Alright, let’s get real. You’re probably scrolling through TikTok or YouTube right now, watching your favorite creators, and a tiny voice in your head whispers, “Wait a minute… I could totally do that.” Guess what? That voice is RIGHT. The whole idea of how make money with youtube videos isn’t some far-off dream reserved for people with fancy cameras and Hollywood-level editing skills. It’s something you, yes YOU, can start working on right now, from your bedroom, with just your phone. I was shocked myself when I discovered it’s less about being a superstar and more about being… well, *you*. This isn’t just another boring lecture; this is your ultimate playbook. We’re going to break down everything from finding your vibe and creating content that actually gets views, to the different ways you can start seeing real cash roll in. We’ll even cover the super-important (but kinda boring) stuff like staying safe online. So, put down that video of a cat playing a tiny piano (or don’t, we love those), and let’s figure out how to turn your screen time into earning time.
Think about it. The journey from zero subscribers to your first paycheck is a wild ride, and it all starts with a single step: deciding to try. It’s like that TikTok trend where people show their glow-up from a few years ago – your channel can have that same transformation. The key is consistency and being authentic. People can spot a fake from a mile away. Your unique personality is your greatest asset. Whether you’re into gaming, makeup tutorials, comedy skits, or explaining complex science topics with LEGOs, there’s an audience waiting for you. This guide will walk you through the practical steps, sharing real stories and advice to help you navigate the world of YouTube monetization. We’ll explore the different income streams available and how to tap into them, even as a teenager. Ready to start your creator journey? Let’s dive in.
How to make money on YouTube for beginners
So, you’re ready to jump in. AMAZING. But where do you even start? The path for a beginner to how make money with youtube videos is all about laying a solid foundation. Forget about money for a second (I know, I know, but trust me). Your first goal is to build a channel that humans absolutely need to look at. It’s like building a sandcastle; you want a great, stable base before you could upload the flamboyant turrets and flags. The cash follows the target audience, not the alternative way round. Let’s ruin down the primary few essential steps in an effort to set you up for achievement later on. This stage is all approximately creativity, passion, and a little little bit of approach. Don’t fear approximately being best; consciousness on being present and steady.
Finding Your Niche (What You’re Actually Good At)
Your “area of interest” is just a flowery phrase in your channel’s topic. What are you captivated with? What could you speak about for hours? That’s your area of interest. It will be some thing: Minecraft speedruns, thrift shop hauls, DIY slime tutorials, book critiques, or even hilarious remark on viral films. A pal of mine, Alex, become captivated with old-faculty video games. He concept no person would watch, but he began a channel reviewing video games from the 90s. His passion became so contagious that he discovered a small but brilliant-unswerving community. That’s the magic. Don’t pick out a niche just because it’s famous; select it due to the fact you love it. Your authenticity will shine via and attract the proper people. Think approximately what makes you unique and lean into that. Your vibe will appeal to your tribe.
Gear Up (Without Breaking the Bank)
Do you need a $2,000 camera and a professional microphone? Absolutely not. Seriously. Your smartphone is probably more powerful than the cameras used by the first generation of YouTubers. Start with what you have. The most important things are decent lighting and clear audio. You can film in front of a window for great natural light (it’s free!). For audio, even the microphone on your earbuds is better than the phone’s built-in one if you’re far away. There are tons of free editing apps available for both phone and computer, like CapCut or DaVinci Resolve. Remember the “we’re YouTubers, of course we…” meme? *Of course* we use a stack of books as a tripod at first. It’s a rite of passage. Focus on making your content clear and watchable, not on having the most expensive setup.
Creating Content That Doesn’t Suck
Okay, “doesn’t suck” is a low bar, but it’s a start! The key to good content is providing value. “Value” can mean a lot of things: entertainment (making someone laugh), education (teaching a skill), or inspiration (sharing a personal story). Plan your videos. A simple script or even a few bullet points can keep you on track and prevent rambling. Pay attention to your first 15 seconds – this is when you need to hook your viewer. Ask a question, present a crazy problem, or start with a bang. Look at your favorite creators. What do they do to keep you watching? Learn from them, but add your own spin. The goal is to create videos that you would genuinely want to watch yourself.
YouTube Partner Program
This is the big one. The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is the official way YouTubers get paid through ads. You know those little ads that play before or during a video? When your channel is part of the YPP, you get a slice of that ad revenue. It’s the most well-known method for how to make money with YouTube videos, but it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. Think of it as a long-term goal. Getting into the YPP is a huge milestone for any creator and a sign that you’ve built a real, engaged audience. It’s the moment you go from being a hobbyist to a professional, and it opens up a bunch of new tools and revenue streams provided by YouTube itself.
The Magic Numbers: YPP Requirements
To join the YPP, you need to meet a few key requirements set by YouTube. As of early 2025, the primary thresholds are: 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of public watch time in the last 12 months. Let’s be real – that can sound intimidating. One thousand subscribers means a thousand real people decided your content was cool enough to follow. And 4,000 watch hours… that’s 240,000 minutes of people watching your stuff! It’s not going to happen overnight. There are also newer entry points for things like Super Thanks, with lower thresholds (like 500 subscribers and 3,000 watch hours), but for ad revenue, the 1k/4k rule is king. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. This system ensures that creators who earn from ads have a proven track record of keeping an audience engaged.
How to Apply and What Happens Next
Once you hit those numbers (and do a little celebration dance, you’ve earned it!), you can apply for the YPP directly in your YouTube Studio. The process is pretty straightforward. You’ll need to agree to the terms, set up a Google AdSense account (this is how you’ll actually get paid, so you’ll likely need a parent or guardian’s help if you’re under 18), and then wait for your channel to be reviewed. YouTube’s team will manually review your channel to make sure it complies with all their policies – no spam, no hateful content, just good, clean fun (or education, or whatever your niche is). The review process can take a few days to a few weeks. If you’re approved, congrats! Ads will start appearing on your videos, and you’ll officially be earning money from your content.
How to earn money from YouTube views
So, let’s talk about the core question: how do you actually earn money from YouTube views? It’s a little more complex than just “more views = more money.” The amount you earn is determined by something called CPM, or “Cost Per Mille,” which means cost per 1,000 views. Your RPM, or “Revenue Per Mille,” is the number you should really care about, as it’s the revenue you *actually* receive per 1,000 views after YouTube takes its cut. It’s not a fixed number and can vary wildly. Some niches, like personal finance or technology, have a much higher CPM than others, like comedy or vlogging, because advertisers are willing to pay more to reach those audiences. This is a key part of understanding how to make money with YouTube videos effectively.
Factors like your audience’s location (advertisers pay more for viewers in countries like the US or UK), the time of year (ad rates spike around holidays), and the topics you cover all play a huge role. A video about “how to invest in stocks” will likely earn way more per view than a “day in my life” vlog. So while getting millions of views is great, having a highly engaged, specific audience in a valuable niche can often be more profitable, even with fewer views. It’s about quality over quantity. Understanding these dynamics helps you strategize your content for better earnings.
How much money do you make on youtube with 1,000 subscribers
This is a super common question, and the answer is… it depends! Having 1,000 subscribers is a critical first step, but by itself, it doesn’t directly translate to a specific income. Remember, to earn ad revenue, you also need 4,000 watch hours. So, when you first hit 1,000 subscribers, your income is likely $0 from ads. However, reaching this milestone is a huge signal that you’re on the right track! It’s the key that unlocks the door to the YouTube Partner Program. Once you’re in the YPP, the question of income becomes about your views and RPM, not just your subscriber count. Think of subscribers as your loyal community, and views as the activity that generates the income.
How to make money on YouTube without making videos
Plot twist: you can actually figure out how to make money with youtube videos without ever showing your face or creating complex vlogs. Sounds wild, right? But it’s totally a thing. One popular method is creating “cash cow” channels. These channels focus on evergreen topics—like psychology facts, meditation music, or top 10 lists—using stock footage, voiceovers, and simple text animations. You can hire a voice actor on a platform like Fiverr or even use high-quality AI voice generators. The content is designed to be easily searchable and have a long shelf life. Another approach is creating compilation videos (you MUST have permission or use royalty-free clips) or channels that feature relaxing sounds like rain or fireplaces. It’s more of a business management approach than a personal creator one, but it’s a valid path for many.
Beyond Ads: Smarter Ways to Earn on YouTube
Relying solely on ad revenue is like trying to build a house with only one pillar. It’s risky! What if ad rates drop? What if one of your videos gets demonetized? That’s why the smartest creators diversify their income. This is where you can get really creative and build a sustainable business around your channel, even with a smaller audience. These methods often give you more control over your income and can be far more lucrative than ads alone. Exploring different ways to make money online is a smart move for any creator.
Affiliate Marketing: Your First Dollar
This is one of the best ways for beginners to start earning. Affiliate marketing is simply recommending products you love and getting a small commission if someone buys through your unique link. Are you a gaming channel? You can link to the headset or keyboard you use. A beauty channel? Link to your favorite mascara. Amazon Associates is the most popular program to start with. The key is to be authentic. Only recommend products you genuinely use and believe in. Your audience trusts you, and breaking that trust for a tiny commission is not worth it. You can put these links in your video descriptions and mention them in your videos.
Selling Merch and Digital Products
Selling your own merchandise isn’t just for massive YouTubers anymore! Platforms like Teespring (now Spring) and Sellfy make it incredibly easy to design and sell custom t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and more with zero upfront cost. You just upload a design, and they handle the printing and shipping. It’s a fantastic way for your audience to support you directly and get something cool in return. Beyond physical merch, think about digital products. If you have a channel teaching guitar, you could sell a simple PDF guide with your top 10 beginner chords. It’s a great way to monetize your expertise. You could even start a blog using a free blogging platform to promote your products.
Sponsorships and Brand Deals
This is when a brand pays you to feature their product or service in one of your videos. It could be a 30-second mention or a fully dedicated video. Don’t think you need millions of subscribers for this. Brands are increasingly interested in working with “micro-influencers” (that could be you!) because they often have a more engaged and trusting audience. A channel with 5,000 loyal subscribers can be more valuable to a niche brand than a channel with 100,000 passive viewers. When you’re ready, you can start reaching out to brands you love or use platforms that connect creators with brands. Check out this guide on 27 genius ways to make money on YouTube for more ideas.
| Method | Requirements | Income Potential | Effort Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ad Revenue (YPP) | 1k Subs, 4k Watch Hours | Low to High (Varies) | High (Content Creation) |
| Affiliate Marketing | None (Just an audience) | Low to Medium | Low |
| Merchandise | Engaged audience | Medium | Medium (Design/Promotion) |
| Sponsorships | Engaged niche audience | Medium to Very High | Medium (Negotiation/Creation) |
Staying Safe and Legal: The Not-So-Boring But Super-Important Stuff
Okay, let’s have a serious chat for a moment. Making money online is awesome, but staying safe is non-negotiable. As a teen, you need to be extra careful. First rule: involve your parents or a trusted adult. They can help you set up accounts like AdSense, understand tax implications (yes, it’s a thing!), and read the fine print on any brand deals. They are your first line of defense. Second, protect your personal information. Don’t share your full name, address, school, or phone number online. Create a separate email address just for your YouTube channel. Third, be aware of scams. If an offer seems too good to be true (like a random brand offering you thousands of dollars for one video when you have 200 subscribers), it probably is. Your safety is worth more than any view count or paycheck.
Your YouTube Launch Checklist: Getting Started Today
Feeling hyped? Ready to go? Here’s a simple checklist to get you started on your quest to how make money with youtube videos. Don’t try to do it all at once. Just pick one thing and do it today.
- Brainstorm Your Niche: Grab a notebook and list 10 things you’re passionate about. Circle the top three you could see yourself making videos about for a whole year.
- Create Your Channel: It’s free and easy. Pick a catchy name and create some simple channel art using a free tool like Canva.
- Plan Your First 3 Videos: Don’t just make one video. Plan a small batch. This shows new viewers (and YouTube’s algorithm) that you’re serious.
- Film and Edit Your First Video: Use your phone. Keep it simple. Focus on good lighting and clear audio.
- Hit Publish: This is the scariest and most exciting part. Don’t overthink it. Just get it out there. Your first video won’t be perfect, and that’s okay.
- Share it: Tell your friends. Share it on your other social media accounts. Be proud of what you made!
This journey is a marathon of learning and creating. The first step in learning how to get started on YouTube is just pressing record. You’ve got this. The world of online creation is vast, and there’s a space for you in it. The most important thing is to start, learn as you go, and never stop being your authentic, amazing self.
Last updated: June 2025
Conclusion
So there you have it – the real, no-fluff guide on how make money with youtube videos as a teen. It’s not about finding a magic button to get rich quick. It’s about finding your passion, creating content you love, building a community, and then intelligently using the tools available to you, from the YouTube Partner Program to affiliate marketing and beyond. The journey requires patience, creativity, and a lot of hard work, but the payoff—both in potential earnings and in the skills you learn—is HUGE. Remember to start small, stay consistent, and most importantly, be yourself.
What are you waiting for? Your audience is out there. Go find them. Got an idea for your first YouTube video? Drop it in the comments below! And if you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend on TikTok or Instagram who needs to see it.
For more updates on new platforms and changes in online earning, be sure to check back with us here at zana.website!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many views do you need on YouTube to make money?
You don’t get paid per view directly. To start earning from ads through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), you need to meet requirements: 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time. Once you’re in the YPP, your earnings per 1,000 views (RPM) can vary from a few cents to over $20, depending on your audience, topic, and the advertisers.
2. How much does YouTube pay per 1000 views?
This varies wildly! The amount YouTube pays per 1,000 views is called RPM (Revenue Per Mille). An average RPM can be anywhere from $1 to $8 for many channels. However, channels in high-demand niches like personal finance or technology can have RPMs of $20 or more, while entertainment or gaming channels might be on the lower end. It all depends on your specific audience and content.
3. How many views do you need on YouTube to make $1000 a month?
Let’s do some quick math. If your channel’s RPM (revenue per 1,000 views) is, say, $5, you would need 200,000 views per month to earn $1,000. If your RPM is higher, like $10, you would only need 100,000 views. If it’s lower, at $2, you would need 500,000 views. It all comes back to your channel’s specific RPM, which depends on your niche.
4. How many views on YouTube do you need to make $2000 a month?
Using the same logic, this depends entirely on your RPM. With an average RPM of $5, you would need to get 400,000 views in a month to make $2,000. For a channel with a higher RPM of $10, that number drops to 200,000 views. The key is to create quality content that attracts a valuable audience to increase your RPM, which means you need fewer views to reach your income goals.
