YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses to earn money online. Whether you're starting from zero subscribers or already have an established channel, there are several ways to turn your videos into income.
Here are 10 of the best ways to make money on YouTube, including methods that don't require thousands of subscribers.
1. YouTube Ad Revenue
One of the most popular ways to make money on YouTube is through advertisements displayed on your videos.
Once your channel qualifies for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), you may earn money from eligible video advertisements.
How to get started: Create original, engaging videos, grow your audience, and apply for monetization when eligible.
Best for: Educational videos, tutorials, entertainment, technology, and finance channels.
2. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting products or services through your YouTube videos.
For example, you can create tutorials, reviews, or comparison videos and include affiliate links in your descriptions.
How to get started: Join relevant affiliate programs, create helpful videos, and disclose your affiliate relationships.
Best for: Product reviews, software tutorials, technology, and online business channels.
3. Sponsored Videos and Brand Deals
Businesses pay YouTube creators to introduce their products or services to audiences.
You don't necessarily need millions of subscribers. Smaller channels with engaged audiences can also attract sponsorships.
How to get started: Build a focused audience, prepare a media kit, and contact relevant brands.
Best for: Lifestyle, beauty, gaming, technology, and fitness channels.
4. YouTube Shorts Monetization
YouTube Shorts offers creators an opportunity to reach large audiences through short vertical videos.
Eligible creators can earn a share of advertising revenue through the Shorts monetization system.
How to get started: Publish original, engaging Shorts consistently and work toward YPP eligibility.
Best for: Quick tutorials, entertainment, educational facts, and short-form storytelling.
5. Sell Digital Products
You can use YouTube to promote downloadable products such as ebooks, templates, printable planners, online guides, and digital courses.
Unlike ad revenue, you don't need YouTube monetization approval to sell your own products.
How to get started: Create a useful digital product, demonstrate its value in videos, and direct interested viewers to your store.
Best for: Education, business, personal finance, and design channels.
6. YouTube Channel Memberships
Channel memberships allow eligible creators to receive recurring monthly payments from subscribers who want exclusive benefits.
You can offer members-only videos, special badges, exclusive livestreams, or early access to content.
How to get started: Build an engaged community and activate memberships once your channel qualifies.
Best for: Gaming, educational, entertainment, and community-focused channels.
7. Sell Merchandise
You can create and sell branded T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, hats, and other merchandise to your YouTube audience.
Print-on-demand services can manufacture and ship products after customers place orders, reducing the need to hold inventory.
How to get started: Develop merchandise that appeals to your viewers and promote your online store in relevant videos.
Best for: Entertainment, gaming, lifestyle, and personal-brand channels.
8. Offer Freelance Services
YouTube can help you attract clients who need professional services.
For example, you can create videos demonstrating your skills in graphic design, website development, SEO, video editing, or social media marketing.
How to get started: Publish tutorials and portfolio demonstrations, then direct viewers to your freelance service listings or business website.
Best for: Freelancers, designers, developers, marketers, and consultants.
9. Earn Money From Live Streaming
YouTube livestreams let creators interact directly with viewers while building stronger communities.
Eligible channels can earn money through Super Chat, Super Stickers, and other supported fan-funding features.
How to get started: Host livestreams, answer audience questions, provide useful entertainment, and enable available monetization features.
Best for: Gaming, tutorials, interviews, and live educational sessions.
10. Create and Sell Online Courses
If you have valuable knowledge, you can use YouTube to attract students to paid online courses.
For example, you could teach video editing, affiliate marketing, graphic design, programming, or starting an online business.
How to get started: Publish free lessons on YouTube and offer a more structured, in-depth paid course to viewers who want additional training.
Best for: Teachers, coaches, professionals, and educational content creators.
YouTube monetization requirements in 2026
According to YouTube's published eligibility requirements, the main thresholds are:
Monetization level | Requirements |
|---|---|
Early YPP access | 500 subscribers, 3 public uploads in 90 days, plus 3,000 qualifying watch hours in 365 days or 3 million qualifying Shorts views in 90 days |
Advertising revenue | 1,000 subscribers, plus 4,000 qualifying watch hours in 365 days or 10 million qualifying Shorts views in 90 days |
These are eligibility thresholds, not guarantees of acceptance. Additional conditions and regional restrictions apply.
How much money can you make on YouTube?
The following calculator illustrates potential monthly advertising earnings for long-form videos. Actual revenue varies by niche, audience location, eligible views, and advertiser demand.
ESTIMATED MONTHLY AD REVENUE
$50
Monthly video views
10,000
Estimated RPM
$5.00
Best ways to start making money as a beginner
For someone starting a new channel, affiliate marketing, freelance services, and digital products can be worth exploring before qualifying for YouTube advertising.
Focus on producing original videos that solve problems, building a consistent publishing schedule, improving your titles and thumbnails, and earning viewers' trust.
The biggest opportunity is combining multiple income streams. A successful channel might eventually earn money from advertisements, affiliate commissions, sponsorships, and digital products rather than relying on YouTube ads alone.