The universe of YouTube has established itself as one of the most popular platforms for creating and sharing audiovisual content. Millions of people dream of turning their hobby into a stable and legitimate source of income, but the reality is that the path to achieving it is make money on YouTube by uploading videos It requires dedication, knowledge of monetization tools, and a clear strategy to grow and stand out from the competition.
You don't have to be an internet celebrity to start earning money on YouTube. Whether you have a small channel or already have a significant following, there are multiple ways to monetize your videos. In this guide, you'll discover All current and effective methods to monetize your channel, how payments work, what requirements you need, best practices to boost your video performance, and advanced tips to scale your revenue over the long term.
In addition, we will explain how diversify your sources of income, the most common mistakes you should avoid, and tips for making your channel stand out and gaining the visibility you need to start earning for your passion.
What are the requirements to monetize on YouTube?
To start making money on YouTube, the first essential step is meet the requirements of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)This program is the gateway to accessing the platform's official monetization and enables various features so you can receive payments for your videos.
- Minimum number of subscribers: Nowadays, you need to have at least 500 subscribers on your channel. However, for certain advanced features like traditional ads, the minimum is typically 1.000 subscribers.
- Public playback hours: You must have accumulated 3.000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months, or having achieved 3 million Shorts views in the last 90 daysFor more advanced options, the threshold can be raised to 4.000 hours.
- Upload active content: You must have at least three public videos uploaded in the last 3 days. Keeping your channel active is key.
- Good behavior: Not having active notices of non-compliance with community guidelines.
- Linked Google AdSense account: To get paid, you need to link your channel to a Google AdSense account.
- Security check activated: Enable two-step verification to protect your account.
Once you meet these requirements, you can request access to the Partner Program from the Monetization tab in YouTube StudioYouTube will review your channel to ensure you comply with its policies, and if everything is in order, you'll be approved to monetize your videos.
Ways to make money on YouTube by uploading videos
YouTube offers several tools and possibilities to monetize your videos, either directly through the platform or by combining external strategies to diversify your incomeBelow, we explain the most relevant ones and detail how to take advantage of each one:
1. Monetization through advertising
The most well-known and traditional option is enable ads on your videosYouTube places ads before, during, or after content and shares a portion of the revenue generated from views and clicks with you. Ad types include:
- Display Ads: They appear on the right side of the video (desktop only).
- Overlay Ads: They are displayed above the video, usually at the bottom.
- Skippable and non-skippable video ads: They play before, during, or after the video. Skippable clips can be skipped after a few seconds; non-skippable clips must be watched in their entirety.
- Sponsored cards: They inform the viewer about products or services mentioned in the video.
How to activate ads: Go to YouTube Studio, go to the Monetization tab, and select the videos you want to enable this option for. The system will allow you to choose the ad type and placement.
To optimize your income, it is advisable to:
- Upload videos longer than 8 minutes to enable mid-roll ads.
- Place ads at strategic moments in the video, especially where user interest is high.
- Avoid content that is not suitable for advertisers (sensitive themes, violence, copyright infringement, etc.), as it may be demonetized.
How much does YouTube pay for each view?
The amount you receive depends on multiple factors such as the viewer's country, your channel's niche, the time of year, and the type of ads. On average, in Spain, the figures can range from €0,25 and €4 for every 1.000 viewsCPM (cost per thousand impressions) varies widely: finance and technology channels typically receive higher CPMs than general entertainment channels.
Remember YouTube takes a commission on advertising revenue: approximately 45% for long videos and 55% for Shorts.
2. YouTube Premium Subscriber Revenue
When a user with a subscription YouTube Premium When you watch your videos, you'll receive a portion of the monthly fee paid by these subscribers, proportional to the amount of time they watch your content. You don't need to do anything additional; this income is automatically added to your AdSense earnings.
3. Super Chat, Super Stickers and Super Thanks
If you do live or premieres on YouTube, you can activate direct support functions for your audience:
- Super Chat: Allows viewers to highlight your messages in the chat during live streams for a fee.
- Super Stickers: These are animated stickers that fans buy to support the creator and stand out in the chat.
- Super Thanks: Viewers can thank you with a donation on any video you post, not just live ones.
These sources can be very lucrative if you've built an active community, as donations tend to be more frequent on channels with high live engagement.
4. Channel Memberships
You can enable the option of Memberships, allowing your followers to pay a monthly fee in exchange for exclusive benefits:
- Custom emojis and distinctive badges.
- Priority access to videos, posts, live chats, and exclusive content.
- Participation in raffles or private events.
It is possible to set up multiple membership levels with different rates and personalized benefits. This is a great way to build community loyalty and generate recurring income.
5. YouTube Shopping and merchandising
If you sell your own products, you can take advantage YouTube Shopping, which allows you to display and sell items directly from your channel. You can:
- Connect an online store (e.g., Shopify) and display your products below your videos.
- Promote merchandise: T-shirts, mugs, caps, e-books, etc. with your channel's logo or iconic phrases.
- Tag products in specific videos to highlight special offers or new releases.
Maintaining consistency between your content and the products you offer is important to boost your business. the sales and ensure that they are of interest to your audience.
6. Sponsorships and collaborations with brands
El influencers marketing YouTube is one of the most powerful ways to generate revenue, especially if you have a loyal and well-targeted audience. Brands look for channels with relevant audiences to promote their products or services through:
- Direct promotions in videos.
- Videos dedicated to reviews, unboxing, or comparisons.
- Sponsored inserts at the beginning, middle, or end of your regular videos.
How to attract sponsorships?
- You can wait for brands to contact you (more common on established channels), or you can be proactive and seek out deals by writing to companies whose products fit your content.
- In your proposal, clearly explain your audience profile, typical views, and the format you offer.
The value of sponsorship varies depending on the niche, number of views, and engagement. Some creators charge from €50 to thousands of euros per mention, depending on their reach.
7 Affiliate marketing
El affiliate marketing It involves recommending third-party products or services through unique links. If your followers purchase through those links, you receive a commission. You can:
- Include affiliate links in your video description or as information cards.
- Make review, tutorial, or comparison videos that integrate affiliate products.
- Participate in platforms such as Amazon Affiliates, software programs, online courses, etc.
You should always inform your audience that these are affiliate links to maintain transparency and trust.
8. License your content to external media and platforms
If any of your videos go viral, you can sell usage rights to media outlets (television, online press, news agencies, etc.), which can mean a considerable extra income, especially if they come to you to use your content in popular programs.
You can also submit your videos to content licensing platforms like Jukin Licensing, where others can purchase the right to use your clips in exchange for a fee or royalty.
9. Crowdfunding and micropatronage
Another interesting way, especially for creative or large-scale projects, is to resort to through crowdfundingTools like Patreon, Kickstarter, or Verkami allow your followers to become patrons and contribute financially to fund new ideas, videos, or improve the quality of your channel. You can offer exclusive rewards for those who contribute.
How much can you really earn on YouTube?
Earnings depend on many factors and there is no exact figure for all creators. However, some examples and guidelines can help you understand the potential:
- An average channel in Spain can receive between €0,25 and €4 for every 1.000 views.That is, a video that reaches 100.000 views could generate between €25 and €400 in advertising revenue alone.
- Revenues soar in niche channels with high CPMs, such as finance, technology, education, and healthcare.
- The number of subscribers is influential, but the most important factors are the quantity and quality of views, interaction, and the geographic location of your audience.
- Collaborations, memberships, and product sales often account for a substantial portion of the most successful creators' income.
- You'll only receive payments from YouTube once you've accumulated at least $100 (or the equivalent in your local currency) in your AdSense account.
Diversifying your revenue streams and building audience loyalty is what truly makes the difference between small channels and huge YouTube fortunes.
What type of content CANNOT be monetized on YouTube?
Not everything you upload to YouTube will be eligible for revenue. YouTube sets clear rules about types of content that cannot be monetized:
- Material that infringes copyright (such as videos with music or images without permission).
- Content that incites hatred, violence, bullying or discrimination.
- Videos considered spam, misleading, or promoting scams.
- Explicit, sexualized, or dangerous content for minors.
- Channels that simply upload compilations of short videos from other platforms without adding any value.
- Reposting or reposting material from other creators without permission.
Additionally, extremely short videos may have ad limitations. To enable mid-roll ads, the content must be at least 8 minutes long.
Tips to maximize your income as a YouTube creator
- Know your audience: Use YouTube Analytics to understand who watches your videos (gender, age, location, interests). This will help you create relevant content and better negotiate with potential sponsors.
- Post consistently: Consistency is key. Active and consistent channels tend to gain more visibility and engagement.
- Optimize titles, descriptions, and thumbnails: Attract more clicks by using relevant keywords and eye-catching covers.
- Participate in the trends: Take advantage of trending topics and viral challenges within your niche to increase your views.
- Collaborate with other creators: Cross-collaborations allow you to reach new audiences organically.
- Promote your videos on other networks: Use Instagram, X, Facebook and other platforms to spread your content and drive traffic to your channel.
- Includes strategic links: Add links to your store, affiliate products, crowdfunding, etc. in the description.
- Use information cards and end screens: Redirect users to other videos and maximize total viewing time.
- Take care of the quality of the content: Audio, image, and careful editing enhance professionalism and audience retention.
- Interact with your community: Respond to comments, ask for suggestions, and create community-building activities (surveys, live broadcasts, exclusive giveaways, etc.).
Common mistakes when trying to make money on YouTube (and how to avoid them)
- Disregarding community guidelines: A single strike can get you banned from the affiliate program. Always review the rules before uploading sensitive content.
- Infringing copyright: Using unlicensed music, images, or clips may result in demonetization or even channel closure.
- Prioritizing quantity over quality: It's better to publish fewer high-value videos than many filler videos with no real contribution.
- Ignore statistics: Failing to analyze your Analytics data can lead to missed growth opportunities.
- Resorting to tricks to increase views and subscribers: Buying views or likes is penalized by YouTube and can lead to the suspension of your channel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Money on YouTube
- How long does it take for the money to arrive once monetization is activated?
YouTube payments are made monthly between the 21st and 26th, provided you've exceeded the minimum threshold of $100 in your AdSense account. - Do videos require a minimum length?
There's no minimum length requirement to monetize, but videos that are at least 8 minutes long qualify for mid-roll ads, which increases revenue. - Can a small channel monetize?
Yes, but the key is consistency and a combination of income methods (ads, affiliates, memberships, products, etc.). - Can you make money without showing your face?
There are successful channels on topics such as animations, tutorials, product reviews, or even storytelling, without showing the creator.
Advanced strategies to scale your YouTube income
- Specialize in a profitable niche: Channels about financial education, health, technology, or training typically have higher CPMs and better sponsorship opportunities.
- Launch courses, workshops or consultancies: If you're an expert in your field, you can sell private training, webinars, or personalized consulting services using your channel as a showcase.
- Organize events or exclusive experiences: Special live streams, in-person meetings, exclusive raffles for premium members...
- Be transparent in your advertising agreements: The trust of your audience is essential to sustaining the channel over time.
- Analyze your competition: Observe the content and strategies of the leading channels in your sector and find opportunities to differentiate yourself.
- Adapt your content to Shorts and live streaming trends: Short and direct formats are growing in visibility within YouTube.
Metrics and tools to measure your progress
To optimize any monetization strategy, you must analyze the performance metrics:
- Display time: The bigger the number, the more income.
- Audience retention: What percentage of the video users watch (better if you exceed 50%).
- CTR (Click-Through Rate): Thumbnail click-through rate; best if above 5%.
- Traffic sources: Where your visitors come from (searches, suggestions, external, etc.).
- Estimated income: YouTube Studio displays a daily estimate of your earnings.
Useful external tools like TubeBuddy or vidIQ can also help you research keywords, optimize videos, and study your competition.
The key to success on YouTube as a real source of income is in the combination of creativity, data analysis and a long-term visionWith patience and the implementation of the strategies described, you can transform your passion into a sustainable and scalable business by following best practices and diversifying your income sources both on and off the platform.