Starting a YouTube channel is thrilling, but turning it into a profitable venture requires strategy and consistency. While ad revenue is one of the most popular ways to earn, it’s only available once you’ve built an engaged audience. Don't worry though—there are plenty of alternative methods to start earning from day one. Let’s dive into the top ways to monetize your channel and start making money.

The Best Ways to Make Money on YouTube

1. Monetize with YouTube Ads

To start earning ad revenue, you need to be part of the YouTube Partner Program. Here's how you qualify:

• At least 1,000 subscribers.
• 4,000 hours of watch time in the past 12 months (or 10 million views on Shorts in the last 90 days).

Once you meet these criteria, head over to YouTube Studio and apply. If approved, you’ll be able to link your Google AdSense account and start earning ad revenue. For quicker access, with just 500 subscribers and some additional criteria, you can unlock features like channel memberships, shopping, and Super Chat.

2. Affiliate Marketing: A Beginner-Friendly Approach

Affiliate marketing is a great way to start earning even with a small audience. Here's how it works:

• Join an affiliate program (Amazon Associates, Awin, ClickBank, etc.).
• Create custom affiliate links for products you’ll feature in your videos.
• Add those links to your video descriptions.

When your viewers click these links and make a purchase, you earn a commission. This method is perfect for creators making review or product-focused content.

3. Brand Deals and Sponsored Content

As your channel grows, companies will notice your audience and may offer you brand deals. This could mean paid sponsorships or product placement in your videos. To attract these opportunities, you need to:

• Build a strong and engaged audience.
• Reach out to brands you’d love to work with, or sign up on platforms like Grapevine or Channel Pages to connect with companies.

Keep in mind, if you feature a sponsored product, you must disclose this on YouTube to stay compliant.

4. Sell Your Own Merchandise

If you have a loyal following, selling merchandise can be a lucrative way to monetize. This could include anything from t-shirts and mugs to digital products like e-books or online courses. Some tips:

• Promote your merchandise in your videos with links to your online store.
• Use YouTube’s Shopping feature if you qualify, to tag products directly in your videos.

If you're a creator like Marques Brownlee, who runs a tech review channel, you can build a merch line that resonates with your audience.

5. Charge for Channel Memberships

With YouTube Channel Memberships, your viewers can pay a monthly fee to access exclusive perks, such as:

• Members-only live streams.
• Behind-the-scenes content.
• Exclusive emojis and badges for live chats.

You need at least 500 subscribers to access this feature. As your membership base grows, so will your income!

How Much Can You Earn on YouTube?

Earnings vary greatly depending on factors like content type, niche, and audience engagement. On average, YouTubers earn between $1 and $5 per 1,000 views. But if your channel covers high-demand niches like tech, finance, or education, you could earn significantly more due to higher CPM (cost per thousand impressions).

For beginners, focus on creating quality content and building a niche that resonates with your audience. As your channel grows, your income potential will increase.

How Long Does It Take to Start Earning?

While it may take some time to reach the 1,000-subscriber milestone, there are ways to start earning before you hit that mark:

• Upload consistently to build a library of content.
• Target specific niches and optimize your videos to attract loyal viewers.
• Use catchy titles and thumbnails to drive traffic to your videos.

The key to success on YouTube is persistence—your efforts will pay off over time.

Alternative Ways to Earn Money Online

If YouTube isn’t for you, there are plenty of other online platforms where you can earn money:

• TikTok and Instagram: Explore these video platforms if you're looking to expand your content.
• Etsy: If you’re into crafting or design, selling on Etsy could be a profitable venture.
• eBay: Sell old items, collectibles, or new products on eBay to generate extra income.

Whether you’re making YouTube your full-time career or simply looking to make some extra cash.