You’ve seen YouTubers living the dream, traveling, creating videos, and earning a full-time income. But here’s the truth: you don’t need millions of views or subscribers to make money on YouTube. With the right approach, even small creators can start earning.
In this guide, I’ll break down 7 smart strategies to make money on YouTube, no matter your niche or follower count.
1. Join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
This is the first milestone to monetize your content.
Once your channel has:
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1,000 subscribers
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4,000 watch hours (or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days)
…you can apply to the YouTube Partner Program and start earning through ads.
Tip: Create content people are searching for using tools like TubeBuddy or vidIQ. Focus on watch time, not just views.
2. Use Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the fastest ways to make money on YouTube, even without monetization.
Here’s how it works:
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You sign up for an affiliate program (like Amazon Associates or Impact).
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Promote products in your videos.
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Drop your affiliate links in the description.
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Get paid every time someone buys through your link.
Best niches: Tech reviews, tutorials, beauty, productivity tools, gaming gear.
Example: If you review phones, include your affiliate links to the exact models.
3. Create and Sell Digital Products
Why promote someone else’s product when you can sell your own?
Creators are making money by selling:
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Ebooks or guides
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Courses
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Notion templates
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Lightroom presets
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Canva templates
If you have skills others can benefit from, turn that knowledge into a digital product and sell it via Gumroad or Payhip.
Pro tip: Create videos that solve a specific problem, then plug your product as the solution.
4. Offer Channel Memberships
Once you’re eligible, YouTube lets you offer channel memberships with exclusive perks for your paying subscribers.
Perks can include:
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Members-only live chats
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Bonus content
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Behind-the-scenes videos
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Custom badges and emojis
Ideal for: Gaming, lifestyle, reaction, and tutorial-based creators with an engaged community.
5. Get Sponsorships (Even with a Small Channel)
Brand sponsorships aren't just for huge creators anymore. Micro-influencers (under 50K subscribers) are in demand, especially in tight niches.
To land your first deal:
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Create a media kit showcasing your audience and stats.
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Reach out to brands via email or platforms like Grapevine Village, FameBit, or Intellifluence.
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Stay professional and focus on how your content aligns with their product.
A 5,000-subscriber YouTuber with a loyal audience can still command sponsorships in the $200–$1,000+ range.
6. Launch Merch (Without Inventory)
Got a catchy slogan, brand, or inside joke? Turn it into merchandise.
Use print-on-demand platforms like:
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Teespring (now Spring)
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Printful
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Redbubble
These tools handle the printing and shipping, so you only focus on design and promotion. Just link your store to your YouTube channel and promote merch during your videos.
🎨 Tools like Canva or MidJourney can help create stunning T-shirt designs for free.
7. Repurpose Your Content into a Business
YouTube isn’t just a platform; it can be your brand engine.
Here’s what that looks like:
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Do you teach productivity? Launch a coaching program.
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Do you review gadgets? Start a blog (like TechyBabe.xyz) and double your traffic.
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Do you tell stories? Create a podcast or write a book.
The smartest YouTubers use the platform to build trust, then drive traffic to other business ventures.
Bonus: How Much Can You Realistically Earn?
Earnings depend on:
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Niche (finance & tech pay more than comedy or vlogs)
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Audience location (U.S., Canada, U.K. has higher CPMs)
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Engagement (CTR, watch time, etc.)
But here's a rough idea:
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Ad revenue: $2 to $15 per 1,000 views (depending on niche)
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Affiliate income: $100 to $5,000+ per month
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Sponsorships: $100 to $10,000 per video
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Courses/digital products: Unlimited earning potential
Final Thoughts
Making money on YouTube is not a dream; it’s a strategic game. Whether you're uploading tutorials, reaction videos, or tech reviews, the key is consistency, value, and smart monetization strategies.
Focus on building a loyal audience, diversifying your income streams, and watch your channel evolve into a real business.
FAQs
Q: How many views do I need to make money on YouTube?
A: You can earn money even with 1,000 views if you’re using affiliate links or selling products. Ad revenue usually starts flowing once you’re in the YouTube Partner Program.
Q: Can I make money on YouTube without showing my face?
A: Absolutely! Animation, stock footage channels, faceless narrations, and screen-recorded tutorials are all great options.
Q: What’s the fastest way to start earning?
A: Affiliate marketing is often the quickest. Start by reviewing or recommending products and placing your affiliate links in your descriptions.
Ready to Start Earning?
Making money on YouTube isn’t about luck. It’s about applying the right strategies consistently.
Want more smart content like this? Check out our post on “How to Go Viral on YouTube Shorts” for some unexpected tips.
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