YouTube has become the second largest search engine after Google, and many people have made their fortune from this platform alone. While there are ways to make passive income with YouTube, most YouTubers use it as a means of generating an actual paycheck – either through ads or affiliate marketing programs. However, getting popular enough to attract advertisers isn’t easy.
But if you're determined to succeed, here's what you need to know about how to make money on YouTube...
Before anything else, you should set up a solid foundation by building a great content-based channel that attracts viewers. This might sound like common sense but some creators actually overlook this part. If you want to earn more than $1 per 1000 views, then you must focus on creating quality videos. And while producing top notch uploads is essential, it won't help much without attracting subscribers first.
You may ask "What makes a good video?" Well, it depends mostly on the type of audience you aim at. For example, if you produce cooking tutorials, then try to include step-by-step instructions and visuals whenever possible. On the other hand, if you create art tutorials, you could also add creative elements such as sketches, drawings, and so forth. Furthermore, you should always keep in mind that the best way to increase traffic to your website is via organic searches rather than paid advertisements.
Once you've got thousands of followers and regular customers, contact influencers who frequently post relevant videos. Chances are they'll agree to feature your products in exchange for monetary compensation. Additionally, don't forget to check out our ultimate guide to YouTube advertising.
Some channels only require months to reach profitability while others take years. The truth is that no one knows exactly when someone will finally hit paydirt because each case is different depending on individual circumstances. But generally speaking, not all channels see significant earnings right away. It usually takes time before anyone sees any rewards.
However, once you gain popularity among your fans, sponsorships and product endorsements will come naturally. As soon as your subscriber base reaches 50000 - 79999, you will receive the option to display sponsored posts within your videos themselves. So just remember that patience is key!
If you're serious about maximizing profits, then you absolutely cannot afford waiting until next year to turn your hobby into a full-time job. Fortunately, there are tons of useful tools available online which allow us to track revenue information over time. Although these insights aren't guaranteed to generate instant cash, they certainly give hope that success is closer than ever.
For instance, using analytics platforms, we can determine which types of content drive higher viewership. We can also find out where those viewers came from, what age group they belong to, and even gender. All of which helps us understand why certain kinds of videos tend to convert better than others.
Furthermore, marketers can assess the performance of every single ad spot across various demographics. They can also compare multiple campaigns side-by-side to discover effective keywords and landing pages. When used together, data analysis software lets advertisers pinpoint target audiences based on specific criteria. Then they can adjust budgets accordingly.
In fact, YouTube itself provides its users with access to analytical reports. To view them go to Content Preferences > Data & Analytics (under My Account). There you will learn everything from your watch history to your current preferences. You can also see detailed statistics related to your watch activity.
Moreover, if you own a business, social media management tool is another valuable asset. With these apps, companies can monitor comments posted on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn. In addition, since many brands nowadays rely heavily on digital engagement, they often seek insight into consumers' behavior on sites like Snapchat and TikTok.
Yes… but it doesn't happen overnight. Becoming successful on YouTube requires persistence and dedication. Just think of Taylor Swift, whose entire discography was released exclusively on iTunes -- starting back in 2006. Nowadays she sells millions of albums worldwide every month. Moreover, she earns billions annually from her music sales.
So whether you enjoy singing, dancing, playing guitar, drawing, writing poetry, photography, graphic design, web development, designing logos, sketching characters, animating graphics, or blogging, you too can achieve similar results as Taylor Swift did. Just follow these simple steps below...
Step # 1. Build Your Audience List Online
The fastest way to build credibility and reputation is to grow your email list. Since your goal is to establish yourself as a trusted source of reliable information, you should offer something free worth having. One way to do this is to provide value to your viewers by offering helpful tips, tricks, guides, newsletters, etc., which can be accessed through your emails.
As mentioned earlier, the best way to promote your work is via organic searches instead of paying attention to clicks. Therefore, you shouldn't spam your audience directly. Instead, utilize autoresponder services which automate the distribution process. These tools can send messages automatically based on triggers provided by visitors.
To maximize conversion rates, consider including links to your blog/website within the emails you send. Also, ensure that your opt-in form comes equipped with privacy policies. Make sure to let potential subscribers know that you respect their personal info and never share their details with third parties.
Step # 2. Create Unique Videos That Attract Viewership
Your main task now is to craft original content which keeps your audience engaged. Try to experiment with new styles and themes. Keep experimenting with colors, text, fonts, layouts, backgrounds, images, animations, transitions, voiceovers, and more.
Try to incorporate catchy titles, subheadings, bolded words, italics, bullet points, infographics, charts, graphs, slide shows, screen recordings, GIFs, memes, quotes, and funny stories. Use appealing thumbnails and cover photos to catch eyeballs. Always strive to improve upon existing trends and techniques.
Also, make sure that you update your footage regularly. Don't wait till you feel bored or unmotivated. At least twice weekly, publish fresh contents. Most importantly, write compelling headlines to draw readers towards your videos.
Step # 3. Drive Traffic Towards Your Video Page
Now that you've created engaging content, it's time to spread the word around. Social media is a powerful tool for increasing visibility. Here are three excellent strategies for driving massive amounts of targeted traffic toward your page.
Share your content on social media networks. Post your latest creation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Reddit, Pinterest, StumbleUpon, Digg, Yahoo Answers, and Quora. Likewise, cross-post your updates between two or more platforms. Whenever appropriate, tag your friends, family members, colleagues, and acquaintances. Remember to link back to your profile whenever possible.
Don't stop at sharing. Start commenting on trending topics. Comment on other people's status updates or questions. Engage with discussions taking place on various forums. Answer other peoples' queries. Once again, make sure to include links back to your profile wherever applicable.
Start earning money through YouTube AdSense. Choose your niche wisely. Avoid controversial subjects and stay away from sensitive issues. Focus on providing practical solutions for everyday problems. Stay mindful of copyright laws.
Remember, the idea is to educate rather than entertain. Thus, avoid posting random clips, pointless jokes, political rants, religious arguments, or other material that promotes hate speech. Stick to topics that resonate well with your viewerbase.
Step # 4. Earn Money From Merchandise Sales
After gaining popularity and becoming established as an authority figure, you can begin selling t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, stickers, phone cases, posters, bags, magnets, hats, mousepads, pens, and other merchandise featuring your brand logo and artwork.
These items can be produced locally or imported from China. Either way, you'll need to register a domain name, open a merchant account, choose a payment processor, and obtain ecommerce software.
Make sure that all materials reflect your company image and mission statement. After all, your goal is to sell high-quality goods that appeal to your audience. Henceforth, you should carefully evaluate potential suppliers to save both time and effort later down the line.
Keep tabs on your inventory levels to prevent stock shortages. Lastly, don't forget to factor overhead costs, delivery fees, taxes, and labor expenses into your final price tags.
Achieving Success Is Easier Than You Think
Learning how to make money on YouTube is easier than you think. Thanks to the countless numbers of informative articles published online, you can easily master the basic concepts required to launch a thriving career. Nowadays there are numerous opportunities to earn extra cash online.
Whether you want to join forces with fellow artists, entrepreneurs, bloggers, journalists, or businesses, everyone can benefit immensely from the power of collaboration.
The video sharing platform has become one of the biggest social media platforms, with many creators earning six-figure incomes from their content.
But creating videos isn't enough — there's more to building an audience and growing revenue streams than just uploading clips. Many creators are now using YouTube as a way to make additional income through advertising or affiliate marketing, but if you're struggling to set up this kind of program then don't despair! In fact, there are some steps that you can follow which will speed up the process.
So how do you go about getting started with this? And what should you consider when starting out? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know...
While not every creator gets accepted by Google AdSense straight away (or ever), others have been able to create successful campaigns within three months. The key here is to identify where your target market hangs out online. If they spend most of their time watching cat memes, try looking at other channels aimed specifically at pet lovers. Or perhaps it's gaming fans who prefer streaming rather than viewing live events.
Once you've identified your niche, research popular topics and trends. Do some keyword searches and see what comes back, paying particular attention to what people search for in relation to your topic. Once you understand what keywords users tend to type into the search engine, use Google Trends to look at historical data for those terms. This gives you valuable information on what types of videos are currently performing well across different regions around the world. You'll also find useful tips like whether certain times are better suited to posting new material.
When you think you've got the hang of things, reach out to relevant influencers and ask them for advice. They may even help point you towards tools that could aid your campaign further down the line.
YouTube analytics will show you how many views each video receives, so keep track of these numbers over time. When you hit 100k subscribers, send out thank you notes to celebrate. Don't forget to check your stats regularly too, especially during busy periods.
If your first few videos aren't doing particularly well, don't give up hope yet! It takes time to build momentum on YouTube, and you might want to focus efforts on improving existing creations before trying something new. Alternatively, you could approach another network altogether and test the waters there instead.
Also note that while there's no guarantee your account will be approved immediately, you shouldn't sit idle until your application finally arrives. Start promoting yourself early, and work on generating more interest in your brand. By keeping tabs on the competition, you can stay ahead of any potential threats to your success.
It depends on several factors. Firstly, you're obviously hoping to gain approval from Google, but once you've passed that hurdle, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll automatically earn adverts. Even with all the right paperwork in place, there are various reasons why your application may not be approved.
For example, your content might violate community guidelines, or maybe you haven't reached the threshold required to appear alongside sponsored posts. Other possible causes include having too little viewers, low engagement rates among viewers, and poor user experience metrics.
You can find out more details on specific policies at support.google.com/youtube_support/answer/9035199. Some examples of violations include hate speech, graphic violence, illegal activity, and "inappropriate nudity".
Keep an eye on your Creator Insider page for updates regarding policy changes and announcements relating to your profile.
A quick refresher: only 1 percent of applications are denied outright. Most rejections come after lengthy reviews, meaning that patience is essential. However, we recommend checking in with YouTube every couple of weeks to ensure nothing's changed since your last visit.
In general, it takes between two and four months for a full review. There's often a backlog of requests, however, so it's best to apply sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, YouTube doesn't provide much guidance on its own site beyond stating that it generally takes longer than other networks' processes.
As such, you should expect to wait anywhere between nine and 21 business days for a response. That said, depending on the situation, your case may end up being fast tracked. For instance, if you already have 10k+ subs, have appeared on related lists, and have good comments, you'll likely receive an answer quicker than average.
Before applying, remember to double-check your documentation thoroughly to avoid disappointment later on. Make sure you read the stipulations carefully, including any requirements pertaining to the number of videos you must upload per week. Also pay close attention to any rules concerning copyright infringement, violent imagery, and anything else deemed inappropriate.
Some creators report receiving emails encouraging them to reapply despite already passing initial checks. Others say they were contacted via phone call. Either way, it pays to remain vigilant throughout the whole procedure.
After your request is complete, you'll receive an email informing you that your submission was received. Depending on the outcome, you may hear back within 24 hours. A rejection usually means you won't receive a reply for eight weeks. But rest assured, if your appeal is declined, you can always resubmit again in 12 months.
Rejected submissions are sent directly to your inbox, so you should be notified either by text message or email. Your rejection notice will contain links to submit your dispute electronically via the Help Center, and will state how many days you have left to respond. You can also contact customer service via the same link.
With your claim rejected, you can choose to accept the decision or contest the verdict. Accepting the ruling allows you to stop processing the payment, whereas rejecting it keeps going. To continue fighting your denial, head to https://myaccount.googleapis.com/videomakingmoney/. Here you can access detailed reports showing your performance history. Note that if you opt to fight against a rejection, you'll lose the ability to withdraw funds via PayPal.
Your chosen method for submitting your appeals should arrive shortly afterwards. After following the instructions provided, you should receive news of the result within 14 working days. Rejection notices typically arrive within seven days, though issues surrounding copyright disputes sometimes require extra time to resolve.
Sometimes, YouTube decides to hold off reviewing an application due to complications arising elsewhere. One scenario involves creators whose accounts are flagged for violating YouTube's Community Guidelines. While the company states that it aims to remove harmful content promptly, it cannot guarantee this always occurs. As such, some cases fall through the cracks.
Another reason stems from technicalities. Sometimes channels are blocked because they lack sufficient subscribers, although these restrictions are soon lifted. Another common issue relates to incorrect billing methods. This may occur if you forgot to switch to direct deposit, for instance, or if your bank account name differs slightly from your username. These kinds of errors can prevent payments from going through.
Finally, there are occasions when an applicant simply fails to meet standards. YouTube has strict standards when it comes to ensuring compliance, so if you repeatedly miss deadlines, you risk losing your privilege entirely.
To avoid potentially serious consequences stemming from unpaid bills, it's important to monitor your finances closely. Follow our guide on managing your YouTube earnings for more information.
YouTube has a lot of great features, but one problem with using this platform as an influencer or vlogger is that you don't have any other options if you're not earning enough from adverts and subscribers. This means you need to find ways to generate extra revenue streams. One option is through monetizing your videos.
If you’re wondering how long it takes to make videos that will earn you money via YouTube's AdSense program, here’s everything you should know about the process before uploading anything else...
Monetizing your content on YouTube doesn't happen overnight. You'll first need to apply for approval by submitting your request directly into YouTube's Creator Studio. This is where all approved creators submit their application to receive payment when they reach certain milestones (such as 1 million views).
Once submitted, you may not see an update at this stage unless there was some issue with your submission. In most cases, this shouldn't be the case. So keep checking back until you see either "your video is live" or "it hasn't been reviewed yet." If it still isn't active after several days, try following these steps instead.
Here's what each milestone looks like:
100k Views
You'll get paid once 100K people watch your video. To track your progress, use Google Analytics to check the number of unique viewers who watched your content.
1M Views
After getting 100k views, you'll then get paid once 10m people watch your video. Use similar tracking methods to track the total number of viewings. Make sure to enable YouTube analytics so that you can easily identify which videos are performing well.
10M+ Viewers
When you hit the next milestone, you'll get paid once you've reached over 10m total views—a significant amount of users watching your videos. Here again, you'll want to monitor your performance closely, keeping tabs on how many views your content is generating.
15M Views
The next step up is 15M views. You'll now be eligible to get paid once more than 15m people watch your content. Again, this requires monitoring your content regularly to ensure you meet this criterion.
20M Views
With 20M views, you’ll be eligible to get paid once more than 20m people watch your content. The goal here is to continue increasing the number of viewers, while also ensuring your content meets the criteria required for monetization.
25M Views
Now, 25M views means you get paid every time someone watches a video that reaches this threshold. It’s important to note that this applies only to channels that aren’t currently part of another creator’s team.
30M Views
For 30M views, you’ll get paid every time someone watches a video that achieves this milestone. As mentioned earlier, these payments won’t come automatically. You’ll need to wait for them to roll out to your account.
35M Views
Finally, 35M views means you get paid whenever someone sees a video that hits this mark. Just remember to stay tuned for updates.
Keep in mind that this timeline varies depending on the length of your content. For example, short-form content usually gets its payout much faster than longer ones.
In fact, YouTube says that “the average length of our partner's video is just under 3 minutes,” meaning shorter clips often pay sooner than full-length originals.
As we said earlier, starting monetizing your content on YouTube can be extremely profitable. However, the company recently updated its policies regarding monetization. According to the policy changes, you must follow specific guidelines to qualify for a particular reward tier.
So, let’s look at three different tiers of rewards available to creators.
Tier 1 Rewards
These include standard advertising rates across platforms such as Facebook Live, Instagram Stories, TikTok, Twitter Video Ads, etc., plus access to premium services such as YouTube Premium. Tier 2 offers additional benefits including early access to products and discounts on merchandise.
To become a member of Tier 1, you’ll need to satisfy two conditions:
Your channel needs to display ads that comply with YouTube’s Content Guidelines. These guidelines explain what kind of things are considered inappropriate and why.
You need to have at least 400 hours of original uploaded footage in your library within 12 months prior to applying for membership. That includes both uploads already posted publicly on your channel and private material previously shared exclusively with partners.
Tier 2 Rewards
It’s worth mentioning that since February 2021, YouTube memberships have included a free subscription to YouTube Music Premium. Creators who were formerly part of Tier 2 will now fall under Tier 3.
Tier 3 Rewards
Those who belong to Tier 3 get special perks, including advanced notice, limited-edition merch, priority support, and early access to deals. They also enjoy lower advertising fees compared to those in Tiers 1 & 2.
Membership in Tier 3 depends on your overall financial situation. While being eligible for Tier 3 sounds good, it might not always work out due to fluctuating viewership numbers.
But even though Tier 3 seems ideal, it comes with a catch. YouTube reserves the right to terminate your membership without warning if your views drop below 50% of previous levels during a six-month period.
Also, keep in mind that Tier 3 status is subject to change based on your activity.
While waiting for your earnings to kick in, you can maximize your efforts by promoting yourself on social media platforms. But aside from building your brand, learning how to create better videos to attract followers is equally essential.
Even before you begin creating content, consider the type of audience you wish to target. Then think about what makes them tick and address that aspect specifically in your posts.
Next, decide whether you'd prefer shooting unscripted candid shots or scripted scenes. Both types require planning and strategy, so choose whichever suits you best.
And finally, keep an eye open for trends and popular topics on Reddit and TikTok, among others. Once you start producing content around these subjects, you’ll be able to promote your channel accordingly.
According to a recent report published by Business Insider, YouTube plans to add a feature enabling creators to stream sponsored shorts directly on the platform. This would allow anyone to post their own mini movies, with creators receiving a share of the profits generated from sponsorships.
At present, however, this feature is unavailable to creators outside the U.S.
Until further details emerge on this topic, you should focus on improving your existing channel rather than trying to build something entirely new. You could also utilize YouTube’shorlisted series and highlight your expertise in your bio.
Since YouTube aims to provide relevant recommendations, potential audiences will likely discover your channel if you publish high-quality content consistently. And if you ever run low on ideas, browse trending hashtags on TikTok and Reddit.
Just follow our battle-tested guidelines and rake in the profits.