How To Make Money On YouTube In 2024: 18 Best Ways For Creators

How To Start Making Money On YouTube
by Eddy Ballesteros, Updated: March 3, 2024

Do you want to know how to make money on YouTube? In this blog post, we will talk about 18+ ways that YouTube creators can monetize their videos.

I put together the perfect resource, which includes many different ideas for how YouTube creators can generate revenue without resorting to ads or sponsorships (Which we still go over).

So, keep reading if you want to make YouTube profitable and sustainable without multiple side hustles.

TL;DR: Earn Money From YouTube By:


  • Joining the YouTube partner program
  • Super chat gifting
  • Sell your own merchandise
  • Affiliate products
  • Sell online courses or digital products
  • Offer to consult within your niche
  • Start an email list

I started uploading video footage to gain YouTube subscribers at the beginning of 2021 and making money through various monetization methods.

This allowed me to quit my full-time job, move out early, and focus on being a content creator.

Best Ways To Make Money On Youtube

I created this guide to show others how to monetize their YouTube account even before reaching 1000 subscribers or having a viral video.

You don't need to worry about building a business on Google or another platform since YouTube is one of the best ways to start.

Let's get started.

What Are The Best Ways To Make Money On YouTube

You can make money from YouTube in a variety of ways.

The video platform has gone a long way from where it started, and YouTube creators now have many options for generating revenue.

You'll learn that making videos for an engaged audience will make an enormous difference with these ideas.

This also could help establish your brand further if you have any experience as a social media influencer.

Here are 18 ways YouTubers can monetize their videos before or after 1000 subscribers.

1. Affiliate Marketing

Fastest & Most Passive Way To Make Money On Youtube.

YouTube content creators believe they can only make money on Youtube by enabling video ads, but affiliate marketers know otherwise.

Affiliate Marketing Job

Affiliate Marketing on YouTube is a great way to make money online for beginners.

You can mention a product or service from another creator or company in your video, and when someone clicks on the link, you get paid a commission for driving traffic their way.

For example.

You can create a product review video on a certain product, and when people click through our affiliate links, we get a commission off of the sale. You want to be as ethical and honest as possible when promoting products.

With the right tools for your affiliate marketing business, you can grow your YouTube channel and make money from it.

Making On YouTube With Product Reviews

(One Of My Review Channels For Credit & Finance)

You can sign-up as an affiliate for multiple brands or products through their website, and they'll provide you with links to use in your YouTube videos that can generate money.

Being an affiliate for hundreds of companies is also the way creators monetize YouTube without AdSense, which we'll discuss later on this list!

Affiliate Marketing Programs To Join:

  • DigiStore24
  • PartnerStack
  • ClickBank
  • Business Software
  • Course Creators
  • Amazon Affiliate
  • & Other Companies You Would Recommend 

If you're looking for the perfect type of product to sell, there are various affiliate marketing software and marketplaces that will help.

2. Sell Digital Products

Best Way To Sell Online Products On Your Videos

Selling digital products on YouTube is another simple strategy to make money with your YouTube channel.

You can create an online mini-course and sell it on your channel.

As well as teach subscribers how to do something new, like editing videos, starting a blog, or growing an online business.

You have complete control of how much you can make through this revenue stream and won't need to rely on the YouTube partner program.

Selling An Online Course

If you have many followers, this could be a lucrative opportunity because they would pay anything from $25-$75 for your tutorials.

The only downfall with this strategy is the upfront time and cost to make an online course or digital product, which can be a time-consuming investment.

It's essential to validate your digital product or service with your subscribers and add them to an email list, or you can pre-sell your products.

We'll also be going over different digital products below.

3. Write An eBook

eBooks are very profitable and scalable for content creators. You can find a problem and create a solution using the Ebook. 

For example, if you're constantly working on YouTube videos and manage to create a popular YouTube channel, then an Ebook would be the perfect companion.

If you need help writing an eBook, you can use an AI text generator to help you create content.

It's possible to make money with the help of AI and tools so you can write eBooks faster.

You could offer advice related to YouTube or online video marketing in general.

If people like your book, they'll want more of your content, so this strategy can also help grow YouTube channels and offer a second stream of income.

This is one of the many high-income skills I like to tell beginners to learn as they grow their YouTube business.

Avocadu Ebook

Example of an eBook by: Avocadu

You can also up-sell an online course or coaching once they purchase your Ebook.

Ebooks are easy to sell because the process is very simple and doesn't take too long.

It's a shorter investment than creating an online course or digital product, so it's worth checking out.

4. Digital Downloads

Downloadable guides are perfect for anyone who needs a quick solution to a problem.

For example, if you have a fitness channel. You can create a downloadable YouTube video or PDF guide to help people lose weight.

This is a perfect way to add affiliate products so you can create links to the Ebook and get paid a commission off of every purchase! 

Selling Digital products on youtube

Viewers love guides because they're straightforward to read and follow along with, which makes it more likely for someone to buy your other products.

Creating digital downloads is very easy because they're downloadable online, so you can even automate the process with shopping cart software or email marketing.

You can even hire someone to write your ebook for you or use a tool like ChatGPT.

5. Consulting

Consulting can lead to huge revenue streams. You can offer to consult for any niche or a specific topic that you are knowledgeable in.

Youtube consulting offer

For example, YouTube marketing or YouTube growth consulting.

You can earn money and share your expertise on YouTube by offering webcam consultations to people who want to grow their YouTube channel.

Other examples of consulting services are:

  • Fitness training
  • Finance
  • Graphic Design
  • Yoga
  • Online Marketing
  • Speech
  • I.T Consulting
  • & So Much More

You could offer a consulting package that is either a one-time fee or a monthly service.

The process of consulting starts by providing a free consultation to see if the person would like a package.

If they do, you can go back and forth in private messages or email about your packages, prices, terms of service, etc.

6. Sell Presets

You can sell presets online for any niche.

You can sell YouTube video presets like color correction or transitions using Davinci Resolve for YouTube.

These are popular online because they save people time and effort, so they're willing to pay for a preset that does most of the work!

Presets Etsy

You could also create tutorials on how to edit YouTube videos using a specific preset, which increases revenue for Adsense.

Presets are easy to make and take minimal upfront costs. A YouTube video preset only takes a few minutes or less to create, so it's worth checking out!

You can also add them to YouTube live streams, which is an excellent way of getting paid while you're broadcasting on YouTube!

This strategy has the potential for substantial revenue streams because YouTube videos and live streams are so popular.

You can sell presets as a one-time fee or on an ongoing monthly basis, which is entirely up to you. Many people will sell them on different social media platforms as well.

7. Freelancing

Freelancing offers a unique avenue for diversifying your income streams beyond AdSense.

You can start monetizing your expertise in various niches by leveraging your YouTube channel.

Whether you're a graphic designer, a digital marketer, or a content creator, the possibilities are endless.

The average YouTube channel primarily relies on AdSense for income, but freelancing can significantly boost your earnings.

It allows you to work with different clients, offering specialized skills in any niche.

This adds another layer to your revenue and helps you build a portfolio and network with industry professionals.

How to Start Freelancing Through YouTube

  • Video Consultations: Offer one-on-one consultations in your area of expertise. For instance, you could provide marketing strategy sessions if you're a seasoned marketer.
  • Tutorial Videos: Create in-depth tutorial videos on specific topics within your niche. These can serve as a portfolio to attract potential clients.
  • Webinars: Host live webinars to showcase your skills and offer exclusive insights. This can be a paid feature or a lead magnet to attract high-paying clients.

Case in Point: Freelancing as a Copywriter


Let's say you're a copywriter. You can create videos dissecting successful ad campaigns or breaking down the elements of interesting sales copy.

These videos establish your authority and attract businesses looking for copywriting services.

You can then direct this traffic to your other social media channels or a landing page where they can hire you.

8. Sell Physical Products

Selling products such as clothing, YouTube merch, or food makes making money on YouTube much easier.

All you need is an eCommerce site with your target audience and merchandise.

You don't have to worry about delivering products because they're physical, so you can ship them out.

Teespring Sell Physical Products

It's also a great way to show your personality and build brand awareness with people who love what you do but can't afford online courses or coaching.

You could also offer YouTube merch in the form of physical products.

People love supporting their favorite YouTube channels by buying merchandise, so this is another great way to monetize YouTube video views.

9. Brand Deals

Brand Deals are a great way to start making huge profits on YouTube and build brand relationships.

You can start by doing sponsored videos or monetizing your YouTube channel for a fee in return for the product and then making affiliate links to it on your website so you get paid when people purchase!

Brand Deals

This strategy is also great because it's very passive since you only have to mention them in your YouTube videos.

This method also requires no upfront cost, so you can make money while investing in other strategies!

To start getting brand deals, find out what companies are looking for influencers.

Read this blog post by (VidIQ about brand deals as a small creator.) You can also join different influencer marketing platforms partnering with media companies for new opportunities.

Then, you have to show them your YouTube channel or present them with a media kit and discuss the terms of the brand deal.

This is a great way to get paid on YouTube because many companies seek influencers!

You must also remember that there are no guarantees, and you'll want everything written in a contract.

10. Start a Membership

Starting a membership area on your YouTube channel can be a significant change for generating semi-passive, recurring revenue.

Memberships offer a way to build a community around your brand while providing high-quality content your audience is willing to pay for.

First, identify the services or content that your audience values the most. This could range from exclusive video content, live streams, and tutorials to one-on-one video chats.

The key is to offer something that meets a specific need or solves a particular problem for your viewers.

Once you've determined what to offer, consider using membership platforms like Skool or Circle to manage your community.

Memberships

These platforms provide the tools to organize your content, manage subscriptions, and interact with your members. They also offer features like forums and chat rooms, which can help you build a more engaged and loyal audience.

For example, if you're an expert in digital marketing, you could offer a monthly webinar on the latest industry trends and downloadable resources.

This provides value to your members and establishes you as an authority in your field.

Remember, the goal is to create a membership program that offers consistent, high-quality content. This will help you build a loyal audience and ensure a steady stream of recurring revenue.

By focusing on the needs of your community and delivering value, you'll be well on your way to turning your YouTube channel into a profitable business.

11. Start A Blog

Starting a blog and YouTube channel is a great way to make money online!

Making money with a blog is a perfect place to discuss your YouTube journey and its ups and downs.

It's also good if you want people to know who you are outside of YouTube so they can support your endeavors on other platforms, too.

I supplement this blog and YouTube videos to earn more affiliate income and exposure.

Eddy Balle Home

Blog posts are also easy ways to make money on YouTube because you can monetize your YouTube video views with Adsense and sponsored posts.

Starting a blog is also helpful if you want to grow your YouTube channel by creating content that helps people.

I've discussed blogging tips that most people never share behind a paywall.

12. Create A Newsletter

Creating a newsletter can be a powerful strategy for monetizing your YouTube channel.

It lets you keep your viewers updated on your latest videos, recommended products, and any other content you wish to share.

You can promote your newsletter through email marketing campaigns or social media platforms to drive more subscriptions and, in turn, revenue.

newsletter youtube

One way to significantly boost your newsletter income is through sponsorships with big brands.

Product placements in newsletters can be lucrative, especially as your subscribers grow. A tool like Sparkloop can further amplify your earnings.

This platform allows you to generate income by promoting newsletters from others in your specific field, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement.

If you're selling an online course or coaching services, your YouTube subscribers can be valuable to your newsletter list.

For example, EbizFactz has successfully leveraged newsletters to promote various products and services, serving as a perfect case study for this strategy.

EbizFactz

Using an AI text generator can be a game-changer in content creation. It can assist you in drafting high-quality, engaging newsletters, saving you time and effort. 

You can also use AI tools for weekly research to keep your content fresh and relevant.

These tools can scrape the internet for your niche's latest trends and updates, providing valuable insights. Alternatively, hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) researcher can also be a viable option for content research.

By incorporating these strategies, you can turn your newsletter into a potent tool for passive income, leveraging it to promote affiliate products, digital products, and more.

This approach diversifies your income streams and helps you build a more engaged and loyal audience. 

13. Youtube Adsense

Once approved to join the YouTube partner program, YouTube will let you enable monetization, place ads on your YouTube videos, and earn ad revenue.

This strategy is great because it's money you can reinvest, whether outsourcing video editing or getting better camera gear.

YouTube Adsense is different for everyone regarding where finance and the make money online niche get paid the most from ads.

Eddy Channel payments with YouTube

The only con to this is that you don't control ad revenue and also be a slave to YouTube views, watch time, and try to create high-quality videos.

This is because advertisers will pay more since they make higher profit margins.

YouTube Adsense is a great way to make money on YouTube right now.

  • 500 subscribers.
  • 3 valid public uploads within the last 90 days.
  • Either 3,000 public watch hours within the last year or 3M public shorts views in the last 90 days.

14. Sell Templates

Selling templates is perfect for making money online before or after reaching AdSense. 

Sell Templates

You can create templates such as:

  • Canva designs
  • Ebook templates
  • Website templates
  • Graphic Design Templates

Templates are great for anyone needing a quick guide to a problem. Your template can be the easy solution for it.

15. Start a Subscription Service

A subscription service is an excellent opportunity to make money online and provide value for your audience.

Create Subscription Services like:

  • Weight Loss Plan Subscription Service
  • Paid Newsletter
  • Software Updates Service
  • Hygiene kit
  • Clothing box
  • Candy box

Provide services or products on a monthly basis, charging the customer in advance of service. This option is perfect for those with an established audience and following.

subscription service

Example of Harry's subscription service

It can also be a free trial, limited-time offer, or exclusive membership with recurring monthly payments. 

16. Live Streaming On Youtube

Video Creators can get paid through live-streaming chats on YouTube, known as a super chat.

You can tap into your audience's desire by hosting a live chat where you answer any of their questions about the content they are viewing to provide them with an interactive experience that inspires loyalty and deeper engagement.

YouTube offers viewers and fans the opportunity to purchase channel memberships for exclusive access or live streams from fans, which is a great way to make money online.

The two forms of making money through Youtube Live Streaming are:

  • SuperChats
  • Enabling Ads

Learn more on this support article from Youtube.

17. Sell Your Channel To Investors

Selling your YouTube channel to investors or marketplaces like FameSwap can be a lucrative exit strategy.

FameSwap acts as a mediator, helping YouTube creators monetize their channels by selling them outright or renting them as advertisement spaces.

This offers a unique way to choose revenue options that many YouTubers may not have considered.

When you list your channel on platforms like FameSwap, you can set a price tag or offer it as a space where other YouTube creators can advertise their content.

Fameswap Youtube

This flexibility allows you to capitalize on your channel's value in multiple ways.

Companies or brands within your niche may be interested in acquiring your channel as a part of their marketing strategy.

The appeal lies in the established audience and following that your channel has garnered.

For a brand, this means immediate access to a target audience without the time and effort it takes to build a channel from scratch.

There are two main ways to go about this:

  1. Percentage Partnership: You can continue to publish content on the channel while sharing a percentage of the revenue with the investing company. This allows you to maintain creative control while benefiting from additional resources that the company may provide, such as sponsored content.
  2. Full Rights Sale: Alternatively, you can sell the complete rights to your channel. This one-time transaction transfers all control and future revenue potential to the buyer.

By selling your channel, you're not just cashing in on your hard work but also opening up new opportunities for other creators and brands to leverage the platform for their own growth.

18. Create an Online Course

Online Courses are one of the best ways to make money online with YouTube.

I'd recommend creating an online course once you have an audience of hundreds of people on your email list.

Brand yourself as an expert in your field, teach people what they need to know about the topic you are passionate about, and sell the course. Always test test test!

Online courses allow you to earn money through backend revenue as well. This can be through providing your students with affiliate resources you recommend or high-ticket coaching.

19. Build No-Code SaaS

Transitioning from YouTube content creation to building a No-Code SaaS product can be a strategic move to diversify your income streams.

With platforms like Bubble.io, you can create a SaaS product without coding skills, tapping into an additional source of recurring revenue.

I've shared a ton of AI tools for YouTube where you can grab inspiration from.

Bubble.io

Start by identifying a problem that your specific YouTube audience faces. It could be anything from content management to social media analytics.

Once pinpointing the problem, use a no-code app builder like Bubble.io to develop a solution. These platforms offer drag-and-drop interfaces, making it easy to create functional apps without writing a single line of code.

As you build your SaaS product, continue to engage with your YouTube audience for feedback and beta testing.

This helps you refine the product and builds anticipation for its launch. Once you're ready to go live, platforms like ProductHunt.com can be invaluable for gaining initial traction.

Launching your product here exposes it to a community of tech-savvy individuals and potential customers, helping you grow your user base.

The beauty of a SaaS model is its potential for recurring revenue. Unlike one-time sales, SaaS products usually operate on a subscription basis, providing a steady income stream.

As your product gains more users, this revenue can become a significant part of your overall earnings.

By leveraging your YouTube channel and a no-code app builder, you can solve a problem for your audience while creating a new, sustainable revenue stream. 

How To Make Money From Youtube With Less Than 1,000 Subscribers?

Making money with less than 1,000 subscribers on YouTube is possible. It may be easier than you think and is independent of the number of views.

The way to make money through video is through affiliate marketing on YouTube. Affiliate marketing is recommending a product or service to a customer for compensation from an affiliate program. 

If you have less than 1,000 subscribers and want to make money with your YouTube channel, then affiliate marketing may be the fastest way. I'm proof of this.

I used the same method to make four monthly figures on one of my YouTube channels.

PartnerStack Youtube Affiliate

Once you've got the hang of affiliate marketing, it's time to move into phase 2, selling digital products.

To learn more about digital product ideas, check out my blog post on the best digital products to sell online.

Is Making Money On Youtube A Scam?

No, YouTube is not a scam.

YouTube can be an easy way to make money, but it's only as easy as you want to make it.

Suppose video content has been on your mind. In that case, I hope this post clarifies some people's misconceptions about how YouTube works and the opportunities for making passive income through YouTube.

Best Practices For Making Money On YouTube

Monetizing your YouTube channel effectively goes beyond just ad revenue; it requires a multi-faceted approach to create multiple revenue streams.

Here's a straightforward step-by-step guide to best practices for making money on YouTube:

  1. Affiliate Marketing: Partner with companies to promote their products in your videos. Use unique affiliate links to track sales and earn commissions.
  2. Digital Products: Create and sell your own digital products or courses. Host them on a secure and reliable digital product platform to ensure a smooth transaction for your customers.
  3. YouTube Partner Program: If eligible, join the YouTube Partner Program to earn money from ads displayed on your videos. This is a direct way to monetize your channel.
  4. Email List: Build an email list to engage your audience. Use newsletters to promote digital products, affiliate links, or exclusive content.
  5. Quality Content: Invest in good editing software to enhance the quality of your videos. High-quality content attracts more viewers and, in turn, more revenue.
  6. Diversify: Don't rely on a single revenue stream. The key to long-term success is diversification. Whether through affiliate marketing, selling digital products, or ad revenue, make sure you're not putting all your eggs in one basket.
  7. Hard Work and Consistency: There's no shortcut to success. Consistent hard work is essential for growing and maintaining multiple revenue streams.

By following these simple yet effective steps, you'll increase your earnings and secure a more stable and diversified income.

How Can I Check YouTube Earnings?

If you're a YouTube content creator, you may wonder how much money you can earn from your channel.

Luckily, checking your earnings is easy with YouTube Studio. Click on the "Monetization" tab to view your estimated earnings for the month.

You can also check your earnings on the YouTube mobile app or desktop by going to the "Analytics" section and selecting "Revenue."

YouTube Adsense

With these tools, you can keep track of your earning potential and work towards maximizing your revenue on the platform.

can you become a millionaire from youtube?

You can become a millionaire on the YouTube platform outside of YouTube ads.

To make more money and become a 7-figure earner, you'll want to offer consulting or sell a flagship course.

By selling your own products instead of relying on Google Adsense, you can scale to a million-dollar business

Final Thoughts About YouTube Monetization

Now you know how to make money on YouTube as a content creator.

YouTube is a great opportunity to make passive income, but it's not easy, and you have to work hard if you want the big bucks!

This business model will only be " easy " if your videos are viral or get many views. So, even though YouTube can be an easy way to make money, YouTube is still about working hard.

Eddy Ballesteros

Eddy Ballesteros's goal is to help you build an audience faster using AI to create, scale, and monetize content across YouTube, SEO, and email.

Follow Me Here:

Generate

Start A YouTube-Centered Business With AI

The #1 AI Content Community

>