Did you know that 30% of high school students dream of starting a YouTube channel?
This highlights the incredible opportunity to earn money on YouTube, even with a small audience. As a professional copywriter and journalist, I am thrilled to share how you can unlock the potential of your YouTube channel, no matter how many subscribers you have.
For pros and amateurs, YouTube is a great way to make money. You need to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) to get to the good stuff. You must follow the rules, have enough watch hours, subscribers, and a linked AdSense account. Knowing these rules and how to use them is important to profit from your videos.
There’s more to making money on YouTube than just ads. You can also try affiliate marketing, YouTube Premium, channel memberships, selling merchandise, sponsorships, and special features like Super Chat and Super Stickers. You can earn more by using these different ways to make money, even with a small audience.
10 Best Ways to Monetize a YouTube Channel with Small Audience
| 💡 Monetization Method | 📖 Description |
|---|---|
| 🛍️ Affiliate Marketing | Promote products or services and earn a commission for every sale through your links. |
| 🤝 Brand Sponsorships | Partner with small brands for shoutouts, product reviews, or sponsorships. |
| 🏪 Merchandise Sales | Sell branded merchandise like T-shirts, mugs, or stickers to your audience. |
| 📢 Crowdfunding | Use platforms like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee for your fans to support you directly. |
| 📦 Selling Digital Products | Offer e-books, courses, or templates related to your niche. |
| 🎯 YouTube Partner Program (YPP) | Enable ads on your videos once you meet YouTube’s monetization requirements. |
| 💌 Exclusive Content Memberships | Create member-only content for paying subscribers on platforms like YouTube or Patreon. |
| 🎓 Coaching/Consulting | Offer services like one-on-one coaching or consulting based on your expertise. |
| 🎤 Live Streams with Super Chats | Earn money through live streams where fans can tip via Super Chat or stickers. |
| 📚 Affiliate Courses/Workshops | Partner with online course platforms and earn by recommending relevant courses. |
This list shows you don’t need millions of followers to start earning—you just need a creative approach! 🚀
What is YouTube Monetization?
YouTube monetization lets creators make money from their videos. They earn from ads shown before, during, or after videos. To get into this program, creators must follow YouTube’s rules.
Monetizing on YouTube means finding ways to make money from videos. Creators can earn from ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, memberships, and selling stuff. Knowing how to monetize helps creators make a living from their videos.
YouTube has over 2 billion users, offering a big chance for creators to make money. The YouTube Partner Program has rules for joining. Channels need 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a year.
Creators with a small audience can still make money. They should make good content, use affiliate marketing, and work with brands. Talking to viewers and using YouTube Analytics can also help.
Learning about YouTube monetization helps creators make money, no matter their audience size. It’s a way to turn video passion into a profitable business.
YouTube Partner Program Eligibility Criteria
Many wonder, “How do I join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and earn money?” The YPP has rules to make sure creators are ready. To qualify, your channel must:
- Have at least 1,000 subscribers
- Accumulate 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months
- Link a Google AdSense account to your YouTube channel
- Live in a country where the YouTube Partner Program is available
- Have no active Community Guidelines strikes on your channel
- Follow YouTube’s monetization policies, including AdSense policies, copyright laws, and community guidelines
These rules show you have a big audience and make good content. When you meet these, you can apply to the YPP. This lets you make money from videos, offer channel memberships, and use super chat.
The application for the YouTube Partner Program takes about a month. If you’re turned down, you can appeal in 21 days. If you’re rejected again, you must wait 90 days to try again.
To meet the YouTube Partner Program requirements and criteria for joining YPP, keep making great content, growing your followers, and keeping your channel clean. This will help you unlock YouTube monetization eligibility.
Key Requirements: Subscriber Count and Watch Hours
To make money on YouTube, you need to have at least 1,000 subscribers. You also need to get 4,000 watch hours in the last 12 months. These numbers show your channel is popular and people like watching it.
The YouTube subscriber count requirement shows your videos are popular. Having 1,000 subscribers means people really like your videos. They think they’re worth watching.
YouTube also wants you to have 4,000 hours of watch time in the last year. This means people watched your videos for a long time. You can get this by making videos that people want to watch.
- Make 240 videos that are 10 minutes long, with 1,000 views each.
- Make 365 videos that are 10 minutes long, with about 66 views each.
- Make 240 videos that are 10 minutes long, with 100 views each. This means each video is worth 16.5 hours of watch time.
Try making videos longer or doing live streams. You can even start a podcast. This way, you might need fewer views to meet the watch time goal. The most important thing is to make videos that people enjoy watching.
“The importance of subscriber count and watch time for YouTube monetization cannot be overstated. These metrics are the gateway to unlocking the platform’s revenue-generating opportunities.”
The YouTube subscriber count and watch time requirements are important. They show that your channel is doing well. You’ll make your channel successful and profitable by working hard to meet these goals.
Best ways to monetize a YouTube channel with small audience
Even with a small audience, you can still make money on YouTube. There are many ways to do this. By trying different methods, you can earn money even if you don’t have many subscribers.
Affiliate marketing is a good choice. You can make money by promoting products. You can also offer consulting or coaching services. Selling digital products like ebooks and courses is another option.
Drop shipping is also a hit. You sell products online without making or shipping them. Sponsorship or brand deals are great too. Brands pay YouTubers to show their products.
Building an email list helps too. You can market directly to your fans. The YouTube Partner Program also has many ways to make money. This includes ads, Super Features, and the YouTube Shorts Fund.
“YouTube has paid more than $50 billion to program members in the past three years.”
You can make money by trying different monetization strategies for small YouTube channels. You can build a big business even with a small number of subscribers.
YouTube Ads
Monetizing a YouTube channel is easy, no matter its size. I can earn money from ads by joining the YouTube Partner Program. This lets me get a part of the ad money from my videos.
To make money from ads, my videos must follow YouTube’s rules. They should be safe for families and not have too much bad language. YouTube has different ad types, like ads that can’t be skipped and ads that pop up.
YouTube says I can get up to 55% of the ad money. But, how much I get depends on my viewers and the ad competition. With 1.9 billion users every month, YouTube is a big chance to make money from ads.
YouTube’s ads can reach the right people with Google’s smart tools. This makes ads more interesting for my viewers. It also means more money for me.
“YouTube is a powerful platform for creators to monetize their content and build a sustainable online business. With the right strategies and adherence to YouTube’s policies, even small channels can start earning money through ads and other monetization methods.”
I’m looking to make more money from my channel, like through sponsorships and memberships. But, ads are a big part of my plan. They help me make a steady income from my videos.
Paid Sponsorships
Getting paid sponsorships is a great way for YouTube creators with smaller audiences to make money. Brands and businesses work with content creators to show their products in videos. This can be tough, but it can pay off well, especially for channels with lots of subscribers.
To get sponsors, creators must show their past work and YouTube stats. They need to share watch time, audience retention, and more. This shows brands the value of working with them.
| Subscriber Count | Sponsorship Value |
|---|---|
| 1,000 to 10,000 subscribers | Up to $850 |
| 10,000 to 50,000 subscribers | Up to $2,240 |
| 50,000 to 500,000 subscribers | Up to $5,859 |
| 500,000 to one million subscribers | $16,234 |
Creators with smaller audiences should start with smaller brands. This helps them get noticed and build a portfolio. They can pitch sponsors directly, use platforms, or meet at events.
Creators must have a strong pitch. They need to show why their channel is special and what benefits they offer. Small creators can make a steady income and grow their channels by monetizing YouTube through sponsored content.
Affiliate Marketing
If you have a small YouTube audience, affiliate marketing can help. You can join YouTube affiliate programs to earn money.
This is by sharing products and services with your viewers.
These programs give you a cut of sales from your links or codes. Some popular ones are Amazon Associates, Twitch’s affiliate program, and ShopStyle Collective. They offer commissions from 5% to 20%, sometimes up to 50%.
For example, Elfsight gives a 30% commission, and Movavi offers up to 50% as sales grow. This means you can make money even with a small audience.
YouTube affiliate marketing works well for smaller channels. It doesn’t need as many viewers as the YouTube Partner Program. With a 1% conversion rate and a 6% commission, you can earn $480 from 10,000 views.
Your earnings will depend on your niche, content, and viewer engagement. But it’s a good way for smaller YouTubers to make money. They can monetize their YouTube channel through product referrals.
YouTube affiliate marketing might not be as profitable as sponsorships. But it’s a steady way to earn extra money. By promoting products your viewers like, you can earn commissions from product referrals and monetize your YouTube channel.
Channel Memberships
As a content creator, YouTube channel memberships are exciting. They let you give special perks to your top fans for a monthly fee. This way, you earn money and get closer to your audience.
To use memberships, your channel needs 1,000 subscribers. It also must have 4,000 watch hours in a year. Gaming channels need only 30,000 subscribers. Then, you can share cool stuff like custom emojis and live streams with your members.
You keep 70% of the money from memberships. So, if a member pays $4.99, you get $3.49. It’s a great way to make money if you have lots of fans.
| Perk | Description |
|---|---|
| Custom Emojis | Members-only emojis to use in chat and comments |
| Badges | Unique badges displayed next to member’s name |
| Live Streams | Exclusive live streams for members only |
| Member-only Posts | Private community posts visible only to members |
| Member Recognition | Shoutouts and special recognition for members |
YouTube memberships are great, but think about your brand and goals first. Make sure your membership program fits your viewers. This way, you can make more money and connect with your fans better.
“YouTube channel memberships have been a game-changer for our content creation business. By offering exclusive perks to our most dedicated fans, we’ve not only generated a reliable stream of revenue but also fostered a deeper sense of community.”
Patronage Platforms
Patronage platforms like Patreon are cool for YouTube creators. They let fans support their favorite creators with money. This way, creators get to share special content and connect more with their fans.
Patreon is a top choice for creators to earn money through fan donations and monetize YouTube with patron support. Creators can share unique content and behind-the-scenes stuff. This helps them build a loyal fan base.
Using Patreon has many benefits. Creators can earn more money and connect with their fans better. They can also offer special rewards to their most loyal followers.
For creators with a small audience, Patreon is a big help. It lets them monetize YouTube with patron support and earn money through fan donations early on. This way, they can grow their channel and make money even before they meet YouTube’s rules.
“Patreon has been a game-changer for my YouTube channel. It’s allowed me to create more of the content my audience loves and build a deeper connection with my most dedicated fans.”
Patronage platforms like Patreon are a great chance for YouTube creators. They can Patreon for YouTube creators and earn money through fan donations. This helps them monetize YouTube with patron support and grow a strong community.
Merchandise Sales
As a YouTuber with a small but dedicated following, selling branded merchandise is a great way to make money. The YouTube merchandise shelf lets creators like me sell things like t-shirts and mugs to our fans.
To sell merchandise, you need at least 10,000 subscribers. After reaching this number, you can apply to the YouTube Merchandise shelf program. This lets you sell branded products to your fans. It’s a good way to make money and have more than just ads.
By selling unique merchandise, you can make your brand stronger. You also get closer to your followers and find a new way to make money. The important thing is to make products that your fans will love.
But, selling merchandise well takes planning and knowing what your fans like. Try different designs and prices to see what works best for you and your fans.
“Selling merchandise is a game-changer for small YouTubers looking to monetize their channels. It allows you to tap into the loyalty and enthusiasm of your audience in a tangible way.”
Using the YouTube merchandise shelf can really help your channel grow. It’s a great chance for creators with a strong following and a unique brand to succeed.
Super Features: Super Chat, Super Stickers, Super Thanks
I’m always looking for new ways to make money on YouTube. Especially during live streams and video premieres. YouTube’s Super features like Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks help a lot. They let me earn more and connect better with my viewers.
The YouTube Super Chat lets viewers pay to highlight their messages in the chat. This makes their comments stand out. It’s great for streams with lots of viewers, so important messages don’t get missed.
YouTube Super Stickers are fun animated stickers viewers can buy and share. They add excitement to live streams and premieres. My viewers love using them to show their support and reactions.
YouTube Super Thanks lets viewers donate small amounts to show their appreciation. When they do, their comments get highlighted. This makes it easy for me to see and thank them.
These Super features have been very helpful for me. They help me make money, especially during live streams and premieres. They also help me connect more with my viewers.
| Super Feature | Description | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Super Chat | Allows viewers to pay to have their messages highlighted in the live chat |
|
| Super Stickers | Animated stickers that viewers can purchase and share during live streams and premieres |
|
| Super Thanks | Allows viewers to make small donations to show their appreciation for the creator’s content |
|
Using YouTube’s Super features has helped me a lot. I’ve made more money and built a closer community. As live streaming grows, these tools will become even more important for creators.
YouTube Shorts Fund
The YouTube Shorts Fund is changing the game for creators with smaller audiences. It started in 2021 with a $100 million program. This fund helps creators earn money from their short videos, even if they don’t have enough views yet.
This fund is special because it helps everyone. Creators can get money from $100 to $10,000 each month. This helps them grow their audience and succeed on YouTube.
To get into the fund, creators need to have 500 subscribers. They also need 3 million Shorts views in 90 days or 3,000 watch hours on long videos in a year. As they grow, they can earn more money and use cool features like Super Thanks.
The YouTube Shorts Fund is helping creators and attracting brands. More than half of marketers want to use short videos next year. This means more chances for creators to make money and for brands to reach their audience.
The YouTube Shorts Fund shows YouTube cares about all creators. It lets even small creators make a living from their passion. This is changing how we watch and make videos online.
YouTube Premium Revenue Share
If you make videos on YouTube, you might wonder how to make money from YouTube Premium. The good news is that YouTube Premium offers a way to earn more money. It’s a special service for viewers.
When people subscribe to YouTube Premium, they get many perks. They watch videos without ads and can watch them offline. They also get special features. This might seem bad for creators who make money from ads. But, YouTube gives some of the money from Premium subscriptions to creators.
How much money a creator makes from YouTube Premium depends on how often their videos are watched. This is a new way for creators to make money, besides ads. By making great videos that Premium subscribers like, creators can earn more.
| Metric | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Revenue Share for Eligible Creators | 55% |
| Revenue Share for YouTube Shorts | 45% |
To get money from YouTube Premium, creators need to meet certain rules. They must have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a year. Or, they need 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views in 90 days.
Creators can earn more money by using YouTube Premium monetization and earning from the YouTube subscription service. This is a great way to increase their YouTube income, and it’s a smart move for their YouTube money-making plan.
Conclusion
YouTube has many ways for creators to make money. This includes ads, Super Chat, and YouTube Shorts Fund. Even with a small audience, creators can still earn.
To make money on YouTube, focus on building an audience. Try different ways to earn money, like sponsorships and channel memberships. Small channels should keep making videos and talk to their viewers.
This article talks about how to make money on YouTube. It helps both new and experienced creators. It shows how to use YouTube to earn and grow a business.
FAQ
What is YouTube Monetization?
YouTube monetization lets creators make money from their videos. They earn from ads shown before, during, or after videos.
What are the eligibility criteria for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)?
To join the YouTube Partner Program, you need to follow YouTube’s rules. You must have 4,000 watch hours in a year and 1,000 subscribers. You also need an AdSense account and live in a country where the program is available. No Community Guidelines strikes are allowed.
Why are subscriber count and watch hours important for YouTube monetization?
You need 1,000 subscribers to join the YouTube Partner Program. This shows you have a loyal audience. Also, 4,000 watch hours in a year mean your videos are popular and keep viewers watching.
What are some effective ways for creators with smaller audiences to monetize their YouTube channels?
Creators with fewer subscribers can still make money. They can use YouTube Ads, get paid sponsorships, do affiliate marketing, and more. They can also sell merchandise, use Super Features, and get money from YouTube Premium.
How can creators earn money from YouTube Ads?
YouTube Ads are a basic way to make money. Creators can turn on ads for their videos through the YouTube Partner Program. They must make sure their content is okay for ads.
How can creators earn money from paid sponsorships?
Paid sponsorships are another way to earn. Brands pay creators to show their products in videos. It’s a good way to make money, especially if you have a lot of viewers.
How can creators earn money from affiliate marketing?
Affiliate marketing is another option. Creators can earn commissions by sharing affiliate links. It’s not as much as sponsorships, but it’s a steady way to make money.
How can creators earn money from YouTube channel memberships?
YouTube channel memberships offer exclusive content for a fee. If you have 1,000 subscribers, you can start this. Members get special videos and other perks. Creators get 70% of the money from memberships.
How can creators earn money from patronage platforms?
Patronage platforms like Patreon let fans support creators. Creators can offer special content for money. It’s flexible and doesn’t depend on subscriber count.
How can creators earn money from merchandise sales?
Creators with over 10,000 subscribers can sell merchandise. They can sell things like t-shirts and mugs. It’s a way to make more money and connect with fans.
How can creators earn money from YouTube’s Super features?
Super features like Super Chat and Super Stickers offer extra ways to make money. They work during live streams and premieres. Viewers can pay for their messages to be highlighted.
How can creators earn money from the YouTube Shorts Fund?
The YouTube Shorts Fund pays creators for their Shorts videos. It’s a 0 million program for short videos. Creators can earn 0 to ,000 a month, even without the YouTube Partner Program.
How can creators earn money from YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium is a service that lets users watch ads-free. Creators still get a share of the money from Premium subscribers. It’s another way to make money, besides ads.
