Top 10 Ways To Make Money On YouTube In 2025 [Make $1,000/mo]

Updated On: 08/12/2023
Saltmoney.org is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

If you've always dreamed of getting paid for watching videos and telling people your opinion, it may be time to start thinking about making that dream a reality.

I'm not talking about getting a job with Netflix (though that would be awesome), I'm talking about finding ways to make money on YouTube.

You may think, "That's great, but I don't know the first thing about starting a YouTube channel."

Well, have no fear! We will break down the steps you need to launch your online career.

Creating good content and building an audience is essential in the digital world. However, the real key to making money on YouTube lies in the content and monetizing it effectively.

But don't get overwhelmed; we'll uncover those strategies step by step. YouTube's vast potential is vast; you only need creativity and perseverance.

Let's dive into this exciting journey together!

How Much Money Can You Make On Youtube?

The potential to earn money on YouTube is enormous, but it relies heavily on various factors. You can make anywhere from a few dollars to several thousand per month - the range is broad and largely depends on your channel's popularity and monetization strategy.

Here's a closer breakdown:

  • Ad Revenue - The average YouTube payout ranges from $0.01 to $0.03 per ad view, translating to around $3-$5 per 1000 views.
  • Sponsorships - Deals can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, dependent on your audience size.
  • Merchandise Sales - This relies on your audience's willingness to purchase; if they're engaged and invested enough in your content, they very well may buy what you're selling.

Remember, increasing your earnings usually takes time—consistency and quality are key.

Best Ways To Make Money On Youtube

Best Ways To Make Money On Youtube

There's no one-size-fits-all strategy for success on YouTube, but the paths below could help you make the pursuit a profitable one:

Earn Through Google AdSense

The most straightforward way to start making money on YouTube is by enabling monetization on your videos through Google AdSense. This program allows creators to earn revenue from ads displayed in their content.

To get started, you'll need to have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time within the past year. Once you've met these requirements, you can apply for the YouTube Partner Program.

Once approved, ads will start running on your videos, and you'll earn money based on viewer interactions with these ads.

Essentially, the more views your videos garner and the more viewers interact with the ads (by clicking or watching the entirety), the higher your earnings will be.

Quality content is key in driving audience engagement and boosting ad revenue!

Get Featured on YouTube Premium

Have you ever heard of YouTube Premium? It's YouTube's subscription service that removes ads from the platform and gives subscribers additional features. For creators, it provides an opportunity to earn extra income.

How does it work? Well, YouTube pays creators a portion of the Premium subscription fee based on how their subscribers interact with your content. So, if you have a dedicated fanbase consistently watching your videos on YouTube Premium, you'll see a portion of their fees.

But how do you get featured on YouTube Premium? First, ensure your content is top-notch and engaging. Second, grow your subscriber base – share your channel on all social media handles and ask viewers to subscribe at the end of each video.

Enable YouTube Channel Membership

So, you've built a loyal audience, nice work! It's time to offer your viewers a little extra through YouTube Channel Memberships.

With memberships, your viewers pay a monthly recurring fee in exchange for some exclusive perks like loyalty badges, custom emojis, members-only videos, or live chats.

To enable this, first, make sure your channel meets YouTube's eligibility criteria: you need at least 30,000 subscribers and must be part of the YouTube Partner Program.

Once approved, go to YouTube Studio, select Monetization, then click on Membership. Customize membership levels and perks as per your audience's interests.

Sell Affiliate Products

One great opportunity to make money on YouTube is by selling affiliate products. This means you're promoting someone else's product in your video and providing a link that directs your viewers to purchase it.

Each time someone uses your link to buy, you get a commission.

You'll want to choose products related or relevant to your content. For example, if you have a cooking channel, it might be fitting to promote cooking utensils or new innovative kitchen gadgets.

Ensure to disclose in your videos that you are an affiliate marketer; it's critical for transparency and trust with your viewers.

Remember, the underlying key to successful affiliate marketing is authentic recommendations of the products that you personally feel confident about.

Monetize Live Streams Via Super Chat

A unique and fun way to monetize your YouTube channel is through Super Chat. This feature allows your viewers to donate money during a live stream.

Their messages will then be highlighted and pinned in the chat, allowing their comments to stand out and get noticed.

But how does one get started? It's simple:

  • Go to the YouTube features page.
  • Under the monetization tab, enable Super Chat.

Please note, this feature requires you to have more than 1,000 subscribers.

The higher the donation, the longer the comment stays pinned. So it’s not only a profitable venture but also an interactive experience for your viewer base as well.

Promote Your Product

If you have a product to sell, be it a physical item or a digital service, YouTube can be the perfect platform to showcase it.

I've seen artists display their artwork, designers model their creations, and chefs cook their signature dishes.

It's about more than just presenting; it's about demonstrating the value your product provides.

Now, simply posting a video won't guarantee sales. The presentation needs to resonate with viewers.

Make tutorials, how-to guides, or 'behind-the-scenes videos to engage your audience.
The key is authenticity; let your passion shine through to compel viewers.

Here's a tip: Include keyword-rich descriptions and engaging thumbnails to make your content discoverable in YouTube searches.

Then end with a strong call-to-action directing people to your online store or website where they can purchase what you're promoting!

Become A YouTube Influencer

Perhaps the most well-known avenue for making money on YouTube is to become a YouTube influencer. This path involves building a substantial follower base that trusts your views and opinions.

Here's how you get started:

  1. Select Your Niche: Choose a topic you're passionate about whether it be fitness, comedy, tech, etc. The more specific your niche, the better.
  2. Create and Post Videos Regularly: Consistency is key. The more videos you post, the higher your chances of getting noticed.
  3. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask for feedback, engage in discussions on other relevant videos.

The key is to build an authentic connection with your audience. Once you've become an influencer in your space, companies may pay you for product placements or sponsorships within your videos.

Do Sponsor Videos

Now here's a tactic that's often overlooked: sponsored videos. Once you grow your audience and gain more views, different brands may approach you for sponsored video opportunities.

What does this mean? Well, it's pretty simple. Brands pay you to create a video about their product or service and promote it to your audience.

It's an effective way to make money on YouTube that doesn't rely on ads.

Sponsored videos can take many forms. You could do unboxing videos, product reviews or how-to tutorials using the sponsor's product.

Just remember honesty and authenticity matter. So make sure to only accept sponsorships from brands that align with your values and benefit your viewers.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding allows you to turn your audience into your sponsors. It's an economic model that allows individuals to contribute a small amount of money towards a collective goal, typically through a platform like Kickstarter, GoFundMe, or Patreon.

Here's how it works: You set up a page on a crowdfunding platform; explain your project, goals, and why you need funds; share this page with your family, friends, and YouTube subscribers; then sit back and watch the contributions pile in.

The even more exciting part? Some crowdfunding platforms offer incentives for higher donations - which could be anything from shout-outs in videos to exclusive access to new content for supporters.

Crowdfunding is an effective way of making money directly from your loyal fan base without the need for third-party advertising or sponsorship deals.

Youtube Shorts Fund

When it comes to replicating the viral success of apps like TikTok, YouTube Shorts is the manifestation of that for YouTube.

What's great about this feature is that YouTube even created a fund for shorts creators. Youtube Shorts Fund is a $100M fund distributed over 2021-2022 to reward unique and engaging content.

Creators who've consistently made high-quality Short content could be invited to claim a monthly bonus from this fund.

You don't even have to be a monetized channel to be eligible! So, get your creativity into gear and start posting engaging, unique shorts.

This could be your ticket to earning cash without needing thousands of subscribers.

Tips To Increase Your Income On Youtube

Tips To Increase Your Income On Youtube

If you're looking for ways to boost your income on YouTube, I've got some tips that could make a considerable difference.

Sure, it might not be an overnight transformation, but with a little patience and persistence, these strategies can deliver promising results.

Let's delve into the details!

Create Engaging Content

The first and most crucial tip is to create engaging content that draws your viewers in and keeps them there throughout the video.

Be sure to find a niche you're passionate about as your excitement will be contagious. Whatever your niche, remember to keep your content fresh and relevant.

From the very start, captivate viewers with a compelling hook. Tell them why they should stay till the end.

Try storytelling; not only does it keep the audience stuck, but it also differentiates you from others. In the world of YouTube, content is king. So pour your creativity into it!

Be Consistent

When it comes to succeeding on YouTube, consistency is key. It's vital to regularly create and post content that your viewers will love and expect. That could mean committing to a weekly schedule or even daily content, depending on the nature of your channel.

But why is consistency so important? Well, it helps build trust with your audience. Your subscribers sign up because they want more of what you're offering.

When you stick to a steady posting schedule they can rely on, you reinforce that trust.

Plus, consistency is rewarded by YouTube's algorithm, which can boost visibility for those who regularly upload content.

Employ Youtube SEO

The importance of YouTube SEO (Search Engine Optimization) should never be underestimated. The magic tool helps your videos surface in YouTube searches and suggestions.

To enhance your YouTube SEO:

  1. Optimize Your Title and Description: Your video title should include relevant keywords yet still be engaging. Use subtitles to not only aid accessibility but also to boost keyword richness.
  2. Tag Appropriately: Using proper tags can get your video associated with other successful videos, boosting its visibility.
  3. Transcriptions & Closed Captions: This can index your video for relevant keywords and enhance the viewer experience.

By implementing proper SEO techniques, you'll draw more viewers—and potentially, more revenue—on YouTube.

Make The Most Of Your Descriptions

The video description is more than just a summary of what's in your video. It's the perfect place to strategically insert keywords to help your video appear in search results.

You see, YouTube and Google can't watch your video to understand it. Instead, they rely on the metadata you provide (title, tags, and description) to index it.

So, craft engaging descriptions with relevant keywords for all your videos. But remember, don't stuff keywords unnaturally. After all, the end goal is to resonate with your viewers.

Another good idea is to include calls to action in your descriptions. Encourage viewers to like, share, subscribe, or guide them toward other videos you've uploaded or useful resources related to your content.

And don’t forget the power of a good playlist! Arranging related videos together in a playlist keeps viewers on your channel longer and makes your content more accessible and organized.

Take time crafting these details; they may seem small but significantly impact increasing visibility and ultimately driving up revenue on YouTube.

Collaborate With Other YouTubers

Collaborating with other YouTubers is an efficient way to tap into new audience pools and broaden your impact. Why swim alone when you can ride the tide together?

Start by identifying creators who match your style and audience. Then, reach out to form collaborations that benefit both channels.

These collaborations can range from shout-outs and guest appearances to full-blown co-created content. Remember the golden rule: ensure it's a win-win situation for both parties involved.

Collaboration is a powerful tool in a YouTuber’s arsenal for driving channel growth and consequently increasing revenue. Don't shy away from giving it a go!

How To Get 1,000 Subscribers and 5,000 Minutes Watch Time

Achieving the milestone of 1,000 subscribers and 5,000 minutes of watch time is your ticket to joining YouTube's Partner Program. Here are some tested strategies to help you reach that goal.

  • Quality Content: This is non-negotiable. Offer engaging, valuable content your audience can't resist.
  • Consistency: Posting regularly doesn't just boost your visibility—it nurtures an engaged community of subscribers.
  • Optimize SEO: Use relevant keywords strategically in your video titles, descriptions, and tags to improve visibility.
  • Engage with Your Audience: Responding to comments and fostering a sense of community can encourage viewers to subscribe.

Remember, it's a marathon—not a sprint!

FAQ About Making Money On Youtube

Once I am eligible, how does Youtube pay me for my videos?

Once eligible, you can make money through ad revenue, channel memberships, merch shelf, and more. Google AdSense pays you directly.

What about content ideas, how do I decide what my channel will focus on?

Choose a topic you're passionate about. Whether it's cooking, gaming or photography, your passion will drive you and engage your audience.

Can I start making money right away?

No. Before you can start earning, you'll need to meet YouTube's eligibility requirements, which include having over 1,000 subscribers and over 4,000 watch hours in the past twelve months.

Is there any specific strategy for gaining viewers quickly?

Consistency is key! Regularly uploading quality content that is engaging is crucial for gaining viewers.

Can everyone make money on YouTube?

Unfortunately not! Some countries may not offer monetization features due to legal reasons.

Conclusion

Finally, the secret recipe to make money on YouTube is not a hidden treasure. It requires hard work, creativity, and a touch of patience.

Keep in mind that people are more likely to engage with content that is authentic and connects to them on a personal level.

Always remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. Your channel may take time to grow, but it will undoubtedly blossom with consistent efforts.

Follow these steps consistently and watch your dream transform into reality.

Michael Restiano

I support product content strategy for Salt Money. Additionally, I’m helping develop content strategy and processes to deliver quality work for our readers.

cross linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram