How to Make Money on YouTube in 2025
YouTube isn’t just a platform for sharing videos—it’s a business opportunity. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your income, these strategies will help you turn your passion into profit. Pick one or more of these methods and start implementing them today. With consistency and creativity, your YouTube channel could become your next big income source!
Shortspilot
If you’ve ever wondered how much money YouTubers really make, a quick search will tell you that the average YouTuber earns around $4,616 per month. But if you think that’s how creators like MrBeast and Jake Paul built their multimillion-dollar empires, think again. Their real wealth doesn’t come from YouTube ad revenue alone. They’ve turned their channels into full-fledged businesses, using multiple income streams to generate up to $54 million a year.
If you’re just starting out, making money on YouTube might seem overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to monetize your channel and start earning revenue.
7 Proven Ways to Make Money on YouTube
Here are the best ways to start generating income from your YouTube channel:
- Become an Affiliate Marketer
- Work with Brands as an Influencer
- Join the YouTube Partner Program
- Sell Products or Merchandise
- Offer Channel Memberships
- License Your Content to Media Companies
- Crowdfund Your Creative Projects
Let’s break these down.
1. Become an Affiliate Marketer
If you’re new to YouTube and not eligible for the YouTube Partner Program yet, affiliate marketing is a great way to start earning. This method allows you to promote products or services from other companies and earn a commission whenever someone makes a purchase using your referral link.
How It Works:
- Find brands with affiliate programs that align with your niche.
- Get a unique affiliate link.
- Create videos showcasing the product or explaining its benefits.
- Add the affiliate link in your video description or pinned comment.
- Earn a commission when viewers purchase through your link.
Many YouTubers make significant income from affiliate marketing, especially in tech, fashion, and lifestyle niches. A good place to start is Shotspilot’s affiliate program, which offers high commission rates and global reach.
2. Work with Brands as an Influencer
Over 52% of people are more likely to buy a product if they see it featured in a video. Brands know this, which is why influencer sponsorships are one of the biggest ways YouTubers make money.
Here’s how to get started:
- Set a flat fee for brand deals by multiplying your average views by $0.15 per view.
- Reach out to brands or let them come to you.
- Dedicate a portion of your video to promoting the product.
- Include a sponsored disclosure and keep it authentic.
Here’s what you can typically earn based on your video’s reach:
- 10,000 views: $100–$500
- 50,000 views: $500–$2,500
- 100,000 views: $1,000–$5,000
- 500,000 views: $5,000–$25,000
- 1,000,000 views: $10,000–$50,000
Influencer deals work best for creators with an engaged audience and at least 10,000 views per video.
3. Join the YouTube Partner Program
The YouTube Partner Program lets you earn money from ads on your videos. But before you can join, you need:
- 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 watch hours in the past year or 10 million Shorts views
Once eligible, follow these steps:
Enable two-factor authentication on your Google account.
Go to YouTube Studio and select “Earn”.
Accept the terms and conditions.
Link your AdSense account.
Set up monetization preferences.
Google will review your application and approve it within a few days. Once approved, ads will start appearing on your videos, and you’ll earn a percentage of the revenue.
4. Sell Products or Merchandise
YouTube is more than just a platform—it’s a brand-building opportunity. Many YouTubers sell merch like t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and posters to capitalize on their audience’s loyalty.
If you have a recognizable logo, catchphrase, or inside joke, turn it into a product! You can set up a store on platforms like:
- Shopify – Great for custom e-commerce setups.
- Etsy – Ideal for handmade or unique merchandise.
- Spreadshirt – Perfect for print-on-demand items.
Creators like MKBHD, Sidemen, and Danny Gonzalez make serious cash through merch sales. If you have a niche audience, this could be a great way to monetize.
5. Offer Channel Memberships
If you have a loyal audience, offering memberships is a smart move. With YouTube Memberships, fans can subscribe to your channel for exclusive perks like:
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Early access to videos
- Custom badges and emojis
- Members-only livestreams
YouTube takes a cut of your earnings, but with just 1,000 subscribers, you can enable this feature and start generating recurring income.
6. License Your Content to Media Companies
If one of your videos goes viral, media outlets might want to use it in their content. Instead of letting them use it for free, license it and get paid!
Sites like Jukin Media and Newsflare help connect YouTubers with media companies willing to pay for viral clips. If you consistently create high-quality or newsworthy videos, this could be a great revenue stream.
7. Crowdfund Your Creative Projects
If you need funding for a big project, crowdfunding can be a game-changer. Platforms like Patreon, Ko-fi, and Kickstarter allow fans to support your work financially.
Some YouTubers use Patreon to offer:
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes content
- One-on-one calls or shoutouts
- Early access to videos
Others use Kickstarter to fund large-scale projects, such as documentaries or new video series. If you have a dedicated fanbase, crowdfunding can be an excellent way to sustain your channel.
3 Easy Steps to make your contents using Shortspilot.ai
1. Click "Create New Series".
2. Connect your social media channel and choose one of many niches from the drop down, select your preferred voice and language then click on "create", wait for less than a minute and your video is ready!
3. Adjust the script or the title as needed and click on update, then post video and it will automatically be posted on your preferred social media platform.