Monetizing Your YouTube Channel: The Different Ways to Earn Revenue

Building an audience on YouTube is an exciting accomplishment, but you also want to earn revenue from all your hard work creating videos.

Thankfully, there are multiple effective options for monetizing a YouTube channel once you meet the eligibility requirements.

In this post, we’ll break down the top methods for YouTubers to start generating income from their channels and loyal viewership.

YouTube Partner Program

The YouTube Partner Program allows creators to earn a share of ad revenue from their videos. By enrolling, ads can be served on your content.

To qualify:

• Verify your account with 100+ legitimate subscribers
• Have 4,000+ public watch hours in the past 12 months
• Adhere to content policies and guidelines
• YouTube Editing Hacks That Will Save You Hours (and Make Your Videos Pop)

Once approved, opt eligible videos into monetization and begin earning. YouTube shares 55% of ad dollars earned. Higher volume channels can negotiate even higher revenue shares from YouTube.

Channel Memberships

Channel memberships allow fans to pay a monthly fee for exclusive membership perks like:

• Member-only live streams and Q&As
• Access to extra behind-the-scenes content
• Custom emoji and badges in comments
• Your name featured in credits or descriptions

Memberships starting as low as $4.99 per month provide recurring income as your loyal audience grows. Offer worthwhile membership perks that appeal to your viewers.

Super Chat & Super Stickers

Super chats and super stickers allow viewers to highlight their live stream comments with paid versions that stand out.

• Super chats pin paid comments to the top during live streams
• Super stickers feature animated graphics and characters

Fans pay between $1-$500+ to amplify their message. Moderating live streams when super chats are flying helps boost engagement and satisfaction.

Affiliate Marketing

Many YouTubers earn commissions promoting relevant products through affiliate links and discount codes.

To leverage affiliate marketing:

• Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates tailored to your niche
• Link to featured products in video descriptions with your unique codes
• Track clicks and completed sales data to optimize

When viewers purchase through your links, you earn a kickback. Affiliate income can become quite lucrative at scale.

Selling Custom Merchandise

You can also design and sell custom branded merchandise through platforms like Shopify and Teespring.

Popular merchandise ideas include:

• T-shirts featuring channel art and inside jokes
• Pop sockets or phone cases with logos
• Water bottles, mugs and other useful items

Set up an online store and promote your merchandise in videos and end screens. Merch gives fans ways to directly support you while repping their favorite creator.

Crowdfunding Campaigns

For special projects or expenses, crowdfunding campaigns allow your audience to chip in.

Platforms like Patreon, Membershipify and GoFundMe help creators raise funds for:

• High-production videos or series
• Attending conventions and events
• Purchasing equipment and software
• Charities and causes important to you

Set project funding goals and offer backer rewards. Rally your audience around your vision to finance special endeavors.

Diversify Your Revenue Sources

A diverse income stream from YouTube including ads, memberships, affiliates and more is ideal for long-term financial health. Offer fans a variety of ways to support you while catering to what monetization vehicles work best for your channel niche and content style.

Remember to always provide value first and foremost. If you focus on serving your audience, the revenue will come in turn.

What tips do you have for YouTubers starting to monetize their channels? Share your income strategy recommendations below!