YouTube has provided a platform for individuals to showcase their creativity, share their knowledge, or simply entertain others. While many small YouTubers primarily engage in content creation as a hobby, some seek to monetize their channels and earn extra income. In this article, we will explore the various ways most small YouTubers make money.

1. YouTube Partner Program

The most common way for small YouTubers to generate income is through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). By joining YPP, creators can monetize their videos through advertising. Once their channel meets the eligibility criteria, including a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months, creators can apply to become a YPP member.

In exchange for displaying ads on their videos, creators receive a share of the ad revenue. Although the earnings can vary based on factors like ad format, audience demographics, and the advertiser’s bid, it provides a significant source of income for many small YouTubers.

2. Brand Partnerships

Small YouTubers with a dedicated audience often collaborate with brands by promoting their products or services in their videos. These partnerships can be in the form of sponsored videos or product placements. By aligning themselves with relevant brands and delivering authentic endorsements, YouTubers can earn a substantial amount of money.

The payment for brand partnerships can range from a flat fee for the promotion to commissions based on sales generated through the YouTuber’s unique affiliate links. As a result, the earnings from brand collaborations can be a lucrative revenue stream for small YouTubers.

3. Patreon and Other Crowdfunding Platforms

Some small YouTubers have a dedicated fan base that is willing to support their work financially. Platforms like Patreon allow creators to offer exclusive content to their supporters in exchange for a monthly subscription fee. This provides a stable income stream and enhances the connection between YouTubers and their most passionate fans.

Additionally, creators can utilize other crowdfunding platforms, such as Kickstarter or GoFundMe, to raise funds for specific projects or improvements to their channel. By leveraging the loyalty of their audience, small YouTubers can rely on the generosity of their fans to supplement their income.

4. Merchandise Sales

Creating and selling merchandise, such as t-shirts, hoodies, or accessories, is a popular way for small YouTubers to monetize their brand. By designing products that resonate with their audience, creators can generate revenue while also strengthening their identity and community.

Various print-on-demand services remove the need for inventory and logistics management, making it easier for YouTubers to establish their own merchandise store. Every sale not only provides financial benefits but serves as a tangible representation of a fan’s support.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Small YouTubers often collaborate with companies through affiliate marketing. By including unique affiliate links in their video descriptions, creators can earn a commission for every sale made through those links. This approach allows YouTubers to recommend products or services genuinely appreciated by their audience.

Affiliate marketing can be particularly profitable if the YouTuber specializes in specific niches, such as technology, fashion, or beauty, where dedicated audiences are eager to make informed purchasing decisions based on trustworthy recommendations.

6. Product Reviews and Sponsorships

Many small YouTubers receive free products or services from companies in exchange for reviews or mentions. These can range from sponsored shout-outs to dedicated review videos. By providing honest and comprehensive insight into the product, creators can not only access new merchandise but also earn compensation for their time and effort.

While smaller channels may not attract sponsorship deals as frequently as larger channels, building a reputation for thorough and trustworthy reviews can create opportunities for additional income.

7. Crowdsourcing and Fan Donations

Some small YouTubers rely on the generosity of their viewers by including options for fan donations in their videos or through platforms like Ko-fi or Buy Me a Coffee. Whether in the form of one-time contributions or recurring payments, fans can easily support their favorite creators.

Additionally, YouTubers can involve their audience in the content creation process by soliciting suggestions or ideas for future videos, fostering a sense of community and active participation while also benefitting from fan contributions.

8. Courses, Coaching, and Consultations

Small YouTubers who have established themselves as experts in their respective fields can monetize their knowledge and experience by offering online courses, coaching services, or consultations. By sharing their expertise through premium content, these creators can diversify their income streams and provide additional value to their audience.

Platforms like Teachable or Udemy provide the infrastructure for creators to develop and sell their courses independently, making it accessible and profitable for small YouTubers to transform their expertise into tangible educational resources.

9. Speaking Engagements and Events

As small YouTubers gain popularity and recognition, they may receive opportunities to speak at conferences, seminars, or events related to their content. These engagements often come with speaker fees or additional exposure, allowing creators to extend their brand beyond the digital realm and generate income through public appearances.

Furthermore, they can organize their own meetups or events for their audience, leveraging their personal connection to monetize through ticket sales, merchandise, or partnerships with local businesses.

10. Grants and Sponsorships from Nonprofit Organizations

In certain cases, nonprofit organizations or foundations may be interested in sponsoring small YouTubers whose content aligns with their mission or cause. Grants and sponsorships can provide financial support that enables creators to continue their work while driving positive change or awareness for social issues.

However, securing such sponsorships can be more challenging and may require active outreach or alignment with specific nonprofit initiatives.

11. Writing a Book or E-Book

Many small YouTubers expand their reach by publishing books or e-books. By compiling their knowledge or sharing their personal experiences, they can attract a broader audience and revenue stream. Traditional publishing, self-publishing, or electronic platforms like Amazon Kindle allow creators to distribute their work effectively.

Moreover, the book publication can be cross-promoted through the YouTuber’s channel, generating additional exposure and income.

12. Licensing Content

Small YouTubers who have created unique and valuable content over time can explore licensing opportunities. This involves granting permission for others to use their videos, images, or music in exchange for licensing fees. Companies, publishers, or even other creators may be interested in featuring or incorporating the content into their projects.

While licensing content can be more common for viral videos or impressive visual assets, it presents an additional revenue stream for small YouTubers who have developed standout material.

13. Livestreaming and Super Chat

Livestreaming platforms like YouTube’s livestream feature or streaming services such as Twitch offer small YouTubers the opportunity to interact with their audience in real-time. Viewers can send monetary donations or purchase virtual items through platforms like Super Chat, supporting their favorite creators during livestreams.

Those who engage in regular livestreaming sessions can organically build a loyal community that appreciates the direct connection and reciprocates through financial support.

14. YouTube Premium Revenue

YouTubers who enroll in the YouTube Partner Program are eligible to earn a portion of the revenue generated from YouTube Premium subscriptions. This revenue is distributed based on the watch time of their content by YouTube Premium subscribers. While the earnings from this source might not be significant, it contributes to a creator’s overall income.

15. Teaching or Consulting in Their Niche

Once small YouTubers have established themselves as authorities in their niche, they can leverage their expertise to offer teaching or consulting services. This could involve providing workshops, courses, or one-on-one consultations to individuals or businesses seeking guidance in a particular field, further monetizing their knowledge beyond their YouTube channel.

In conclusion, small YouTubers have numerous avenues to earn extra income through their dedicated work and loyal fan base. By employing a combination of these strategies, creators can diversify their revenue streams and transform their passion into a sustainable source of income.

References:

1. Smith, A. (2021, March 25). 15 Ways YouTubers Make Money (And How Much They Earn). Money Under 30. https://www.moneyunder30.com/how-much-do-youtubers-make

2. Terrel, M. (2021, March 25). 6 ways to monetize your YouTube channel. Oberlo. https://www.oberlo.com/blog/monetize-youtube-channel

3. Saeed, K. (2021, September 10). How To Make Money on YouTube: 9 Proven Ways to Monetize Your Channel. Shopify. https://www.shopify.com/blog/how-to-make-money-on-youtube

About the author:

John Doe is a content creator with a focus on YouTube strategy and monetization. He has been actively involved in the YouTube community for over five years, helping small creators grow their channels and achieve financial success. With a passion for photography and videography, John also enjoys capturing the world through his lens. The featured image in this article is an original creation of the author, showcasing the diversity of content on YouTube.