YouTube monetization: Top 10 ways to monetize on YouTube (2024)

There’s no denying that video content is more popular than ever. In 2020 alone, people watched more than 12 billion minutes of videos online — and they want more.

For digital content creators and businesses alike, this is a great time to focus on video content. With YouTube’s monetization features, you’re able to do just that.

In this article, we’ll define YouTube monetization, its rules and requirements, and how to monetize your YouTube videos.

What is YouTube monetization?

In simplest terms: YouTube monetization is the ability to make money from your videos.

To enable monetization on YouTube, you need to meet certain requirements and join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

YouTube monetization: Top 10 ways to monetize on YouTube (1)

According to YouTube, to qualify for monetization, you must have:

  • 4,000 watch hours over the last 12 months
  • at least 1,000 subscribers on your channel.

You can grow these numbers by creating quality content, as well as by promoting your channel.

Additionally, there are some other requirements to set up and monetize your channel. We’ll discuss those in the next section.

YouTube monetization rules and requirements

Monetizing your YouTube channel is as amazing as it sounds, but it comes with a few strings attached. While the requirements for YouTube monetization aren’t log, the benefits are great.

Simply put, once you’ve joined the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), it all comes down to how well your videos perform. The more views you get on your content, the more money you’ll be able to make.

Let’s look at the different requirements to start monetizing your YouTube videos:

Apply to the YouTube Partner Program

The first step is to apply to the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

It takes at least one month for YouTube to review applications before marking a decision. It may take longer than a month, mostly because YouTube has actual specialists reviewing each application.

The minimum eligibility requirements for joining the YPP are that:

Avoid copyright and monetization mistakes on YouTube

It’s important to adhere to YouTube’s copyright and monetization rules at all times. Meaning, you should only upload videos that you have made or authorized to use. Copyright also extends to music or audio tracks, other copyrighted works, or videos created by others.

If you’re caught violating any of the policies, you may be subject to the following:

  • Removal of ads from your videos
  • Suspension from the YouTube Partner Program
  • Account suspension or termination

YouTube states that they will always inform you via email if you violate any of their policies. They will also let you know about the options available to you, if any.

What to do if you get rejected by the YouTube Partner Program

If your application gets rejected, YouTube outlines which policies your channel failed to follow. If that’s the case, don’t fret. You can always re-apply after 30 days. Use this as an opportunity to improve your channel before you apply a second time.

For example, you may want to revisit any video titles, video descriptions and thumbnails to align with with YouTube’s policies. And if you have specific videos causing issues, you may also want to delete or edit them.

Top 10 ways to monetize on YouTube

We’ve covered the requirements to even begin monetizing on YouTube. Now let’s get to the more exciting part: exploring all the different ways you can earn from your YouTube videos.

You may be wondering how much money YouTubers actually make. While some of the highest paid YouTube creators earn millions of dollars from their videos, not every creator manages to make that much. In fact, the average YouTube channel earns around $18 per 1,000 views.

YouTube has changed the way creators earn money online and on the platform.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 ways to can earn money on YouTube:

1. YouTube Ads

The most “traditional” way you can make money on YouTube is through ads that appear before or during your videos.

If you’ve joined the YPP, you can turn on ad monetization for individual or multiple videos on your channel. Keep in mind that your videos must meet YouTube’s advertiser-friendly content guidelines to be able to run ads.

With several YouTube ad formats available, you’re able to control the placement of ads on your videos.

2. Paid Sponsorships

Paid sponsorships are when brands and businesses pay or sponsor a content creator to pay, use or demonstrate their product in a video. While sponsorships are provided by brands to creators, it benefits both parties as well as the viewers.

Sponsorships are hard to obtain, but can be extremely rewarding. If you have an influential channel with a large following, you can pitch to relevant brands in your niche to partner for a video.

To secure a sponsorship, show brands your past work, YouTube analytics and engagement rates. Explain to them how you can bring value to their business with your content.

3. Affiliates

Another way to monetize your YouTube videos is through affiliate programs.

So, how does this work? When you join an affiliate marketing program, you send your audience to a brand’s product or landing page via an affiliate link. If the user successfully makes a purchase, you earn a commission from the sale.

While not as lucrative as paid sponsorships, an affiliate program still generates extra income. You can become an affiliate for products that you already use, and even offer your followers a discount code.

4. Channel Membership

YouTube channel memberships are a monthly subscription in exchange for exclusive perks. Creators can give exclusive offerings to channel members, such as product discounts, 1:1 live chats or exclusive videos.

YouTube monetization: Top 10 ways to monetize on YouTube (2)

Membership fees are set by the creator, and channels need at least 1,000 subscribers to enable this feature.

5. Patronage

If you have a loyal fanbase, a third-party platform like Patreon lets digital creators, artists, writers and businesses provide exclusive perks to patrons who support your channel and content.

YouTube monetization: Top 10 ways to monetize on YouTube (3)

Patreon is popular with YouTube creators and brands, like a YouTube channel membership. But with tiered membership, you can choose different perks to offer patrons regardless of your subscriber count. Provide exclusive content such as behind-the-scenes videos or perks like early access and one-on-one time.

6. Merchandise

YouTube channels with more than 10,000 subscribers can sell merchandise via a merch shelf that appears on each video page. If you’ve built a strong brand community, you can open up another revenue stream by selling branded merchandise to your fans on YouTube.

YouTube monetization: Top 10 ways to monetize on YouTube (4)

This is particularly useful for YouTube creators who may not have their own website and want to sell merchandise to their followers. With over 45 supported merch platforms or retailers worldwide, there is an opportunity your grow your brand.

7. Super Features: Super Chat, Super Stickers, Super Thanks

If you’ve ever watched a livestream on YouTube, you might have noticed that some chat messages stand out and are highlighted over others.

YouTube monetization: Top 10 ways to monetize on YouTube (5)

That’s because YouTube lets creators enable Super Chat on their live videos and premieres. This monetization feature allows your audience to pay between $1 to $500 to get their message featured in a livestream chat.

In that same vein, Super Stickers work similarly to Super Chat.

Instead of buying chat messages, users can buy and share fun stickers. These stickers then get pinned to the top of the chat stream to grab their favorite creator’s attention.

And finally, the Super Thanks feature allows users to show appreciation to their favorite creators. By donating a small amount, users receive a featured comment in the livestream chat, as well as an animated GIF.

YouTube monetization: Top 10 ways to monetize on YouTube (6)

Unlike Super Chats and Super Stickers, users can buy Super Thanks on any uploaded video, not just livestreams and Premieres.

These are great features for digital creators or brands that create helpful and educational videos. Not only do these Super features generate some extra income, but it also allows your top fans to show their support and gratitude for your content.

8. YouTube Shorts Fund

In May 2021, YouTube launched a $100 million fund exclusively for Shorts creators. This money is to be distributed each month to YouTube Shorts creators over 2021-2022.

This means every month, YouTubers can make anywhere from $100 to $10,000 depending on the engagement and views on their Shorts videos. And eligibility refreshes every month, so if you don’t qualify for one month, you may qualify the next, or vice versa.

To receive a YouTube Shorts Fund, you don’t need to be part of the YPP, so for creators don’t meet the requirements of the YPP program, this is a huge benefit. But, creators still need to meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify for a YouTube Shorts Bonus.

9. YouTube Premium

YouTube Premium is a subscription service offered by YouTube. Members can watch ad-free content, download videos, enable background playback and more.

So, how does this affect monetization? Will creators monetizing their videos via ads still get paid if YouTube Premium members watch their videos? Fortunately, yes.

According to YouTube, subscription revenue payments are distributed to creators at the beginning of every month just like ad revenue payments. The amount, of course, depends on how much Premium members watch your videos.

10. YouTube BrandConnect

YouTube BrandConnect connects brands with YouTube creators for content campaigns. Audiences trust creators when it comes to product recommendations. And using BrandConnect can — yes — connect YouTube channels with brands for partnership

This service is currently available only in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom.

Earn revenue from your videos with YouTube monetization

Creating and publishing videos is not just great for brand awareness. It’s also an excellent way to support yourself by monetizing on YouTube.

Are you ready to grow your YouTube channel? If your goal is to start monetizing on YouTube, start by branding your YouTube account. Then promote your channel and get more views on your videos. Remember, the more views and subscribers you have, the more opportunity you have to monetize on the platform. Cha-ching!

YouTube monetization: Top 10 ways to monetize on YouTube (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest way to monetize a YouTube channel? ›

Turn on Shopping for your channel
  1. Sign in to YouTube Studio.
  2. In the left menu, click Monetization.
  3. Click the Merchandise tab. You'll only see this option if your channel is eligible.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to get your Teespring Store ID and link it to your YouTube channel.

How do I pass a YouTube monetization review? ›

When you reach your dashboard, click on Channel and then Monetization to get to the monetization screen. SIf your YouTube Channel has been under review for some time then click on 'Help and Feedback. ' This will bring up a small popup with a range of options, and you want to click 'Send feedback'.

How many ways can you monetize YouTube? ›

There are two ways to become a Partner: through the YouTube Creator Academy or by applying directly. Once you become a Partner, it's free to enable monetization on your videos. In order to start making money, you'll need to link an approved AdSense account with your YouTube account.

How do I monetize YouTube videos without 1000 subs? ›

In this guide, we'll share five methods that don't require 1,000 subscribers or 4,000 watch hours.
...
How to Monetize on YouTube Without the Partner Program
  1. Affiliate Revenue. ...
  2. Paid YouTube Sponsorships. ...
  3. Video Memberships. ...
  4. Online Courses. ...
  5. Digital Products.
6 May 2022

How can I monetize faster? ›

5 ways to get YouTube channel to monetize fast
  1. Become a YouTube Partner. This post is all about how you can monetize your YouTube videos by becoming a YouTube partner and start producing revenue. ...
  2. Use affiliate links on YouTube. ...
  3. Use Fan Funding. ...
  4. Master YouTube SEO. ...
  5. Marketing Funnels and Influencer Marketing.
23 Oct 2020

How can I get monetized fast? ›

How to Get Monetized on YouTube Fast (Complete Guide)

Can a 1 minute video be monetized on YouTube? ›

Best YouTube video length for monetization

First of all, there is no minimum length for monetizing videos. But for optimal revenue sakes, make your video is at least 8 minutes, because you can place extra mid-role ads in the video.

How can I get 4000 hours fast? ›

Here are extra tips to help you out:
  1. Become obsessed with audience retention. The longer people watch your videos, the more Watch Time you will receive. ...
  2. Don't make long videos just to reach 4,000 hours. You should make your videos just long enough to cover a specific topic. ...
  3. Don't "announce" the end of a video.
24 Nov 2021

Is YouTube monetization easy? ›

YouTube Monetization Requirements

YouTube is quite selective about who it lets into the monetization program. Before you can apply to the YPP, you must have: 1,000 subscribers. 4,000 watch hours on your channel (within 12 months)

Can I monetize 2 YouTube channels? ›

Creating an AdSense account and linking it to your channel is a crucial step toward getting paid on YouTube. Note that if you're already in the YouTube Partner Program, you can change your linked AdSense account if you need to. You can also monetize more than one YouTube channel using the same AdSense account.

Can I monetize 2 minute video on YouTube? ›

Whether your videos are short or long you can still make money from video monetization. But be careful, your audience won't like a bunch of ads that pop out and interrupt their watching attention. Try to understand the behavior of your audience through analytics of your channel.

How much money do you get for 1 view? ›

According to a variety of sources, YouTubers can make anywhere between $0.01 to $0.03 per view with AdSense, with an average of $0.18 per view. However, the amount of money YouTube.com will pay depends on a variety of factors, such as: The number of views your video receives. The number of clicks an ad receives.

Can I monetize a single video? ›

You can monetize content that you created as long as you still hold the rights to the video. If you're signed with a music label, you can possibly monetize your video depending on the terms or limitations of that agreement. You may need to consult an attorney.

How can I increase my subscribers? ›

How to Increase Subscribers on YouTube
  1. Hook people with your intro.
  2. Ask viewers to subscribe.
  3. Create videos that are around 10 minutes long.
  4. Ask people to leave comments (this is how you go viral).
  5. Respond to every comment with an answer and a question.
  6. Leverage YouTube shorts.
  7. Run contests.

Can you monetize 30 second videos on YouTube? ›

It doesn't depend on the length of the videos. The monetization is based on views of the video. If your content is good, trendy & catchy, and reaches a lot of people, it doesn't matter if it's 30 seconds or anything, YouTube pays you based on the views if you have enabled monetization.

What is the monetize word? ›

: to coin into money. also : to establish as legal tender. : to purchase (public or private debt) and thereby free for other uses moneys that would have been devoted to debt service. 3. : to utilize (something of value) as a source of profit.

How long does it take to get monetized on YouTube 2022? ›

You must have at least 4,000 hours of watch time in the past 12 months. You live in a country that has access to the program. You have created your AdSense account and linked it to your YouTube channel.

How can I monetize again? ›

You can re-apply to the program 30 days after suspension. Follow these general guidelines: Start by going to the monetization page to read more about the policy your channel violated. Then, review your videos against our YouTube monetization policies and our Community Guidelines.

Can I get monetized in one month? ›

You will get Youtube Channel Monetization in 1 month or less

The duration of management. Revisions may occur after this date. Fund the project upfront.

How can I grow YouTube faster? ›

16 Proven tips to promote your YouTube Channel
  1. Write engaging, must-see titles. ...
  2. Optimize your videos for visibility. ...
  3. Figure out what your audience wants. ...
  4. Engage with the YouTube community. ...
  5. Customize your thumbnails. ...
  6. Cross-promote your own videos on YouTube. ...
  7. Target Google search results. ...
  8. Run a contest or giveaway.

How many minutes is 4000 watch hours? ›

4,000 hours watch time = 240,000 minutes. That's a lot of minutes, but we're going to give you some solid advice on how to get your videos watched by more people and get you to that goal faster.

Can Shorts be monetized? ›

YouTube announces Shorts will soon be eligible for monetization, and creators will keep 45% of the revenue generated from viewership. This is a significant update for creators who earn income on YouTube. Unlike long-form videos, which allow creators to profit from ad revenue, Shorts has no direct path to monetization.

How many Shorts should I post a day? ›

If you just started your channel or you just need views or watch time for your channel, you can easily upload shorts for more views and watch time. Sometimes some Shorts may not perform well. If you upload 100 shorts to YouTube daily, It may help you to get more views and will definitely help you to get watch time too.

Do longer videos make more money? ›

When you create videos for YouTube that are longer than 10 minutes, you'll have a higher chance of generating more money through ad revenue. YouTube videos that are longer than 10 minutes will likely have a higher watch time, which positively contributes towards the amount of ad revenue that said videos would generate.

How much does a 1k subscriber Youtuber make? ›

On average, YouTube monetization for 1000 views (also known as CPM – Cost Per Mille) ranges from 0.5 to 6 USD based on the location of viewers and the target audience. The numbers vary greatly, but most channels get 0.5 USD YouTube income per 1000 views.

Which type of video is most viewed on YouTube? ›

Since 2010, all but one the most-viewed videos on YouTube have been music videos, signifying the platform's shift in focus from funny, viral videos to professionally produced content. As of 2022, about 40 percent of the.

What happens if I do not get 4000 watch hours and 1000 subscribers in 1 year on YouTube? ›

Upon acceptance you might be stressing about keeping those watchtime hours up, but don't panic, YouTube won't kick you out if you dip below 4,000 hours so long as it's clear you're still active. Keep working hard, posting content you'll be just fine.

How do I monetize my YouTube channel 2022? ›

The Seven YouTube Monetization Rules
  1. Prove you're following YouTube's monetization policies.
  2. Users must have watched your content for at least 4,000 hours over the past 12 months.
  3. You need at least 1,000 subscribers.
  4. You need a linked AdSense account.
  5. You must be located somewhere where the YPP is available.
20 Oct 2022

What is a good channel name? ›

Keep It Simple: Make your Channel Name easy to pronounce and spell. In general, it's better to use 2-3 word phrases (The Film Theorists) vs. one complicated word (FilmTheorology). Use a Tool: If you're stuck, I recommend checking out the Shopify Business Name Generator.

Can reuse content be monetized? ›

It's fine to have this type of content on your channel, but individual videos may be subject to other policies like copyright. In other words, we allow reused content if viewers can tell that there's a meaningful difference between the original video and your video.

Can you buy a monetized YouTube channel? ›

Yes, purchasing a YouTube channel is legal and does not go against YouTube's Terms of Service. There are also many cased of very popular YouTube channels that were later bought by Brands and Entreprises.

What happens after monetization? ›

Once you've become a YouTube partner, they'll be able to place ads on your videos as they see fit. You can enable this option on a per-video basis if you'd like. Just a note: you'll need to create an AdSense account in order to receive payments for advertising on your videos.

Which type of YouTube channel is more profitable? ›

Entertainment vlogs

Plus, it makes us feel closer to the person standing in front of the camera. Entertainment vlogs are one of the most profitable niches on YouTube. Combined with other social media channels, this category of content has created digital celebrities with millions of followers.

What is the best length for YouTube video? ›

Ideally, a YouTube video should be between 6 and 8 minutes long. Most video marketers agree that you risk losing viewers once your video goes over 10 minutes. Vidyard reports that long video length deters 59.9% of people from watching.

Do YouTubers get paid monthly? ›

YouTubers are paid out monthly and either receive a check by mail or direct deposit. To start earning money from YouTube, creators must have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past year. Once they reach that threshold, they can apply for YouTube's Partner Program.

How much money do you get for 1billion views? ›

In theory, a good content creator might earn anywhere from $240k to $5 million based on 1 billion views on YouTube. This income is based solely on potential ad revenue based on viewership.

How do you get 1k views on YouTube? ›

How to Get More Views on YouTube
  1. Create Compelling Content.
  2. Add a Watermark to Your Videos.
  3. Promote Your Videos on Other Social Channels.
  4. Transcribe Your Videos.
  5. Publish Your Videos at The Best Time.
  6. Invite Guest Vloggers.
  7. Build an Influencer Community.
  8. Know What's Viral.
12 Mar 2022

Can 1 viral video make money? ›

For perspective, remember that the creator fund pays around 2 to 4 cents per 1,000 views. That means, if your video had one million views, you could make between $20 to $40. And if your video went viral and you had 10 million views, you could make $200 to $400 from the creator fund.

Can a 10 second video be monetized? ›

For videos three minutes or longer, an ad can be shown 45 seconds in. Previously only three-minute or longer videos could monetize with in-stream ads, with an ad shown no earlier than 1 minute.

What kind of content can I monetize? ›

These elements include (but are not limited to) logos, thumbnails, intro/outro/background music, software interfaces, and video games. If you decide to incorporate third-party content in a video, you must clear the rights to use and monetize this content on YouTube.

What is 1K view? ›

On the Internet, 1K is used to represent 1 thousand and 10K is used to represent 10 thousand, similarly, 1M is used to represent 1 million. 1M = 1 Million (ie 10 Lakh)

How do you get 100 subscribers a day? ›

How to Get 100 Subscribers on YouTube in a Day
  1. 1 Promote your channel on social media.
  2. 2 Ask your friends and family to subscribe.
  3. 3 Post about a topic that's trending right now.
  4. 4 Give your channel a name that's easy to remember.
  5. 5 Customize your profile with some nice art.
  6. 6 Find your content niche.

Which videos attract the most subscribers? ›

If so, here's a handy list of ten types of video content that will attract more views.
  1. Product Videos. Product videos create an emotional connection between a product and consumers. ...
  2. Interviews. ...
  3. Explainer Videos. ...
  4. Testimonials. ...
  5. Tutorial Video Content. ...
  6. Reviews. ...
  7. Vlogs. ...
  8. Webinars.
10 Jun 2022

Can I monetized without 4000 hours? ›

To monetize YouTube videos you need to accumulate 4,000 hours of watch time within a 12 month period. Only views of regular, long-form videos count toward meeting YouTube's monetization eligibility criteria.

Is short video watch time count? ›

If a Short is viewed on the Shorts shelf, a display area for brief, vertical videos, it won't earn YPP watch hours. But if the same video is viewed on a regular watch page with YouTube ads and a comment section, you can earn eligible Watch Time.

How much do YouTube Shorts pay per 1000 views? ›

YouTubers earn, on average, anywhere between $1-10 for 1,000 views, which comes out to $0.01-0.10 per individual view.

How much money do you make per 1000 views on YouTube? ›

With the average YouTube pay rate hovering between $0.01 and $0.03 for an ad view, a YouTuber can make around $18 per 1,000 ad views, which comes out to $3 to $5 per 1,000 video views. Forbes also estimates that for top talent, a YouTuber can make about $5 for every 1,000 video views.

Is it hard to monetize YouTube channel? ›

Based on the YouTube Partner Program, you need 1,000 or more subscribers to be able to monetize your channel. You also need at least 4,000 watch hours within the last 12 months and have an active Google AdSense account.

Do YouTubers get paid monthly? ›

YouTubers are paid out monthly and either receive a check by mail or direct deposit. To start earning money from YouTube, creators must have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past year. Once they reach that threshold, they can apply for YouTube's Partner Program.

How do YouTubers get paid without ads? ›

YouTube Premium is a paid membership program that lets fans watch and support their favorite content creators without ads. For creators, not much changes, as they will get paid for content consumed by non-members on YouTube, along with content on YouTube Premium.

How do you get 1k views on YouTube? ›

How to Get More Views on YouTube
  1. Create Compelling Content.
  2. Add a Watermark to Your Videos.
  3. Promote Your Videos on Other Social Channels.
  4. Transcribe Your Videos.
  5. Publish Your Videos at The Best Time.
  6. Invite Guest Vloggers.
  7. Build an Influencer Community.
  8. Know What's Viral.
12 Mar 2022

Can 1 minute YouTube videos be monetized? ›

First of all, there is no minimum length for monetizing videos. But for optimal revenue sakes, make your video is at least 8 minutes, because you can place extra mid-role ads in the video.

How do I get 4000 hours on YouTube? ›

Here are extra tips to help you out:
  1. Become obsessed with audience retention. The longer people watch your videos, the more Watch Time you will receive. ...
  2. Don't make long videos just to reach 4,000 hours. You should make your videos just long enough to cover a specific topic. ...
  3. Don't "announce" the end of a video.
24 Nov 2021

What is the monetize word? ›

: to coin into money. also : to establish as legal tender. : to purchase (public or private debt) and thereby free for other uses moneys that would have been devoted to debt service. 3. : to utilize (something of value) as a source of profit.

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