Okay, let’s be real. You’re scrolling through TikTok or YouTube Shorts, you see your favorite creator drop a new merch line, and a little voice in your head whispers, “Wait a minute… can I make money with YouTube videos, too?” You see the massive houses, the cool cars, and the “day in the life of a YouTuber” vlogs, and it seems like a dream job. But is it real? Can a regular teen—yes, YOU—actually start earning cash from a YouTube channel? The answer is a huge, resounding YES. But… and this is a big but… it’s not about ‘getting rich quick.’ It’s about being creative, being smart, and being consistent. I was shocked myself when I learned it’s less about one viral hit and more about building a real community. This isn’t some list of “secret HACKS,” this is the real, practical playbook for how you can start your journey right now. We’re going to cover everything from the nitty-gritty of getting monetized to the awesome ways you can earn money *before* you even hit those big milestones. Think about it: your passion for gaming, makeup, or even just making people laugh could become your first real paycheck.
This guide is your starting line. We’ll break down the requirements, explore different ways to get paid, and even talk about the boring-but-super-important stuff like staying safe online and dealing with things like taxes (don’t worry, we’ll make it simple). The journey from zero subscribers to your first dollar earned is a wild ride, full of lessons and wins. It’s about more than just the money; it’s about creating something that’s yours. So, if you’re ready to move from viewer to creator, let’s dive in. Your future as a YouTuber starts with this first step. Ready to find out how you can make money with YouTube videos? Let’s go!
How to make money on YouTube for beginners
Alright, so that you’ve decided to make the leap. Welcome to the writer life! The first actual issue each person talks about is getting “monetized,” which is simply a flowery word for getting paid at once by way of YouTube. This happens through something called the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Think of the YPP because the VIP membership for creators. Once you are in, YouTube begins setting advertisements to your videos, and also you get a cut of the cash from those commercials. It’s the most common answer to “can i make money with youtube videos,” and it’s a massive milestone for any creator. Getting into this club is your first major quest, and it has some specific requirements you need to meet.
The YouTube Partner Program (YPP): Your First Big Goal
To join the YPP, you need to prove to YouTube that people are actually watching and enjoying your stuff. For a long time, there were two main goals to hit: you needed 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time on your regular videos within the last 12 months. Let’s break that down. One thousand subscribers is pretty straightforward—you need a thousand people to hit that subscribe button. The 4,000 watch hours can feel a bit more daunting. That’s 240,000 minutes of people watching your content! But wait a moment… there’s another way in! Recognizing the explosion of short-form content, YouTube added a path for Shorts creators. You can also qualify for the YPP if you get 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days (while still needing 1,000 subscribers). This is huge for creators who excel at quick, snappy content. Once you hit these numbers, you apply for the YPP. YouTube will review your channel to make sure you’re following all their rules (no copyrighted music or hateful content, for example). Once you’re approved, you’ll need to set up a Google AdSense account to actually get paid. Since AdSense requires you to be 18, this is where you’ll need to team up with a parent or legal guardian to get it set up and linked to your channel. It’s a team effort!
Content is King… No, Seriously
Hitting those YPP numbers feels not possible if you’re now not making content material human beings want to watch. The secret? Find a gap you are in reality, OBSESSEDLY obsessed with. Whether it’s Minecraft speedruns, thrift-flip tutorials, comedy skits, or deep dives into film theories—if you like it, that electricity will show. Think approximately the channels you cannot stop watching. Why do you adore them? It’s possibly the creator’s character and their specific tackle a subject. That’s your intention. It’s manner better to be a small, beloved channel in a particular niche than a bland channel looking to please all people. And remember that TikTok meme that is going, “They do not know I’m about to spend eight hours editing a video with the intention to get 12 views”? That’s the grind… But it is the grind that results in fulfillment. Consistency is more crucial than seeking to go viral with each unmarried video. A unswerving community built over the years is way greater valuable than one-hit-surprise reputation. For more tips on getting started, check out this ultimate guide for teens starting on YouTube.
YouTube income per 1,000 views
This is one of the biggest questions every new creator has. You see videos with millions of views and think, “They must be ROLLING in it!” The truth is a bit more complicated. The amount you earn isn’t just based on view count; it’s based on something called RPM, which stands for Revenue Per Mille (mille is Latin for thousand). RPM is the total revenue you earn for every 1,000 views on your video, including ads, memberships, and Super Chats. It’s a much better metric than CPM (Cost Per Mille), which only measures what advertisers pay to show ads per 1,000 views. Your RPM is your actual take-home rate before YouTube’s cut. So, what’s a typical RPM? It can be anywhere from less than $1 to over $20, or even higher. It varies WILDLY based on a few key factors: your niche, your audience’s location (advertisers pay more for viewers in countries like the US), and even the time of year (ad spending usually goes up around the holidays). A channel that talks about personal finance will almost always have a higher RPM than a channel with funny cat compilations, because finance companies are willing to pay more for ads. Don’t get discouraged by low numbers at first; as your channel grows, so will your potential earnings.
Can i make money with youtube videos reddit
If you want the brutally honest, no-filter advice on making money with YouTube, Reddit is the place to go. Communities like r/NewTubers and r/PartneredYouTube are filled with creators sharing the real-deal experiences. What’s the general vibe? It’s a GRIND. For every overnight success story, there are thousands of people who’ve been working for years to build their channel. The most common piece of advice you’ll see is to not go into it *just* for the money. You have to love the process. One story I read was from a teen who started a channel dedicated to reviewing obscure indie horror games. For the first year and a half, he was getting maybe 30-50 views per video. It was discouraging. But he was passionate about the games, so he kept going. He engaged with every single comment. Slowly, his subscriber count ticked up. After two years, he finally hit the YPP requirements. His first paycheck was about $120. Not life-changing, but it was REAL money he earned from his passion. The consensus on Reddit is clear: success is possible, but patience and genuine passion are non-negotiable. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. This is a great way to make money online from home, but it takes dedication.
How to make money on YouTube without making videos
Wait, what? Make money on YouTube… without actually filming yourself? Yes, it’s totally a thing, and it’s a great option if you’re a bit camera-shy or if your skills are more behind-the-scenes. This is where you can get really creative and turn your editing or research skills into cash. It’s a different approach to the question, “can i make money with youtube videos,” focusing on curation and service instead of being the face of the channel.
The Creative Commons Goldmine
Have you ever seen those super popular “satisfying moments” or “best of” compilations? Many of those channels don’t film a single clip themselves. Instead, they use videos licensed under Creative Commons (CC). The CC license allows you to reuse and edit content legally, as long as you follow the rules (like giving credit). You can filter Youtube results to find CC-licensed videos. The key here—and this is *very* important—is that you can’t just re-upload them. That’s lazy and against YouTube’s policies. You have to add your own creative value. This means providing funny commentary, doing a voiceover analysis, editing clips together into a compelling new story, or adding original graphics and music. You are transforming the content into something new.
Becoming a YouTube Channel Manager or Editor
As channels grow, creators get SWAMPED. They don’t have time to edit all their videos, design eye-catching thumbnails, write descriptions, and manage their upload schedule. That’s where you can come in. If you have skills in video editing (using free software like DaVinci Resolve or CapCut is a great place to start) or graphic design (Canva is amazing for thumbnails), you can offer your services as a freelancer. You can reach out to small-to-mid-sized YouTubers you admire and offer to edit a video for free as a sample. If they like your work, you could land a paid gig. Platforms like Fiverr or Upwork can also be great places to find work, but you’ll likely need a parent’s help to set up an account if you’re under 18. This is a fantastic way to learn the ropes of YouTube while getting paid.
how much money do you make on youtube with 1,000 subscribers
Let’s get straight to the point. If you have 1,000 subscribers but haven’t met the watch hour or Shorts view requirements for the YouTube Partner Program, you will make exactly… $0. At least, from YouTube ads. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s the truth. Think of 1,000 subscribers not as the finish line for earning money, but as the key that gets you into the stadium. You still have to play the game to score. However, this is where so many new creators miss a HUGE opportunity. You don’t have to wait for YPP to start earning. With a dedicated audience of 1,000 fans, you have influence, and that’s valuable.
Affiliate Marketing: Your First Paycheck?
This is one of the best ways to start earning before you’re monetized. Affiliate marketing sounds complicated, but it’s simple: you promote a product or service, and if someone buys it through your unique link, you get a small commission. Let’s say you have a gaming channel. You can sign up for the Amazon Associates program and create links for your keyboard, mouse, and headset. In your video descriptions, you can list your gear with those links. When a viewer thinks, “Wow, that keyboard looks sick,” clicks your link, and buys it, you earn a percentage of that sale—at no extra cost to them! The golden rule of affiliate marketing is authenticity. Only promote 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. Be transparent and always disclose that your links are affiliate links. For a deeper dive on earnings, see this article on how much you can make on YouTube.
Beyond the Ads: Next-Level Earning
Relying only on ad revenue is like trying to build a table with only one leg—it’s wobbly. The smartest and most successful creators diversify their income streams. Once you have an engaged audience (even a small one!), you can explore some seriously cool ways to earn. As NerdWallet explains, there are many ways to get paid beyond ads.
Selling Your Own Merch
Got a catchphrase that your viewers love? An inside joke in your community? An awesome logo? Slap it on a t-shirt! Selling merchandise is a classic way for creators to earn money and build a stronger brand. And here’s the best part: you don’t need a garage full of boxes. Platforms like Spring (formerly Teespring) or Sellfy use a print-on-demand model. You create the design, and they handle the printing and shipping *only when someone places an order*. This means zero upfront cost and zero risk for you. You can sell everything from hoodies and hats to mugs and stickers. It’s an amazing feeling to see someone in the real world wearing something you designed. You can find more inspiration in Sellfy’s guide about genius ways to make money on YouTube.
Channel Memberships and Super Chats
Once you’re in the YPP, two more fantastic features unlock: Channel Memberships and Super Features (like Super Chat and Super Thanks). Channel Memberships allow your most loyal fans to pay a monthly fee (e.g., $4.99) in exchange for exclusive perks. This could be members-only videos, custom emojis for comments, or a special badge next to their name. Super Chats let viewers pay to have their comment highlighted during a livestream, and Super Thanks lets them tip you on regular video uploads. These features are amazing because they allow your fans to support you directly.
Staying Safe and Legal (The Boring but CRUCIAL Stuff)
Okay, nobody wants to talk about rules and taxes, but this part is non-negotiable if you’re serious about your channel. Protecting yourself and following the rules is just as important as creating great content. YouTube and AdSense have age requirements for a reason—to protect minors. The minimum age to have your own YouTube account is 13. However, the minimum age to have an AdSense account, which you need for monetization, is 18. This means you *must* have a parent or legal guardian set up and manage the AdSense account for you. Have an open conversation with them about your goals. Show them this article! Explain that you want to do this safely and responsibly. And taxes? Yup, if you earn money, you’ll eventually have to pay taxes on it. Don’t panic! You don’t need to become an expert overnight. Just know that it’s a thing, and it’s another area where a trusted adult can help you navigate the process when the time comes. If you want to explore other online ventures, consider looking into a free blogging platform to share your journey.
Comparing YouTube Monetization Methods
| Method | Effort to Start | Income Potential | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Ads (YPP) | High (Need 1K subs & 4K hours) | Medium to High | Channels with consistent, high viewership. |
| Affiliate Marketing | Low (Can start from day one) | Low to Medium | Review channels or creators who use specific products. |
| Selling Merch | Medium (Need a design & a small, loyal audience) | Low to High | Creators with a strong brand and inside jokes. |
| Channel Memberships | High (YPP required) | Medium | Creators with a super-dedicated community. |
Last updated: June 2025
Conclusion
So, after all that, what’s the final verdict? Can I make money with YouTube videos? Absolutely, one hundred percent, YES. But it’s a marathon, not a 100-meter dash. It’s about finding your voice, building a community, and being smart about the different ways you can earn. Don’t just chase ad revenue; explore affiliate marketing, think about merch, and always, *always* be authentic to who you are. Your audience is there for YOU. The money is a byproduct of the connection you build with them. Remember, every massive creator started with zero subscribers and an idea. Your journey is just beginning.
What’s your dream YouTube channel idea? Drop it in the comments below—I’d love to hear it! And if you found this guide helpful, share it on Instagram or TikTok with a friend who’s ready to start their own creator journey.
Stay Updated! The world of online content is always changing. YouTube policies get updated, and new platforms emerge. Be sure to check back here at zana.website for the latest tips and strategies for creators.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many views do you need on YouTube to make money?
You don’t get paid per view directly. Instead, you need to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). This requires 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours in the past year or 10 million Shorts views in the past 90 days. Once you’re in the YPP, your earnings per 1,000 views (RPM) can vary from under $1 to over $20 depending on your content and audience.
2. Can I watch my own YouTube video to get 4000 watch hours?
No, this is a bad idea. While watching your own video will add a few minutes to your watch time, YouTube’s algorithm is smart enough to detect this kind of activity. Trying to artificially inflate your watch hours is against their “fake engagement” policy and can get your channel penalized or even terminated. It’s not worth the risk; focus on making great content that real people will watch.
3. How many views on YouTube do you need to make $2000 a month?
This completely depends on your RPM (Revenue Per 1,000 Views). If your RPM is a low $2, you would need 1 million views a month to make $2,000. However, if you’re in a high-value niche like finance or tech and have a $15 RPM, you would only need around 134,000 views to earn that same amount. Diversifying with merch and affiliate sales can also help you reach that goal with fewer views.
4. How many views on YouTube do you need to make $1000 a month?
Similar to the $2,000 question, it’s all about your RPM. For an average RPM of $5, you would need about 200,000 views per month to earn $1,000 from ads alone. For a channel with a lower $2 RPM, you’d need 500,000 views. This is why focusing on your niche and creating content that attracts a valuable audience is just as important as the total number of views you get.
