Did you know that some YouTubers earn over $100,000 a year from their channels?
YouTube monetization has become a major goal for creators around the world. The growing number of successful channels proves that it's not just possible—it's achievable to monetize your YouTube channel and turn your creativity into real income.
Of course, building a profitable channel takes dedication, strategy, and consistency. But with the right steps, anyone can learn how to get monetized on YouTube and start earning.
Whether you're launching your first video or looking to scale an existing audience, this guide will walk you through exactly how to monetize YouTube in 2025—using six proven strategies
Earn Through the YouTube Partner Program
One of the primary ways to make money on YouTube is by monetizing your videos through ads. To get started, you'll need to join the YouTube Partner Program, which allows you to earn revenue from ad views and impressions on your content.
What Is the YouTube Partner Program?
Joining the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is one of the most popular methods of earning on the platform. It allows creators to monetize their videos through ads, channel memberships, and Super Chats.
To qualify for YouTube monetization via the YPP, you need at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months—or 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days. Once approved, your earnings can grow steadily based on audience engagement and content quality.
Join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
- Follow all YouTube monetization policies
- Reside in a country where the Partner Program is available
- Have no active Community Guidelines strikes
- Reach at least 4,000 public watch hours in the past 12 months
- Gain over 1,000 subscribers
- Connect your channel to an approved Google AdSense account
Monetize Shorts with the YouTube Shorts Fund
Beyond traditional long-form videos, YouTube also offers creators the chance to earn money through short-form content with the YouTube Shorts Fund. Unlike the YouTube Partner Program, earnings from Shorts are based on the performance of your short videos—specifically views and engagement—not your regular uploads.
Eligibility Requirements for the YouTube Shorts Fund
- Upload at least one eligible Short within the last 180 days
- Comply with YouTube’s Community Guidelines, monetization policies, and copyright rules
- Ensure all Shorts are original—no reused content, watermarks, or logos from other platforms
- Be at least 13 years old in the U.S. or meet the age of majority in your country
- Creators aged 13–18 must have a parent or guardian accept the terms and set up a Google AdSense account on their behalf
Sell Products and Services Through YouTube
While ad revenue and the YouTube Partner Program are the most common income sources, they’re not the only ways to make money on YouTube. One powerful alternative is using your channel to market and sell your own products or services.
Many successful YouTubers boost their income by designing and selling branded merchandise—like t-shirts or accessories—and promoting them directly in their videos. If you have a loyal audience, creating custom products related to your content can be a highly effective monetization strategy.
Alternatively, if you already sell products or services but don’t yet have a YouTube presence, launching a channel can be a smart move. By creating engaging content, you can attract new customers and grow your brand.
Thanks to user-friendly e-commerce platforms, you can set up an online store without needing technical skills. Plus, by linking YouTube with other platforms like TikTok and Instagram, you can streamline sales and market directly to your followers.
Make Money on YouTube with Sponsored Content
Sponsored content involves short-term deals, usually focusing on one video or a limited campaign. You receive payment in exchange for featuring a product, service, or brand in your video. These collaborations are often promotional and may include:
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Product reviews
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Tutorials or demonstrations
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Dedicated videos about a specific brand
As your channel grows and gains visibility, brands may reach out to you directly for sponsorships. Alternatively, you can pitch to companies that align with your audience and content style.
To attract sponsors, aim to build a loyal and active subscriber base—10,000 subscribers is a good starting point, but even smaller channels in tight niches can attract deals.
Earn Money on YouTube with Crowdfunding
If you're looking to monetize your YouTube content without relying on ads, crowdfunding could be the ideal solution. This method allows you to earn directly from your audience, giving them the option to support your work through memberships or one-time contributions—without needing to watch ads.
What Is Crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding involves raising small amounts of money from a large number of people to fund a creator, project, or business. For YouTubers, this often takes the form of membership-based platforms like Patreon, where fans can contribute monthly in exchange for exclusive content or perks.
Alternatively, if you prefer not to use recurring memberships, platforms like Fongogo offer project-based crowdfunding, allowing you to raise funds for specific goals or creative projects.
Make Money on YouTube with Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a smart way to earn passive income from your content. You recommend products or services, include a custom affiliate link, and earn a commission when viewers make a purchase.
While this method is technically outside the YouTube Partner Program, it still counts as a powerful YouTube monetization strategy that many creators use to diversify income.
What Is Affiliate Marketing?
Affiliate marketing is a commission-based model where you promote products or services from other companies. You receive a unique affiliate link, and when someone makes a purchase through that link, you earn a percentage of the sale as a commission.
How to Earn from YouTube with Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing on YouTube works similarly to sponsored content, with one key difference—you get paid based on the sales you generate, not just the content you produce.
To get started, join programs like Amazon Associates or other affiliate networks. Then, share your affiliate links in your video descriptions and recommend products that align with your content. The more trust you build with your audience, the more likely they are to purchase through your links.
Earn Money on YouTube as a Brand Ambassador
Unlike sponsored content, brand ambassadorships are long-term collaborations where you represent a brand over time—not just in one video. You become a trusted advocate for the brand, integrating their products or messaging into your ongoing content.
This often includes:
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Promoting the brand in multiple videos
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Sharing exclusive discounts or affiliate links
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Featuring the brand on your other platforms (like Instagram or TikTok)
These partnerships usually come with higher compensation and deeper brand alignment. While major brands often seek creators with large audiences, smaller companies are increasingly open to ambassadors who have a loyal niche following.
Conclusion: Turn Views into Income
Now that you know the top ways to monetize your YouTube channel, which method will you try first? Whether it's joining the YouTube Partner Program, exploring affiliate marketing, or launching your own merch line—the key is to start.
If you're still wondering how to get monetized on YouTube, remember that it begins with building valuable content and engaging your audience. From there, you can explore multiple YouTube monetization strategies to grow your earnings steadily.
Start experimenting today and turn your passion for content creation into a steady stream of income. The sooner you take action, the sooner you'll see results.
Remember: success on YouTube doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistency, strategy, and creativity—you’re already on the right track.