There are several effective ways to make money on YouTube in 2025. The primary and most popular method is joining the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), which allows monetization through ads shown on your videos, YouTube Premium revenue, memberships, and shopping features. Other profitable strategies include selling custom merchandise, monetizing YouTube Shorts, using fan funding features like Super Chat and Super Thanks, working with brands as an influencer, licensing content, and affiliate marketing. Here are key methods in detail:
Join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
- Eligibility requires minimum subscribers and watch hours or Shorts views.
- Earn revenue from ads before, during, or after videos.
- Access other revenue streams like memberships, Super Chat, and shopping.
- You get a share of ad revenue, typically up to 55% of the revenue YouTube generates from ads on your content.
- Ad revenue depends on views, CPM (cost per 1000 views), and engagement.
Sell Custom Merchandise
- Design your own branded products like clothing or accessories.
- Use platforms like Printify to handle printing, packaging, and shipping with no upfront cost.
- Showcase merch in videos through unboxing, behind-the-scenes, collaborations, and live streams.
- Include links and promo codes in video descriptions to drive sales.
Monetize YouTube Shorts
- Shorts ads generate revenue through a shared pool with other creators based on views.
- Revenue share is around 45% to creators.
- Requires understanding of how music and views affect earnings.
Use Fan Funding Features
- Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks allow fans to support creators during live streams or videos.
- Channel memberships offer recurring revenue through subscription perks.
Additional Income Sources
- Brand sponsorships and influencer marketing.
- Licensing your content for media use.
- Affiliate marketing driving sales for other brands.
Starting with joining the YouTube Partner Program is essential, then diversifying income with merch, Shorts, and fan-support tools maximizes earning potential on YouTube.
