Learn how to make money on YouTube - Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to monetize your YouTube channel. Whether you have just started a YouTube Channel & want to make money from Day 1 or an experienced YouTuber looking to increase your earnings, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making money from your videos in 2025.
Now, thinking about how YouTube creators Earn Money? Monetizing a YouTube channel means generating income from your content through various methods, both on-platform and off-platform. The most common way is through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), which lets you earn from ads, but there are many other avenues like fan funding, selling merchandise, and partnering with brands.
What is YouTube Monetization?
YouTube Monetization is the process of earning money from your YouTube videos through various revenue streams. To monetize your YouTube channel, you need to meet YouTube's monetization requirements.
Monetizing your YouTube channel means turning your videos into a source of income, and it’s a great way to make money from your passion. The most common way is through ads via the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), but there are many other methods like fan funding, selling products, and partnering with brands.
Understanding YouTube Monetization Policies
Let's first understand YouTube's monetization policies. The YPP is the gateway to earning ad revenue, but you must follow YouTube's Community Guidelines, Terms of Service, and Google AdSense policies. Your channel as a whole, not just individual videos, must comply. This means creating original, non-repetitive content and avoiding spammy or low-quality material. You also need to be based in a country where YPP is available and has no active Community Guidelines strikes. For kids and family content, specific quality principles apply to stay monetized.
How Videos Are Monetized
Videos are primarily monetized through ads, with YouTube serving display, skippable, non-skippable, overlay, and sponsored cards. Revenue is shared based on ad impressions, clicks, viewer location, device, and advertiser budget.
Fan funding features include:
- Channel Memberships: Monthly fees for exclusive perks like badges and emojis.
- Super Chat and Super Stickers: Payments during live streams for highlighted messages or animated images.
- Super Thanks: One-time payments for video appreciation.
Other methods include:
YouTube Shopping for merchandise sales and external strategies like sponsorships and affiliate marketing. Recent changes, as seen in the new lower YouTube Partner Program eligibility requirements, allow creators with 500 subscribers to access fan funding, an unexpected detail for smaller channels.
Overview of YouTube Monetisation Trends in 2025
Monetising a YouTube channel has become increasingly user-friendly in 2025, driven by YouTube's updates to the Partner Program (YPP). The platform offers multiple revenue streams, from traditional ad revenue to fan funding and external partnerships. As of today in 2025, the YouTube has grown, with lowered eligibility levels for smaller creators and new features like YouTube Shopping.
Recent trends highlight the importance of compliance with policies, audience engagement, and diversified income streams, ensuring up-to-date information.
YouTube Monetisation Eligibility Criteria (as YouTube Latest Update)
It is important to understand YouTube monetization requirements to understand how to get paid on YouTube, the eligibility criteria have two tiers as of 2025:
Standard YPP (Ad Revenue and Premium Revenue):
- At least 1,000 subscribers.
- Either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months or 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
Expanded YPP (Fan Funding Features):
- At least 500 subscribers.
- 3 valid uploads in the last 90 days.
- Either 3,000 valid public watch hours in the past year or 3 million valid public Shorts views in the past 90 days.
Note: Creators must also live in a YPP - available country, have no active Community Guidelines strikes, enable 2-Step Verification, and link an AdSense account. Recent updates, as noted in YouTube Partner Program overview & eligibility, aim to empower smaller creators, with the expanded YPP rolling out to more regions.
How to make money on YouTube | All 8 Methods (Complete Guide for 2025)
Below, we explore how can we make money from YouTube with step-by-step instructions and tips, ensuring a comprehensive guide for creators:
Method 1: Ad Revenue from YouTube Partner Program
YouTube places ads on your videos, and you earn a share based on impressions and clicks. Types include display ads, skippable video ads, non-skippable ads, overlay ads, and sponsored cards.
Steps to Join YPP:
- Ensure your channel meets the eligibility requirements (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views for Standard YPP).
- Go to YouTube Studio > Earn > Get Started.
- Fill out the application form and wait for review, which can take weeks.
- Link an AdSense account for payments, ensuring it's set up for your country.
How to Maximise Ad Revenue:
- Produce high-quality, engaging content to increase watch time, as longer views lead to more ad impressions.
- Optimise video length for more ad slots, but keep it engaging to avoid viewers dropping off. Aim for 8-15 minutes for most niches.
- Use relevant keywords and tags in your video titles, descriptions, and tags to improve discoverability in search and suggested videos.
- Encourage audience interaction through likes, comments, and shares to boost engagement, which can improve video ranking and ad potential.
- Maintain a regular upload schedule (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly) to retain your audience and build a loyal viewer base.
- Avoid content that might be considered not advertiser-friendly, such as controversial topics or explicit material, as seen in YouTube Content Monetisation Policies.
- Use YouTube's Content ID to check for potential issues.
Examples:
- Create Faceless Videos YouTube Channel.
- If you are a Graphic Designer, start your own Graphic Designing Tutorial Videos which are high in demand on YouTube.
- If you love Cooking, you can target a huge user base of household viewers on YouTube who love to watch and try new dishes.
- Create a Tech News Channel and upload videos related to tech trends, invention using AI Avatar video creattion tools like HeyGen.
Tips and Tricks:
- Focus on niches with high CPM (cost per thousand impressions), like finance, technology, or luxury products, which can earn $5-25 per 1,000 views compared to lower CPM niches like lifestyle ($1-5).
- Use YouTube Analytics to track performance, focusing on metrics like watch time, audience retention, and traffic sources. Adjust content based on what performs best.
- Consider experimenting with different ad formats, like mid-roll ads, but test viewer reaction to avoid alienating your audience.
Method 2: Fan Funding Features
These methods rely on your audience directly supporting you, ideal for creators with engaged communities.
Channel Memberships:
Viewers pay monthly fees (e.g., $4.99, $9.99) for perks like custom badges, emojis, exclusive videos, or live chats.
Steps
- Go to YouTube Studio > Earn > Memberships.
- Set up pricing tiers and define perks for each level (e.g., $4.99 for badges, $9.99 for early access).
- Promote memberships in your videos, descriptions, and community posts, using calls-to-action like "Join now for exclusive content!"
- Engage members regularly with special content to retain them.
Tips
Offer unique perks like behind-the-scenes footage, Q&A sessions, or member-only livestreams. Use polls to ask what perks they value most. Track membership growth in Analytics to see what works.
Super Chat and Super Stickers:
This is available during live streams, viewers pay to have their messages highlighted (Super Chat) or use animated stickers (Super Stickers).
Steps
- Enable in YouTube Studio > Content > Live Streaming, ensuring your channel is eligible (500 subscribers for Expanded YPP).
- During live streams, viewers can use Super Chat or Stickers, and you can see and acknowledge them in the chat.
- Promote during streams by announcing, "Use Super Chat to get noticed!" and thanking contributors on air.
Tips
Host interactive live sessions, like Q&A or gaming streams, where viewers feel involved. Announce Super Chat opportunities at the start and end of streams. Thank contributors by name to encourage more.
Super Thanks
This is One-time payments for video appreciation, appearing as animated icons under the video.
Steps
- Enable in YouTube Studio > Earn > Super Thanks, and choose which videos allow it.
- Viewers can use it on any eligible video, and you get a notification with the amount.
- Encourage Super Thanks in video descriptions and end screens, especially for popular or milestone videos.
Tips
Highlight Super Thanks in your video outro, saying, "If you enjoyed this, show your support with Super Thanks!" Use it for content that resonates emotionally, like tutorials or personal stories.
Method 3: YouTube Shopping
Sell merchandise directly through your channel, integrating with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Spring, or Teespring.
Steps
- Go to YouTube Studio > Earn > Shopping.
- Connect your store by linking your e-commerce platform, ensuring it meets YouTube's merchant policies.
- Create product shelves in Studio to showcase items, and tag products in your videos using the "Products" feature.
- Promote products naturally in your content, like wearing merchandise or demonstrating its use.
Tips
Use high-quality images and detailed descriptions for products. Offer discounts or limited-time deals to create urgency. Ensure products align with your niche, like selling art supplies if you're an art channel. Track sales through Analytics to see which items perform best.
Method 4: Sponsorships and Brand Partnerships
Partner with brands to promote their products or services in your videos, earning flat fees or commissions.
Steps
- Identify brands in your niche, using tools like FameBit, Upfluence, or Aspire, or reach out directly via email.
- Pitch your channel, highlighting metrics like subscribers, watch time, and engagement rates.
- Negotiate terms, including payment (e.g., $500 per video, commission per sale), and ensure a written agreement.
- Create sponsored content, integrating the brand naturally, and disclose sponsorships with "#ad" or "Sponsored by."
Tips
Be transparent about sponsorships to maintain trust with your audience. Ensure the brand aligns with your channel's values and audience interests. Track performance with UTM parameters or brand-provided links. Build long-term relationships for recurring deals, like monthly sponsorships.
Method 5: Affiliate Marketing
Promote products and earn commissions through unique affiliate links, typically 5-20% per sale.
Steps
- Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ClickBank, or ShareASale, ensuring you're approved.
- Choose relevant products that fit your niche, like camera gear for a tech channel.
- Include affiliate links in your video descriptions or pin them in comments, using short, memorable URLs.
- Create valuable content around the products, like reviews or tutorials, to drive clicks.
Tips
Disclose affiliate links to comply with FTC guidelines, saying, "This video contains affiliate links." Create content that solves problems, like "Top 5 Budget Cameras for Beginners," to increase conversions. Use tracking links to monitor earnings and focus on high-commission items.
Method 6: Crowdfunding and Donations
Use platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Patreon for project funding, or accept direct donations via PayPal, Buy Me a Coffee, or Ko-fi.
Steps
- Define your project or purpose, like funding a new video series or equipment.
- Set up a campaign on a platform, setting goals (e.g., $1,000 for a new camera) and offering rewards like shout-outs or exclusive content.
- Promote through your channel, using videos, community posts, and social media to drive support.
- Engage backers with updates, thanking them and delivering on promises.
Tips
Offer rewards like personalized thank-you videos or early access to content. Be transparent about how funds will be used. Thank donors publicly in videos or posts to encourage more support.
Method 7: Selling Digital Products
Create and sell e-books, online courses, templates, or presets on platforms like Gumroad, Teachable, or Udemy.
Steps
- Produce high-quality digital products, like an e-book on "YouTube Growth Hacks" or a course on video editing.
- Set up a sales page on your chosen platform, including pricing (e.g., $19.99) and descriptions.
- Promote in your videos, using links in descriptions and pinning comments, and create teaser content to attract buyers.
Tips
Provide free samples, like a chapter of your e-book, to build trust. Position yourself as an authority in your niche. Ensure products solve audience problems, like "How to Edit Videos in 30 Minutes," to increase sales.
Examples
- Online Courses: Sell online courses teaching your audience a skill or knowledge related to your niche.
- Consulting and Coaching: Offer consulting or coaching services to individuals or businesses in your niche.
- Selling Stock Footage: Sell your videos or photos on stock footage websites like Shutterstock or Videvo.
- YouTube Audio Library: Earn money from the YouTube Audio Library, which allows creators to use your music in their videos.
Method 8: Live Event Tickets
Sell tickets for live events, webinars, or workshops, using YouTube Live or third-party platforms like Eventbrite or Zoom.
Steps
- Plan the event, deciding on format (e.g., live Q&A, workshop) and date.
- Set up ticket sales through a platform, pricing tickets (e.g., $10 per person) and offering early-bird discounts.
- Promote through your channel, using videos, community posts, and email lists to drive registrations.
- Host a professional stream, ensuring good audio, video, and interactivity.
Tips
Offer exclusive content, like a behind-the-scenes look, to add value. Encourage interactivity with polls or Q&A. Rehearse to avoid technical issues, and record for on-demand access to boost value.
Additional Considerations - How to earn money on YouTube
Monetisation requires compliance with policies, as violations can lead to demonetisation or termination. Controversy exists around earnings variability, with some creators reporting low CPMs due to ad blockers or regional differences. Diversifying income streams is crucial for stability.
Common pitfalls include relying solely on ad revenue, which can fluctuate, or neglecting audience engagement, which affects fan funding. Creators should also be aware of tax implications and consult professionals, as earnings may be taxable depending on location.