How to Monetize YouTube Videos: Top 7 Ways That Make Bank

Making money on YouTube is a dream come true for many content creators and YouTube is a massive platform with a huge potential to earn money. The question is, how do you monetize YouTube videos in the most effective way?

Did you know that there are countless ways to monetize your YouTube channel? In this post, we’re going to explore the top 6 ways to make money on YouTube. 

While some of these methods are more lucrative than others, they all have the potential to help you generate a healthy revenue stream from your channel.

Whether you are just starting out, jumping on a new trend or have been creating videos for a while, read on to learn how to monetize YouTube videos!

What is YouTube monetization?

YouTube monetization is the term used when YouTube pays you for the ads that run on your videos. You get a fraction of a penny every time someone watches one of the ads and over time with a ton of videos and watch time, the income can add up.

However, you don't have to rely on advertising revenue alone. It can be done in a myriad of ways. For you as a content creator, good qualitative videos that take off in views can open up new opportunities, such as working with brands, collaborating with other YouTubers, leveraging video marketing and more. 

But of course, the easiest and most recognized way to earn money on YouTube is through the YouTube Partner Program.

YouTube monetization requirements

In order to start making money from your YouTube videos, you first need to meet the YouTube Partner Program requirements. These rules are in place to ensure that both content creators and viewers have a positive experience on the platform. You must:

• Have more than 1,000 subscribers
• Have more than 4,000 hours of watch time on your channel
• Be in a country where YouTube monetization is available

In addition, your video content must comply with YouTube's community guidelines. If your video content violates these guidelines, it may not be monetized and you can even lose access to the YouTube Partner Program.

7 ways to monetize videos besides YouTube ads

You've created incredible YouTube videos (using our video editor, perhaps?), poured your heart and soul into them, and now you're ready to make money. But wait, what are your monetization options? 

It can be tricky to figure out which monetization methods are available to you and how much money you can make from them. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are six of the most common ways to build a new revenue stream and start generating some serious cash.

YouTube Premium

YouTube Premium revenue is a new subscription service that allows members to watch videos without ads, save videos offline and play videos in the background. Using YouTube Premium is a great way to avoid those pesky ads as a viewer, but what does that mean for you if you rely on ads? 

As a content creator, you're able to get paid every time YouTube Premium members watch your content. This is a great way to ensure you're getting paid for all of the hard work you put into your videos.

Brand deals and sponsorships

Sponsorships and brand deals are one of the top ways to earn money your YouTube videos. A brand deal is when a company provides financial or product support to a content creator in exchange for exposure. 

This can take many forms, such as product placement in a video, a dedicated video review, or simply featuring the brand's products in your videos. You’ll usually have to plan out a script beforehand and AI copywriting tools come in handy for this.

It's also important to be clear about what you're offering and what the other party is getting in return. That way, everyone knows what they're signing up for and there are no surprises down the road.

Selling merch or digital products

A popular way to create an income from YouTube videos is to sell your own merchandise. This could be anything from t-shirts and hats to mugs and phone cases. You can create your own store on a platform like Shopify or use a service like Teespring to design and sell your products directly through your YouTube videos. 

Keep in mind that you'll need to generate a lot of traffic and subscribers for this strategy to be profitable. Not only does this give you a passive stream of income, but it also helps you build a loyal following of fans who are proud to represent your brand.

You can also create and sell online courses that teach viewers how to do what you do. This is a great way to share your expertise and generate a very lucrative income from your hard work.

Super Chat

YouTube Super Chat is a live streaming feature that allows viewers to pay to have their messages highlighted in bright colors and stay at the top of the chat window. 

This can be an effective way to earn revenue from your videos as it encourages viewers to spend money to gain a more prominent spot in the super chat. In addition, Super Chat gives you the opportunity to further engage with your fans and keep them talking.

Affiliate programs

Affiliate marketing is a great way to monetize a YouTube channel. In short, it's a program where you promote someone else's products or services in your videos in exchange for a commission on sales. 

There are a number of affiliate programs out there, so it's important to do your research and find the right one for you. 

You'll also want to make sure that you're promoting products that are relevant to your audience. When you have a good affiliate program and relevant content, you can start making some serious bank as the views rack up.

Patronage

If you're looking for a more reliable form of income, Patreon may be the answer. Patreon is a third-party service that allows content creators to receive monthly pledges from their viewers in exchange for exclusive rewards. 

This can be anything from early access to videos, exclusive Q&As, access to an exclusive Discord group, or behind-the-scenes content, to discounts and merchandise. It's a great way to keep your viewers engaged and ensure that they continue to get value from your content. 

If you're looking for a way to make money from your YouTube channel, consider creating your very own Patreon, as some YouTubers make the most of their income through Patreon. 

Paid channel memberships

Channel memberships are a subscription service that gives viewers exclusive access to member-only content. This could be anything from live chats with your favorite creators to early access to new videos. Channel memberships can be a great option if you're someone who releases multiple videos a week, as it allows viewers to have instant access to everything you've made rather than waiting for new videos to be uploaded.

Frequently asked questions

How many views do I need to get paid on YouTube?

It's no secret that YouTube is a money-making machine. With over one billion active users, the potential to make money on YouTube is huge. But, how much you make depends on how many views your videos generate. 

Advertisers pay per view, so the more eyeballs you can get on your content, the more money you make. Generally speaking, YouTubers need to generate around 4,000 hours of watch time and 1,000 subscribers to be eligible to join the YouTube Partner Program and start making money.

How much does it cost to monetize YouTube videos?

To start earning money from your YouTube videos, you need to become a YouTube partner. 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. From there, YouTube will place ads in your video and give you a share of the revenue generated. 

How much money you make will depend on a variety of factors, including the advertiser's budget, the length and popularity of your video, and the type of ad. Generally speaking, shorter ads tend to pay less than longer ones.

How can I monetize YouTube videos faster?

Monetizing your videos can take a while, but there are a few things you can do to speed up the process. First, make sure your videos are high quality and provide valuable content. This will attract more viewers, which in turn will help you to build up those first 1000 crucial subscribers. 

You'll also need to nail the process of keyword research and make content for topics that are trending and that has somewhat low competition. Another tactic is to promote your content on other social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram to reach a wider audience faster.

Is it hard to monetize a YouTube channel?

Starting out, it may seem a little difficult to make a living from your YouTube channel. But with a few simple tricks and by following the right advice, you can start making some money. The key is to partner with brands that fit well with your audience and to create quality content that people want to watch. 

You can use ads, sponsorships and product placements to make money from your videos. And don't forget about affiliate marketing — this is a great way to make extra income by promoting products or services that you believe in. 

Keep in mind that it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to making money from YouTube videos, but it's definitely doable!

What is the best way to monetize my YouTube channel?

There are a few ways to create an income from your YouTube videos, and we've covered the most viable ones. Out of all of these, advertising is the most common way to monetize your videos. 

Advertisers will pay you to feature their products or services in your videos. You can also make money from paid subscriptions — people will pay to watch your videos without ads. 

Fan funding through patronage is when your fans donate money to you directly in order to support your content. 

Brand partnerships involve working with brands to create sponsored content or product placements. 

Product placement is when you feature a product in your video in exchange for money. In the end, it all depends on your current situation, what type of channel, content, and niche that you're in. So make sure to experiment in order to find the best monetizable avenue for your business.

Wrap up

When it comes to making money from YouTube videos, there are many ways to monetize your content, and the best option for you will vary depending on your channel and audience. 

By understanding the various ways that are available, you can work out which option will work best for you and your channel. 

The YouTube Partner Program is a great way to start making money from your videos, but there are lots of other ways to make even more. So get creative and start monetizing your content today!

If you're looking for a better way to create your videos before you monetize 'em, check out WeVideo's online video editor. Start with a YouTube video template or create from scratch — plus save your brand, edit on any device, and more!