Last updated: June 2025
You’re scrolling through TikTok, minding your own business, when you see a creator flash their latest YouTube paycheck, and you’re just like… wait a moment. It’s more than you make in a whole summer of part-time jobs. The question hits you like a lightning bolt: how? How are they doing that just by talking to a camera? If you’ve ever wondered how do people make money with youtube videos, you’re in the right spot. And I’ll let you in on a little secret: it’s not just about getting one viral video and suddenly becoming a millionaire. That’s a Hollywood movie plot, not real life. The truth is way more interesting and, honestly, more achievable than you think. It’s about building a community, being smart, and creating multiple streams of income—some of which you can start working on RIGHT NOW, even before you have a massive following. Think of it less like winning the lottery and more like building the coolest, most profitable lemonade stand in the entire neighborhood. Let’s break it all down, no fluff, no clichés—just the real, practical steps to turn your video ideas into actual YouTube income.
What is the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and How Does It Work?
Okay, let’s get the big one out of the way first. The most well-known method to get paid for videos is through the YouTube Partner Program, or YPP for short. This is the official way YouTube shares ad revenue with its creators. Think of it as getting your official entry ticket to the “get paid” club. But, like any exclusive club, there are some bouncers at the door—or, in this case, requirements you have to meet. To be eligible for the YPP, you need to hit two main targets: 1,000 subscribers on your channel and 4,000 hours of valid public watch time in the last 12 months. I know, 4,000 hours sounds like a ton of time (it’s about 167 days!), but don’t panic. It’s not about one person watching for that long; it’s the total time everyone has spent watching your videos combined. If you post a 10-minute video that 24,000 people watch all the way through, boom—you’ve hit your target with just one video. It’s all about creating content that people want to stick around for.
Once you’re in the YPP, you can turn on monetization. This permits YouTube to place ads to your films—those little classified ads that play before or all through the content material. You get a slice of the cash the advertisers pay YouTube. This is all controlled through a Google AdSense account, which you will want to installation. Here’s a top notch crucial tip for young adults: in case you’re under 18, you may want a figure or legal parent to help you set up the AdSense account of their call. This is a non-negotiable rule from Google, so make certain you’ve got that communication with them! A friend of mine, Leo, started his gaming channel at 15. He hit his 1,000 subs and four,000 watch hours via stay-streaming his Minecraft builds. He become so excited to use for the YPP, but then hit the age-restriction wall. He sat his parents down, showed them his channel and his plan, and they had been so impressed along with his determination that they helped him set up the AdSense account.He’s not making millions, but his earnings now pay for his gaming gear and snacks. It all starts with that first step, and for many, that step is the YouTube Partner Program.
How to make money on YouTube for beginners
Feeling overwhelmed by the 4,000-hour mountain? Don’t be. Every massive YouTuber started with zero subscribers and zero watch hours. The key for beginners is to forget about the money for a second and focus on the fundamentals. Before you can even monetize your channel, you need to make videos people actually want to watch. It’s all about building a foundation.
Finding Your Niche (That Actually Has an Audience)
First thing first: What are you going to make videos about? This is your “niche”. The biggest mistake for new creators is very wide. Instead of a “vlog channel”, think more specific: “Vlog about trying strange food from my local grocery store.” Instead of a “game channel,” try a channel “where I try to defeat the horror game without shouting.” The more special you are, the easier it will be for the right audience to find you. Think about what you are really emotional. Can you talk about it for hours? Big. Think about what other people are interested. Magic is where your passion and audience interest is overlap. You can be the leading experts in the world on your pet rock, but if someone is not discovered … it is okay, it will be a tough climb. See what is trend, but give it your unique spin. The trend “Glitter” on Tiktok is spacious, right? Maybe your niche “shines, but for shop furniture.” It is known, but different. This is a sweet place.
Creating Content People Want to Watch
You do not—I repeat, DO NOT—need a fancy $2,000 camera to start. Your smartphone is more than powerful enough. Seriously. The most important things are good lighting and clear audio. Film facing a window for natural light (it’s free!) and make sure there isn’t a lot of background noise. People will forgive grainy video, but they will click away INSTANTLY if they can’t hear you. As you start, focus on providing value. That doesn’t just mean educational content. “Value” can be a good laugh, a thrilling story, or a relaxing video that helps someone de-stress. Ask yourself: why would someone share this video with their friend? If you don’t have a good answer, it’s time to rethink the idea. For a complete walkthrough on getting started, check out this YouTube ultimate guide for teens to start.
How much money do you make on youtube with 1,000 subscribers?
This is one of the most common questions out there, and the answer is… complicated. Having 1,000 subscribers doesn’t automatically mean you make money. In fact, on its own, it means you make exactly $0. Remember, 1,000 subscribers is just one of the two keys you need to unlock the YouTube Partner Program. The other key is the 4,000 hours of watch time. So, technically, the answer to how much money do you make on youtube with 1,000 subscribers is nothing, until you also hit the watch time requirement and get accepted into the YPP. Think of 1,000 subscribers as your entry ticket to the arena. You’re officially in the game, but the game hasn’t started yet. Your income isn’t tied to your subscriber count directly; it’s tied to the views you get after you’re monetized. A channel with 1,000 very active subscribers who watch every video can potentially earn more from ads than a channel with 10,000 subscribers who barely watch. It’s all about engagement!
How do people make money with youtube videos reddit
If you really want the unfiltered, no-nonsense advice, Reddit is the place to go. Threads on subreddits like r/NewTubers or r/PartneredYoutube are filled with real creators sharing what works. And if you spend enough time there, you’ll see a clear pattern: the smartest YouTubers don’t rely on AdSense alone. They diversify. This is where you can start to earn from YouTube *before* you even qualify for the YPP. When people on Reddit discuss how do people make money with youtube videos, they’re often talking about these other, more direct methods.
The Affiliate Marketing Goldmine
This is one of the most popular ways for beginner YouTubers to earn their first dollar. Affiliate marketing is basically getting a commission for recommending a product or service. Let’s say you do a review of a new video game. You can sign up for an affiliate program (like Amazon Associates or others) and get a special, unique link to that game. You put that link in your video description. If someone clicks your link and buys the game, you get a small percentage of the sale—at no extra cost to them! It’s a win-win. You can do this for literally anything: camera gear, makeup, clothes, software, books. The key is to be authentic. Only recommend products you genuinely use and love. Your audience trusts you, and breaking that trust for a quick buck is the fastest way to lose them forever. (Important note: Amazon Associates requires you to be 18, so this is another area where you’ll need parental partnership).
The Merch Drop Hype
You don’t need millions of subscribers to sell merch. You just need a loyal, engaged community. Even with just a few hundred fans, if they love your content, they might want to support you by buying a t-shirt or a sticker. Platforms like Spring (formerly Teespring) or Sellfy make this incredibly easy. You can upload a design (even a simple inside joke from your channel!), and they handle all the printing and shipping. You just collect the profit. It costs you nothing to set up. Think about the memes on your channel. That thing you say in every video? Put it on a shirt! Remember the “It’s the ___ for me” meme? Imagine a shirt that says “It’s the chaotic editing for me” for your channel. It’s a way for your fans to feel like part of an exclusive club. For more ideas, you can check out these genius ways to make money on YouTube.
How to make money on YouTube without making videos
This one sounds like a trick question, right? Like, “how do you win a race without running?” But wait a moment… it’s actually possible. While you won’t be the star of the show, you can still earn a solid income from the YouTube ecosystem by working behind the scenes. This is perfect for those who are a bit camera-shy or have other creative skills they want to put to use. Many teens have found success here and it’s a great way to make money online from home.
The “Creative Commons” Remix
Ever seen those “Top 10 Funniest Cat Videos” compilations or the hours-long “lo-fi beats to study to” streams? Many of those channels don’t film any original footage. Instead, they use “Creative Commons” or royalty-free stock footage. Creative Commons is a type of license that allows you to legally reuse someone else’s work. You can find these videos right on YouTube by filtering your search results. The trick is to be transformative. Don’t just re-upload someone else’s video. You need to add your own creative touch—edit them together in a unique way, add commentary, or create a new narrative. Always, always double-check the license to make sure it allows for commercial use, or you could face a copyright strike.
Becoming a YouTube Manager or Editor
Think about your favorite big YouTuber. Do you really think they do everything themselves? Editing a 20-minute video can take hours… or even days. Many successful creators hire freelance editors, thumbnail designers, and channel managers to help them out. If you’ve got skills in video editing (using software like DaVinci Resolve, which has a great free version) or graphic design (using Canva for thumbnails), you can offer your services. Join creator communities on Reddit or Discord and post about your services. This is a real job and an amazing way to learn how to make money on YouTube from home by learning from the pros.
Comparing YouTube Income Streams
Feeling a bit lost in all the options? Let’s lay it out in a simple table so you can see what might be the best fit for you right now.
| Income Stream | Effort to Start | Income Potential (Small Channel) | Skills Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Ads (YPP) | High (requires 1k subs & 4k hours) | Low | Content Creation, Consistency |
| Affiliate Marketing | Low (just need a link) | Medium | Trust Building, Persuasion |
| Merchandise | Low (use Print-on-Demand) | Low to Medium | Basic Design, Community Building |
| Sponsorships | Medium (requires outreach) | High | Communication, Sales |
How to earn money from YouTube views
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of ad revenue. When you ask how to earn money from YouTube views, what you’re really asking about is something called “CPM” or “RPM.” CPM stands for “Cost Per Mille,” which is how much advertisers pay per 1,000 views of their ad. RPM, or “Revenue Per Mille,” is the metric you’ll see in your YouTube Studio, and it represents your actual share of that money per 1,000 video views, after YouTube takes its cut. Here’s the crazy part: not all views are created equal. An advertiser will pay way more to show an ad on a video about “how to invest in stocks” than on a video about “funny cat fails.” Why? The audience for the finance video is more likely to buy a high-value product. This means that a channel in a niche like finance, technology, or business can earn much, much more per view than a channel in entertainment or comedy. So, the question of how much money you can make depends heavily on your niche and the audience you attract.
Staying Safe and Legal: The Not-So-Fun But SUPER Important Stuff
Okay, real talk for a second. Making money online is awesome, but you HAVE to be smart and safe about it. This is especially true for teens. First, always, always have your parents or guardians in the loop. As mentioned, for things like AdSense, you need their help if you’re under 18. This isn’t about them controlling you; it’s about protecting you legally and financially. Second, taxes. Yes, I know. Hearing the word “taxes” is enough to make anyone want to close this tab. But here’s the deal: money you earn on YouTube is real income, and the government requires you to pay taxes on it. You don’t need to be an expert, but you DO need to talk to your parent or guardian about it. They can help you figure out if you need to set aside a portion of your earnings. Think of it this way: getting it right from the start saves you a massive headache later. It’s like when you get that copyright strike notice and think, “And I oop-.” You don’t want that feeling with the IRS. Finally, respect copyright. Don’t use music, movie clips, or images you don’t have the rights to. It’s the fastest way to get your video taken down or your whole channel deleted. Stick to original content or use royalty-free sources like the YouTube Audio Library.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. The complete, no-fluff guide to how do people make money with youtube videos. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme; it’s a creative business. It starts with finding your voice and your niche, consistently creating content people love, and then building multiple streams of income on top of that foundation. The YouTube Partner Program is the goal for many, but the real magic happens when you diversify with affiliate marketing, merchandise, and maybe even sponsorships. It’s a marathon, not a sprint—a marathon that you can totally start running today, right from your bedroom, with just your phone and a great idea.
What are you waiting for? Your future audience is out there.
What’s YOUR million-dollar (or at least, hundred-dollar) YouTube channel idea? Let me know in the comments below! And if this guide helped you, do me a favor and share it on TikTok or Instagram—you never know which of your friends might be the next big creator.
For the latest updates on platform rules and new monetization tools, make sure to check back here at zana.website. We’re always keeping an eye out for what’s new!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many views do you need on YouTube to make money?
You don’t get paid based on views alone. To start earning money directly from YouTube through ads, you need to be in the YouTube Partner Program. This requires 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time. Once you’re in, your earnings from ads are tied to monetized views, not just any view. So, the focus should be on watch time and subscribers first!
2. How much does YouTube pay per 1000 views?
This varies wildly and there’s no single answer. This is measured by RPM (Revenue Per Mille), which is your earnings per 1,000 views. Your RPM can be anything from less than a dollar to over $20. It depends heavily on your video’s topic (finance channels earn more than comedy), the age of your audience, and where they are from. It’s not a fixed rate.
3. How many views do you need on YouTube to make $1000 a month?
Again, this totally depends on your channel’s RPM. If your RPM is a low $1, you would need 1,000,000 views a month to make $1,000. But if you have a high RPM of $10 (common in tech or business niches), you would only need 100,000 views. Don’t forget, you can also make that $1,000 through a mix of ads, affiliate sales, and merch, not just views.
4. How do you get paid for YouTube videos?
Once you’re in the YouTube Partner Program, you’ll set up a Google AdSense account. YouTube sends your earnings to this account around the middle of each month. From your AdSense account, once you reach the payment threshold (which is $100 in the US), you can have the money deposited directly into a bank account. Remember, if you’re under 18, this account must be managed by a parent or guardian.
