Top 30 Best Tips on How to Make Money on YouTube
- Join the YouTube Partner Program to earn from ads.
- Create long-form videos (8+ mins) for more ad revenue.
- Use YouTube Shorts for extra monetization and reach.
- Leverage Super Chats & Memberships for live earnings.
- Sell merchandise using YouTube’s Merch Shelf feature.
Top 30 Best Tips on How to Make Money on YouTube
1. Top 30 Best Tips on How to Make Money on YouTube
YouTube is one of the most lucrative platforms for content creators, offering multiple revenue streams. With over 2.5 billion active users, it provides endless opportunities to monetize videos and grow a sustainable income.
I’ve personally made six figures+ on YouTube by implementing a diversified monetization strategy rather than relying on just ads. The key to long-term success is building multiple income streams, engaging with your audience, and optimizing content for revenue.
This guide outlines 30 practical, easy-to-follow tips for maximizing your YouTube earnings and building a profitable channel.
2. Mastering YouTube Monetization Basics
Before making money, you must meet YouTube’s monetization requirements and understand how different revenue models work.
1. Join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
To qualify for monetization, you must:
- Have at least 1,000 subscribers.
- Accumulate 4,000 public watch hours in the past 12 months OR 10 million public Short views in the last 90 days.
- Follow YouTube’s monetization policies and community guidelines.
- Link a Google AdSense account to receive payments.
💡 How to reach these milestones faster:
- Create high-quality, engaging content that keeps viewers watching longer.
- Leverage YouTube Shorts to grow subscribers rapidly.
- Focus on SEO optimization (using the right keywords and tags).
- Collaborate with other YouTubers in your niche for faster audience growth.
✅ Example: A small fitness YouTube channel grew from zero to 1,000 subscribers in 3 months by posting daily 5-minute workout videos targeting trending fitness challenges.
2. Understand CPM & RPM (How Ads Pay You)
YouTube ads are one of the most common ways to make money, but understanding how they pay creators is key.
- CPM (Cost Per Mille) – The amount advertisers pay per 1,000 ad impressions on your videos.
- RPM (Revenue Per Mille) – The actual revenue you earn per 1,000 views after YouTube’s cut (YouTube keeps 45%, and you get 55%).
💡 How to increase your CPM & RPM:
- Target high-paying niches: Finance, Tech, Business, and Legal content have higher CPMs than entertainment or vlogs.
- Encourage longer watch times: The more ads shown per video, the more you earn.
- Make advertiser-friendly content: Avoid excessive swearing or controversial topics that could lower your ad suitability.
✅ Example: A tech channel covering laptop reviews and software tutorials earns an average CPM of $20-$30, while an entertainment vlog may only earn $3-$5 CPM.
Read Top 10 Niches That Pay the Most on YouTube.
3. Optimize Videos for Ads (Increase Ad Placements)
You must optimize videos for higher watch time and multiple ad placements to maximize ad revenue.
💡 Best practices for ad optimization:
- Create videos longer than 8 minutes – YouTube allows mid-roll ads in videos over 8 minutes, increasing revenue.
- Improve audience retention – Keep viewers engaged for the entire video to increase total ad impressions.
- Use strategic ad breaks – Place mid-roll ads at natural breaks in the content rather than randomly interrupting.
✅ Example: A travel vlogger making 12-minute travel guides earns more than someone posting 4-minute highlight videos because they can add multiple ad breaks.
4. Monetize YouTube Shorts (Short-Form Content Earnings)
Thanks to YouTube’s short monetization, short-form content is becoming a major revenue stream.
💡 How to earn money from Shorts:
- Shorts Ad Revenue Sharing – YouTube places ads between Shorts, and revenue is shared with eligible creators.
- YouTube Shorts Fund – A bonus fund that rewards top-performing Shorts creators.
- Brand Sponsorships & Affiliate Marketing – Many brands now sponsor Shorts due to their high engagement rates.
✅ Example: A comedy creator making viral Shorts skits attracted sponsorship deals with entertainment brands while earning from YouTube’s Shorts Fund.
5. Earn from YouTube Premium Views
YouTube Premium allows users to watch ad-free content, but creators still earn from watch time contributions.
💡 How to increase YouTube Premium earnings:
- Create long-form, binge-worthy content to keep Premium users engaged.
- Encourage series-based content, increasing watch time across multiple videos.
- Engage Premium subscribers by offering exclusive live streams and community posts.
✅ Example: A finance YouTuber producing 30-minute stock market analysis videos generates more Premium watch time earnings than someone making short, sporadic content.
6. Increase Ad Revenue with Smart Strategies
Ad revenue isn’t just about views—it’s about optimizing your content for high-paying ads.
💡 Proven strategies to maximize ad earnings:
- Use keyword-rich video titles to attract relevant ads.
- Target audience demographics that attract premium advertisers (U.S., Canada, and U.K. audiences tend to have higher CPMs).
- Enable all ad formats (pre-roll, mid-roll, overlay, and bumper ads) for maximum revenue potential.
- Create evergreen content that generates ad revenue for years instead of trendy, short-lived topics.
✅ Example: A how-to channel producing evergreen tutorial videos on Microsoft Excel and SEO techniques generates consistent ad revenue for years.
7. Earn with YouTube Super Chats & Live Monetization
YouTube Live provides an interactive revenue stream through which viewers can financially support creators in real time through Super Chats, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks.
💡 How to maximize Super Chat earnings:
- Host regular live streams to engage with your audience.
- Encourage real-time participation by responding to Super Chat messages first.
- Run Q&A sessions, live reactions, or interactive challenges to drive more contributions.
- Offer special perks for Super Chat supporters, like personalized shoutouts or behind-the-scenes access.
✅ Example: A tech YouTuber answers viewer questions about new gadgets, prioritizing those who send Super Chats, creating higher engagement and revenue.
8. Offer YouTube Channel Memberships
Channel Memberships provide a predictable, recurring income stream, allowing fans to subscribe for exclusive perks such as members-only live chats, badges, and early video access.
💡 Ways to increase memberships:
- Create at least three membership tiers, with valuable perks at each level.
- Use badges and emojis to make members feel special in comments and live streams.
- Host members-only live Q&As or exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
- Regularly promote memberships in videos, descriptions, and community posts.
✅ Example: A fitness YouTuber offers premium workout plans and one-on-one coaching sessions to their highest-paying members, ensuring consistent income.
9. Sell Merchandise with YouTube’s Merch Shelf
Through its Merch Shelf integration with platforms like Teespring, Spreadshop, and Shopify, YouTube allows creators to sell branded merchandise directly under their videos.
💡 Tips for increasing merch sales:
- Design products that reflect your channel’s niche and resonate with your audience.
- Offer limited-edition drops or seasonal merchandise to create urgency.
- Showcase your merch in videos by wearing it or doing live unboxing.
- Provide exclusive discounts to channel members or Super Chat supporters.
✅ Example: A gaming YouTuber sells custom-designed hoodies and mousepads, promoting them during live game streams.
10. Use Affiliate Marketing to Earn Commissions
Affiliate marketing is one of YouTubers’ easiest and most passive income streams.
By recommending products and sharing affiliate links, creators can earn commissions on each sale.
💡 How to boost affiliate earnings:
- Include affiliate links in video descriptions and pin them in the comments.
- Create content around product reviews, tutorials, and unboxings to encourage purchases.
- Join top affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, CJ Affiliate, and Impact.
- Use UTM tracking links to measure the performance of affiliate marketing efforts.
✅ Example: A travel vlogger shares affiliate links for travel gear, hotel bookings, and tour packages, earning a commission on every sale.
11. Reach Out to Brands for Sponsorships
Sponsorships can often be more profitable than ad revenue, as brands pay a fixed amount for dedicated product mentions and promotions.
💡 How to secure sponsorships:
- Create a professional media kit showcasing your audience insights, engagement rates, and niche.
- Pitch brands directly via email or through sponsorship marketplaces like Upfluence, AspireIQ, and YouTube BrandConnect.
- Ensure the brand aligns with your content so promotions feel natural.
- Negotiate fair sponsorship rates, considering your views, conversion potential, and engagement levels.
✅ Example: A finance YouTuber secures a $10,000 sponsorship from a stock trading app by offering a dedicated video and affiliate integration.
12. Negotiate Higher Sponsorship Rates
Brands often lowball creators with sponsorship offers, so negotiation is key to earning what you’re worth.
💡 How to negotiate better deals:
- Charge based on audience value, not just subscriber count.
- Offer bundled packages (dedicated video + Instagram post + email marketing).
- Request bonuses for high-converting promotions.
- Compare rates with other YouTubers in your niche to set a competitive price.
✅ Example: A tech YouTuber who previously charged $500 per sponsorship negotiates a $3,000 deal after proving their audience drives conversions.
13. Create Long-Term Brand Partnerships
Instead of relying on one-time sponsorships, aim for long-term deals that provide consistent income.
💡 How to build lasting brand relationships:
- Provide detailed performance reports on previous sponsorships.
- Align with brands that naturally fit your content for better authenticity.
- Offer customized, recurring brand integration plans across multiple videos.
✅ Example: A personal finance YouTuber becomes a brand ambassador for an investing app, promoting it in every new market update video.
14. Post Consistently to Stay in the Algorithm
YouTube’s algorithm rewards consistency, meaning frequent uploads increase visibility and recommendations.
💡 How to maintain consistency:
- Stick to a content calendar (aim for 2-3 weekly videos).
- Batch film multiple videos at once to stay ahead of schedule.
- Use trending topics and evergreen content for sustainable traffic.
✅ Example: A DIY YouTuber gains 100,000 subscribers in one year by posting weekly crafting tutorials that align with seasonal trends.
15. Use YouTube Shorts for Faster Growth
Shorts help creators gain rapid exposure, making it an excellent tool for subscriber growth and increased ad revenue.
💡 How to use Shorts effectively:
- Repurpose longer videos into Shorts for extra reach.
- Follow trending audio and hashtags to get featured in YouTube’s Shorts feed.
- Link full-length videos in pinned comments to drive traffic to longer content.
✅ Example: A fitness influencer grows their channel 10X faster by posting daily Shorts with quick workout challenges.
16. Leverage Trending Topics for More Views
Videos covering trending topics often get higher visibility, increasing views and monetization potential.
💡 How to find trending topics:
- Use Google Trends, YouTube Trending, and Twitter Trends.
- Cover viral news, industry updates, or internet challenges.
- React to breaking events in your niche.
✅ Example: A tech YouTuber gains millions of views by releasing early reviews of new iPhones before official launches.
17. Engage with Your Audience for Higher Retention
YouTube rewards creators with higher engagement rates, so interacting with your viewers is crucial.
💡 Ways to increase audience engagement:
- Reply to comments and DMs to build a loyal community.
- Use polls and interactive community posts to keep subscribers involved.
- Ask engaging questions in videos to encourage more comments.
✅ Example: A travel YouTuber gets double the engagement by personally responding to questions in the comments and featuring user recommendations in future videos.
18. Collaborate with Other YouTubers for Growth
Cross-promotions help expose your channel to new audiences, accelerating subscriber and revenue growth.
💡 How to collaborate effectively:
- Join forces with YouTubers in your niche for co-created content.
- Host live Q&A sessions with guest creators to attract more viewers.
- Shout out or feature other channels in videos to encourage cross-promotion.
✅ Example: Two fitness YouTubers co-host a workout challenge, doubling their subscriber growth in three months.
19. Repurpose Content on Multiple Platforms
YouTube is a powerful platform, but repurposing your content on other platforms can increase visibility and revenue opportunities.
💡 How to repurpose content effectively:
- Upload video clips as Instagram Reels, TikToks, and Facebook Shorts.
- Convert long-form YouTube videos into podcasts for Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
- Turn your tutorials or guides into blog posts to drive organic search traffic.
- Create Pinterest pins with thumbnails linking back to your videos.
✅ Example: A personal finance YouTuber turns YouTube videos into blog articles and short TikTok clips, increasing audience reach and passive income.
20. Build an Email List to Monetize Outside YouTube
An email list gives you full control over audience engagement, allowing you to monetize beyond YouTube.
💡 How to grow an email list:
- Offer free resources like eBooks, cheat sheets, or exclusive video content.
- Promote email sign-ups in video descriptions and pinned comments.
- Use lead magnets like exclusive discounts for merch or courses.
✅ Example: A marketing YouTuber builds a 50,000+ email list, using it to sell digital courses and consulting services.
21. Launch a Patreon or Membership Site for Exclusive Content
Beyond YouTube memberships, Patreon and private platforms allow even greater monetization control.
💡 Why Patreon works for YouTubers:
- You keep more revenue compared to YouTube memberships.
- Offer exclusive podcasts, private forums, or behind-the-scenes content.
- Use Patreon-exclusive live streams for added value.
✅ Example: A true crime YouTuber earns $10K+ monthly from Patreon, offering members early access and bonus episodes.
22. Start a Podcast Based on Your YouTube Niche
Podcasts are a great way to repurpose content and build a dedicated audience outside of YouTube.
💡 How to monetize a podcast alongside YouTube:
- Monetize through sponsorships from brands in your niche.
- Sell premium episodes or ad-free versions to Patreon subscribers.
- Promote affiliate links and courses within episodes.
✅ Example: A health coach YouTuber starts a weekly wellness podcast, driving traffic and course sales.
23. Monetize Old Content by Updating & Reposting
Older videos still have monetization potential if optimized properly.
💡 How to refresh and monetize old content:
- Update titles, thumbnails, and descriptions with trending keywords.
- Add affiliate links to older high-performing videos.
- Create remastered or updated versions of evergreen content.
✅ Example: A tech YouTuber updates their 2019 laptop buying guide, bringing in new traffic and ad revenue.
24. Use Automation to Scale Content Creation
As your channel grows, automation helps save time and increase productivity.
💡 Tools to automate YouTube content:
- Use TubeBuddy and VidIQ for keyword research and bulk SEO optimization.
- Set up automated social media sharing via Zapier or Buffer.
- Use AI-powered editing software to streamline video production.
✅ Example: A news commentary channel schedules 30 days of content in advance, maintaining daily uploads effortlessly.
25. Run YouTube Ads to Promote Your Own Content
Investing in YouTube Ads can help grow your channel faster by reaching the right audience.
💡 Best YouTube Ad strategies for creators:
- Promote your best-performing video with targeted ads.
- Use remarketing ads to re-engage viewers who previously watched your content.
- Run lead generation campaigns to build an email list.
✅ Example: A motivational speaker invests $500 in YouTube Ads, growing their channel by 20,000 monthly subscribers.
26. Create and Sell Online Courses Based on Your Expertise
If you provide educational content, selling online courses can be one of the most profitable revenue streams.
💡 How to monetize with online courses:
- Host courses on Teachable, Kajabi, or Udemy.
- Offer mini-courses for YouTube members.
- Bundle courses with eBooks or consulting packages.
✅ Example: A coding YouTuber sells a Python programming course, earning $50K+ annually.
27. Use YouTube Live for Product Launches & Promotions
Live streaming can increase conversions when launching new products or services.
💡 Best ways to monetize live streams:
- Host live shopping events with exclusive discounts.
- Promote merch drops or course enrollments in real-time.
- Encourage Super Chats and memberships for bonus interactions.
✅ Example: A beauty YouTuber does a live tutorial using their makeup brand, leading to high product sales.
28. Leverage YouTube for Consulting & Coaching Services
If you have specialized expertise, offer coaching or consulting services to your audience.
💡 How to attract consulting clients:
- Promote one-on-one coaching sessions in video descriptions.
- Offer free live webinars with a paid upsell at the end.
- Use YouTube Community posts to interact with potential clients.
✅ Example: A career coach YouTuber books $500+ per hour coaching calls by offering resume and interview prep sessions.
29. Host Virtual Events & Paid Webinars
Creators can monetize their expertise by hosting paid live events or exclusive webinars.
💡 How to maximize earnings from virtual events:
- Charge entry fees for premium workshops.
- Offer VIP packages with additional resources.
- Use YouTube’s live event tools to market the event to your audience.
✅ Example: A personal finance YouTuber hosts a paid investment seminar, earning $25K in ticket sales.
30. Build a Personal Brand Beyond YouTube
The ultimate goal is establishing yourself as an authority in your niche, creating opportunities beyond YouTube monetization.
💡 How to build a personal brand for long-term success:
- Write a book or eBook to solidify your expertise.
- Expand into public speaking or guest appearances.
- Start a merchandise line or physical product brand.
✅ Example: A fitness YouTuber launches a book and fitness supplement brand, creating a seven-figure business outside of YouTube.
FAQs
How do YouTubers make money?
YouTubers earn through ads, channel memberships, Super Chats, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, merchandise, and course sales.
How do I qualify for YouTube monetization?
You need 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months or 10M Shorts views in 90 days.
What is the highest-paying YouTube niche?
Finance, business, tech, health, and legal content have higher CPM rates than entertainment or vlogs.
How do I increase my ad revenue on YouTube?
Create longer videos (8+ minutes) for more ad placements and increase watch time and engagement.
Can small YouTube channels make money?
Yes, through affiliate marketing, sponsorships, selling courses, and consulting, even before joining YPP.
What are Super Chats, and how do they work?
Super Chats allow fans to pay for highlighted messages during live streams, increasing creator earnings.
Is YouTube Shorts monetized?
Yes, YouTube Shorts generates revenue through the Shorts ad revenue sharing program and sponsorships.
How do I attract sponsors for my YouTube channel?
Build an engaged audience, create a media kit, and contact brands directly or through influencer networks.
What’s the best way to sell merchandise on YouTube?
Use YouTube’s Merch Shelf, integrate it with Teespring or Spreadshop, and promote products in your videos.
How do YouTube memberships work?
Fans pay a monthly fee to access exclusive content, badges, and perks, creating recurring revenue.
How can I earn passive income from YouTube?
Optimize videos for long-term SEO, monetize with ads and affiliate marketing, and create evergreen content.
What is CPM, and how does it impact earnings?
CPM (Cost Per Mille) is the amount advertisers pay per 1,000 ad impressions, which varies by niche and audience.
Can I make money on YouTube without showing my face?
Faceless YouTube channels can monetize through animation, stock footage, voiceovers, and tutorials.
How do I grow my YouTube channel fast?
Post consistently, use keyword-rich titles, create engaging thumbnails, and leverage YouTube Shorts for exposure.
What is the best way to monetize a small YouTube channel?
Use affiliate marketing, digital products, online courses, and consulting to earn before reaching monetization thresholds.
