and expanded into a popular podcast.
20. Hosting Webinars
Host paid webinars where you teach something valuable to your audience. Webinars can be live or pre-recorded and offer in-depth training on a specific topic. For example, Marques Brownlee could host webinars on tech reviews and product analysis.
21. Offering Workshops
Host in-person or online workshops and charge for attendance. Workshops are similar to webinars but often provide more hands-on learning. For example, Peter McKinnon could offer photography and video editing workshops.
22. Event Hosting: How To Make Money on YouTube
Host events and sell tickets to your followers. These can be virtual or in-person events, like meet-and-greets, Q&A sessions, or live performances. For example, The Try Guys host live tours where they perform and interact with their fans.
23. Brand Ambassadorships
Become a long-term ambassador for a brand and get paid regularly. As a brand ambassador, you’ll promote the brand’s products or services consistently. For example, Emma Chamberlain has brand deals with major companies like Louis Vuitton.
24. Creating an App: How To Make Money on YouTube
Develop an app related to your content and sell it on app stores. This can be a game, a utility app, or even an educational app based on your videos. For example, PewDiePie launched a mobile game app called “PewDiePie’s Tuber Simulator.”
25. Offering Premium Content
Create premium videos or courses and sell them on platforms like Vimeo On Demand. This is a good way to monetize your most valuable content. For example, filmmakers could offer exclusive behind-the-scenes content or tutorials.
26. Voice-Over Work: How To Make Money on YouTube
Offer your voice for commercials, audiobooks, or animations. If you have a great voice, this can be a lucrative side hustle. For example, Brian Hull is known for his voice impressions and has done voice-over work for various
27. Freelance Videography
Use your video editing skills to offer freelance services. You can edit videos for other creators or businesses. For example, you could find freelance work on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. Many YouTubers, such as Peter McKinnon, started as freelance videographers.
28. Creating an Online Store
Set up an online store to sell products related to your niche. This can be physical products like crafts or digital products like printables. Platforms like Shopify make it easy to start an online store. For example, YouTubers like Evan and Katelyn sell their DIY projects and crafts through their online store.
29. Writing for Other Blogs
Get paid to write articles for other blogs in your niche. This can help you reach new audiences and establish yourself as an expert. Websites like ProBlogger often list writing opportunities. For example, if you run a tech review channel, you could write for tech blogs.
30. Selling Photography
Sell your photos on stock photography websites. If you take high-quality photos, you can earn money every time someone buys them. Websites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock are great places to sell your photos. For example, photographers like Thomas Heaton sell their landscape photos online.
31. Social Media Marketing
Use your influence to promote brands on other social media platforms. This can include Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok. You can work with brands to create sponsored posts and campaigns. For example, NikkieTutorials often collaborates with beauty brands on her Instagram and YouTube.
32. Offering Editing Services
Edit videos for other creators for a fee. Many YouTubers need help with video editing, and this can be a great way to earn extra income. For example, you could offer your services on platforms like Freelancer or PeoplePerHour.
33. Dropshipping: How To Make Money on YouTube
Sell products through dropshipping without having to manage inventory. You market the products, and a third-party supplier handles the shipping. Platforms like Shopify and Oberlo make it easy to start a dropshipping business. For example, you could create a channel about tech gadgets and sell related items through dropshipping.
34. Email Marketing: How To Make Money on YouTube
Build an email list and earn money through sponsored emails. You can promote products, courses, or events to your subscribers. Platforms like Mailchimp make it easy to start email marketing. For example, Tim Schmoyer of Video Creators uses email marketing to promote his services and courses.
35. Creating a Membership Site
Create a site with exclusive content for paying members. This can include videos, articles, and other resources. Platforms like MemberPress make it easy to set up a membership site. For example, Yoga with Adriene offers exclusive content to her paying members.
36. Selling Printables
Design and sell digital printables like planners or worksheets. These are popular because they are easy to create and sell. Platforms like Etsy are great for selling printables. For example, a channel focused on organization and productivity could sell printable planners.
37. Earning Commissions on Referrals
Refer your viewers to products or services and earn commissions on sales. This is similar to affiliate marketing but can be broader. For example, you can join referral programs for services like Bluehost, where you earn a commission for each new customer you refer.
38. Creating a Patreon Page
Ask your fans to support you on Patreon for exclusive perks. This can include early access to videos, special live streams, and more. Many creators, such as Extra Credits, use Patreon to fund their educational content.
39. Offering Photography Services
Provide professional photography services for events or portraits. If you’re good with a camera, this can be a profitable side business. For example, you could offer your services on platforms like Thumbtack or WeddingWire.
40. Creating a Subscription Box
Develop a monthly subscription box related to your niche. This can include curated products, exclusive items, and more. Platforms like Cratejoy make it easy to start a subscription box service. For example, Nerdy Nummies could create a baking-themed subscription box.
41. Monetizing Your Blog
Use Google AdSense or other ad networks to monetize your blog. You can also include affiliate links and sponsored posts. For example, The Minimalists monetize their blog through ads and affiliate links.
42. Writing Sponsored Posts
Get paid to write posts about products or services. This can be a great way to earn extra income while providing valuable content to your readers. Platforms like SponsoredTweets connect bloggers with brands for sponsored content.
43. Hosting a YouTube Series
Create a special series on your channel and get sponsorships for each episode. This can be a mini-series, a documentary, or a special project. For example, The Slow Mo Guys create series with sponsored episodes.
44. Creating an Ebook: How To Make Money on YouTube
Write an ebook on a topic related to your channel and sell it. Ebooks are easy to create and can be sold repeatedly. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing make it easy to publish and sell ebooks. For example, a cooking channel could create a cookbook.
45. Offering DIY Kits: How To Make Money on YouTube
Sell kits for DIY projects you feature on your channel. This can include materials and instructions for craft projects, home improvement, and more. Platforms like Cratejoy can help you set up a subscription box for DIY kits. For example, ThreadBanger could offer DIY craft kits.
46. Providing Tutorials
Create and sell tutorial videos on specific skills. This can be anything from cooking to coding to crafting. Platforms like Udemy and Skillshare are great for selling tutorials. For example, Codecademy could create coding tutorials.
47. Selling Handmade Goods
Sell your handmade items through platforms like Etsy. If you’re crafty, this can be a great way to earn money. For example, LaurDIY sells her handmade crafts and DIY projects.
48. Creating an Affiliate Store
Set up a store with products you recommend and earn commissions on sales. This can be done through platforms like Amazon Associates. For example, Tech YouTubers often create affiliate stores with recommended tech products.
49. Promoting Music
Promote music for artists and earn through affiliate links. If you have a music channel, this can be a great way to earn extra income. For example, Kurt Hugo Schneider promotes music and albums through affiliate links.
50. Selling Crafts: How To Make Money on YouTube
Sell your handmade crafts through platforms like Etsy. For example, a channel focused on DIY and crafting could sell handmade jewelry or home decor items. Crafty Panda could monetize their crafts in this way.
51. Monetizing Your Skills
Offer your unique skills as a service. For example, if you are good at graphic design, you can offer design services to your audience. Platforms like 99designs can help you find clients.
52. Publishing Paid Newsletters
Create a paid newsletter with exclusive content. Platforms like Substack make it easy to start a paid newsletter. For example, Ben Thompson offers a paid newsletter for in-depth tech analysis.
53. Selling Audio Tracks
Sell your music or sound effects on platforms like AudioJungle or Pond5. For example,
musicians and sound designers can create tracks and sell them to be used in videos, games, and other media projects. For instance, if you run a music production channel, you can sell your beats or sound effects.
54. Offering Custom Services
Offer customized services such as personalized video messages, birthday greetings, or custom tutorials. Websites like Cameo allow creators to sell personalized messages to their fans. For example, a popular influencer like James Charles could offer custom makeup tutorials or shoutouts.
55. Hosting Exclusive Events
Organize exclusive events or meet-and-greets for your subscribers. You can sell tickets for these events, whether they are online or in-person. Platforms like Eventbrite can help you manage ticket sales. For example, Miranda Sings hosts live comedy shows for her fans.
56. Selling Digital Art: How To Make Money on YouTube
Sell your digital artwork through platforms like Etsy or Redbubble. If you create digital illustrations, you can sell prints, phone cases, and other merchandise. For example, digital artists like RossDraws sell their artwork online.
57. Offering Fitness Training
If you run a fitness channel, you can offer personalized fitness training and coaching services. Platforms like Trainerize help you manage your clients and training programs. For example, FitnessBlender could offer personalized workout plans and coaching.
58. Launching a Clothing Line
Design and launch your own clothing line. You can sell your fashion designs through online stores or dedicated fashion platforms. For example, Emma Chamberlain launched her clothing line and promotes it through her channel.
59. Creating DIY Kits
Develop and sell DIY kits related to your channel’s niche. These kits can include materials and instructions for various projects. Platforms like Cratejoy are ideal for setting up subscription boxes for DIY kits. For example, DIY creators could sell home improvement kits.
60. Crowdsourcing Projects
Use platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to crowdfund special projects. This can include funding for a new video series, a film project, or a creative endeavor. For example, The Game Theorists used crowdfunding to fund their game development projects.
Conclusion on How To Make Money on YouTube
Turning Your YouTube Channel Into a Money-Making Venture
Earning money on YouTube is not just about creating viral videos; it’s about tapping into the vast range of opportunities available to creators of all levels. Whether you’re exploring YouTube monetization strategies, affiliate marketing on YouTube, sponsored videos, or selling YouTube channel merchandise, there are numerous ways to turn your content into a sustainable source of income. The 60 strategies outlined in this guide offer a diverse mix of monetization methods, from beginner-friendly approaches to more advanced techniques that can unlock significant earnings.
The key to success is consistency, creativity, and a focus on building a community around your content. By applying these methods strategically—whether you’re using YouTube ads, engaging in YouTube influencer marketing, or creating paid content—you can turn your channel into a rewarding financial venture.
No matter where you are in your YouTube journey, there’s always potential for growth. The digital landscape continues to evolve, and new opportunities such as YouTube membership programs and super chat donations are emerging every day. So, take the time to explore different avenues, experiment with new strategies, and, most importantly, enjoy the process of creating and sharing your passion with the world.
Start applying these methods today, and you’ll be on your way to building a successful and profitable YouTube channel!