Okay, let’s get real for a second. You scroll through YouTube, see your favorite creators living their best lives, and a little voice in your head whispers, “I could do that.” Guess what? That voice is RIGHT. The whole idea of how you make money with YouTube isn’t some far-off dream reserved for people with fancy cameras and Hollywood-level editing skills. It’s happening right now, for people just like you. I was shocked myself when I saw teens pulling in serious cash from their bedrooms, just by sharing stuff they love. This isn’t about “secret hacks” or getting rich overnight. It’s about a real, practical journey. We’re going to break down everything—and I mean *everything*—from getting your first few subscribers to understanding how that translates into actual money in your bank account (with your parents’ permission, of course!). We’ll cover the official YouTube Partner Program, making bank with Shorts, getting paid *without* even showing your face, and the creative hustles that most people overlook. So grab a snack, get comfy, and let’s talk about how you can turn your passion into a paycheck. (Can you believe it?)
How to make money on YouTube for beginners
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge. LET’S GO! But where do you even start? It feels like everyone online is already a pro. Don’t sweat it. The first step in figuring out how you make money with YouTube is not about buying a $2,000 camera. It’s about finding your *thing*. What could you talk about for hours? Is it Minecraft speedruns? Thrifting hauls? Recreating TikTok recipes? That’s your niche. Think about it—the more specific, the better. Instead of a “gaming channel,” what about a “cozy Nintendo Switch games” channel? See the difference? That’s how you find your people. Your first 100 subscribers will be the hardest to get, but they’ll also be your most loyal fans.
Now, allow’s communicate tools. Seriously, your cellphone might be all you want to begin. Modern smartphones have extraordinary cameras. Grab a reasonably-priced ring mild or just face a window for top lighting, and you’re golden. The most critical factor is consistency. You don’t should put up each day, but creating a agenda—say, one new video every Saturday—tells YouTube and your viewers that you’re serious. Start small, live steady, and engage with every single remark. It’s about building a community, not just a view count. If you’re looking for a bigger picture on getting started, check out this ultimate guide for teens. The journey begins with one upload!
Finding Your Vibe (aka Your Niche)
Before you hit file, ask your self: What makes you, you? The maximum successful channels sense true. You don’t need to be the loudest or funniest individual within the room. Some of the most important creators are relax, informative, or just definitely appropriate at one specific thing. Brainstorm a listing of as a minimum 10 things you’re obsessed with. It could be whatever from skateboarding to studying tips for the SATs. Your niche is wherein your passion meets what human beings are trying to find. Use the quest bar on YouTube and see what pops up. If you kind “how to fashion thrifted jeans” and spot a ton of movies with millions of perspectives, it is a terrific signal! It method humans are involved. Your process is to add your personal precise spin to it.
Your Starter Pack: Gear and Software
You don’t need a pro setup, for real. Here’s a super simple starter pack:
- Camera: Your smartphone. Seriously.
- Microphone: The one on your earbuds works fine at the start. If you have $20 to spare, a simple lapel mic that clips to your shirt can make your audio sound way crisper.
- Lighting: A window is your best friend. Natural light is free and looks amazing. If you film at night, a simple ring light can make a huge difference.
- Editing Software: There are so many amazing and *free* options. CapCut is a favorite for its trend-friendly features and ease of use on both phone and desktop. DaVinci Resolve has a free version that’s insanely powerful—like, what the pros use. Don’t get overwhelmed; just learn the basics: cutting clips, adding text, and putting in some background music.
YouTube Partner Program
Alright, let’s talk about the big one: the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). This is the official way how you make money with YouTube directly through ads. Think of it like getting access to the VIP lounge. Once you’re in, YouTube can place ads on your videos (those skippable ones and the little banners), and you get a cut of the money. To get the keys to this kingdom, you need to meet a few requirements. As of early 2025, you need to have at least **1,000 subscribers** and **4,000 hours of public watch time** in the last 12 months. Or, for Shorts, you need **10 million valid public Shorts views** in the last 90 days. It sounds like a lot—and it is a grind, not gonna lie—but it’s 100% achievable.
Once you hit those numbers, you can apply. YouTube will review your channel to make sure you’re following all their rules (the Community Guidelines and AdSense policies—more on that later). The review process usually takes about a month. When you’re approved, you can turn on monetization for your videos and start earning! It’s that moment when you see the first few cents appear in your YouTube Studio dashboard that it all becomes real. It’s like, “Whoa, this is actually working!” For the most official and up-to-date rules, you can always check the official YouTube help page. This is the foundation for most creators’ income.
How much money do you make on youtube with 1,000 subscribers
This is the golden question, isn’t it? The straight-up answer is: with 1,000 subscribers alone, you usually make… **$0**. I know, I know, that’s a total buzzkill, but wait a moment! The number of subscribers is a requirement to *get into* the YouTube Partner Program, but it isn’t what you get paid for. You get paid for views on your ads, not for your subscriber count. Think of subscribers as your loyal community who will actually watch your videos (and the ads on them). So, while you don’t earn directly from hitting 1k, it’s the most important first step to unlocking monetization.
Once you’re in the YPP and ads are running, your earnings can begin. But how much money do you make on YouTube with 1,000 subscribers and, let’s say, your first few monetized videos? It varies WILDLY. The key metric is called RPM, or Revenue Per Mille (which means 1,000 views). Your RPM depends on your niche (finance and tech channels earn way more per view than comedy sketches), the time of year (ad rates are higher around holidays), and where your audience is from (advertisers pay more for viewers in countries like the US). For a small channel, you might see an RPM of anywhere from $1 to $5. So, for 1,000 views, you could make between $1 and $5. It’s not quit-your-day-job money yet, but it’s proof of concept. It’s the start of your business!
How to earn money from YouTube Shorts
If long, edited videos feel like too much work, you are going to love YouTube Shorts. This is YouTube’s answer to TikTok, and it’s a massive opportunity for new creators. The best part? You can start earning from Shorts even before you hit the 4,000 watch hours requirement for long-form videos. The main way how you make money with YouTube Shorts is through the Shorts ad revenue sharing model. As of 2023, if you’re in the YPP, YouTube pools all the ad revenue from Shorts and pays out a portion to creators based on their share of total Shorts views. So, the more views you get, the bigger your slice of the pie.
You don’t need a million views on a single Short to earn, either. Consistency is key. Posting one or two engaging Shorts every day can add up to millions of views per month across your channel. What works on Shorts? Quick tutorials, funny skits, satisfying content (like ASMR or restoration videos), and trending challenges. The algorithm can pick up a new channel and make a video go viral overnight. I saw a story about a creator who gained 100,000 subscribers in a month just from posting Shorts about their pet lizard. It’s a wild and fast-paced world, but if your content is snappy and re-watchable, you have a solid shot at earning. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door and build an audience fast.
How to make money on YouTube without making videos
Okay, this sounds like a cheat code, but it’s real! There are ways how you make money on YouTube without making videos where you’re the star. Think about all those channels that show relaxing rain sounds, compilations of funny animal clips, or motivational quotes over stock footage. These are often called “faceless” or “cash cow” channels. The strategy here is to create content using existing material, but—and this is a HUGE but—you have to do it legally and ethically. You can’t just rip off other people’s videos. That’s a one-way ticket to getting your channel deleted.
The key is using royalty-free or Creative Commons footage. Websites like Pexels and Pixabay offer free stock videos and images. For video game compilations, you need to check the game developer’s policy; many are fine with it as long as you add your own commentary or editing to make it transformative. The work here isn’t in filming but in research, editing, and creating a compelling package. It takes time to find the right clips, write a script (even for a voiceover), and edit it all together. This method is less about personality and more about production and understanding what people want to see. It’s a different skill set, but for introverts or those who prefer being behind the scenes, it’s a golden opportunity. This approach is one of many ways to make money online from home.
Beyond the Ads: Creative Ways You Make Money With YouTube
Ad revenue from the YPP is awesome, but it’s just the beginning. The real pros know that the smartest way to increase your YouTube income is to diversify. Don’t put all your eggs in the AdSense basket! Once you have an audience that trusts you, even a small one, you have unlocked some serious earning potential. This is where you move from being just a YouTuber to being a creator-entrepreneur. It’s about building your own brand. Let’s explore some of the most effective strategies that don’t depend on ad payouts.
Affiliate Marketing: Your First Big Win
This is one of the easiest and most popular ways for beginners to start earning. Here’s how it works: you recommend a product or service you genuinely love, and you drop a special link (your affiliate link) in your video description. When someone clicks that link and makes a purchase, you get a small commission. It costs your viewer nothing extra. The key is *authenticity*. Don’t just promote random stuff. If you have a gaming channel, become an affiliate for the headset you use or the chair you sit in. If you have a beauty channel, link to your favorite mascara. Amazon Associates is the most popular program to start with because they sell, well, everything. It’s a perfect fit if you’re exploring how to make money on YouTube beyond just views.
Selling Your Own Merch
Selling merchandise isn’t just for YouTubers with millions of subscribers anymore! Platforms like Teespring (now Spring) and Printful make it SO easy. They are “print-on-demand,” which means you don’t have to buy a hundred t-shirts upfront. You just upload a design (it could be a catchphrase, an inside joke with your audience, or a cool logo), and when someone orders it, the company prints it and ships it for you. You just collect the profit. Think about it—your fans get to support you and get a cool piece of merch. It’s a win-win. Your first merch item could be a simple sticker or a mug. It makes your channel feel more like a real community.
Brand Deals and Sponsorships
This is where the big money can be. A brand deal is when a company pays you to feature their product in your video. And no, you don’t need a massive channel to get one! Brands are increasingly interested in working with “micro-influencers” (that’s channels with 1,000 to 10,000 subscribers) because their audiences are often super engaged. You could get paid a few hundred dollars for a 60-second shoutout. The best way to get deals is to be proactive. Put a business email in your channel’s “About” section. Reach out to brands you love and pitch them a video idea. Be professional and show them the value you can provide. A small, dedicated audience is often more valuable than a huge, passive one.
Here’s a quick comparison of these methods:
| Monetization Method | Skill Level | Time Commitment | Potential Income (for a small channel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AdSense (YPP) | Low | Medium (to meet requirements) | Low ($) |
| Affiliate Marketing | Low | Low | Low to Medium ($$) |
| Merch (Print-on-Demand) | Medium (Design) | Low | Low to Medium ($$) |
| Brand Deals | Medium (Pitching) | Medium | Medium to High ($$$) |
Staying Safe and Legal: The Not-So-Fun But SUPER Important Stuff
Okay, let’s have a serious talk for a minute. When you start making money online, you’re stepping into the adult world, even if you’re still a teen. And that world has rules. Knowing them will protect you, your channel, and your cash. It’s not the most glamorous part of the YouTube journey, but ignoring it can get you in BIG trouble. First things first: always, always, *always* talk to your parents or a trusted adult about what you’re doing. They need to be in the loop, especially when it comes to money and personal information.
You also have to be smart about your privacy. Don’t share sensitive information like your home address, your school, or your phone number. The internet is forever. On the legal side, you need to understand copyright. You can’t use music, movie clips, or other people’s video content without permission. Use YouTube’s Audio Library for free music. Finally, taxes. Ugh, I know. But if you start earning money, it technically needs to be reported. This is where your parents are essential. They can help you understand the rules. For a teen, it’s usually as simple as them including your earnings on their tax return, but they have to know about it! This isn’t just about how you make money with YouTube; it’s about being a responsible creator.
Building Your Empire: Tools and Tips for Growth
Getting your channel off the ground is one thing; keeping it growing is another. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. The key to long-term success is to treat your YouTube channel like a fun business. That means paying attention to what’s working and always looking for ways to improve. One of the best tools you have is your own YouTube Studio analytics. It tells you which videos people love, how long they watch, and where they come from. It’s like a report card for your channel. Spend time there. If you see one of your videos getting a lot of views from search, make more videos on that topic!
Another pro-tip is to master the art of thumbnails and titles. They are your video’s billboard. A great thumbnail makes people click; a boring one gets ignored, even if the video is amazing. Use bright colors, clear text, and an expressive face (if you’re in the video). Your title should be intriguing and include keywords people are searching for. And finally, build a community. Reply to comments. Ask questions in your videos. Go live and chat with your subscribers. The more you connect with your audience, the more they’ll support you on your journey. This is a core part of building a sustainable channel, and you can learn more about how YouTube monetization is calculated.
Last Updated: June 2025
Conclusion
Whew, we covered a LOT. But now you know that figuring out how you make money with YouTube is a totally real and achievable goal for a teen like you. It all starts with finding your passion, being consistent, and not being afraid to put yourself out there. From the slow and steady grind to get into the YouTube Partner Program to the creative hustles like affiliate marketing and selling your own merch, there are so many paths to earning your first dollar online. Remember, it’s not about getting famous overnight; it’s about building a community around something you love. Be authentic, be safe, and have FUN with it.
So what’s your next step? Are you going to brainstorm some video ideas? Maybe sketch out a design for your first t-shirt? Drop a comment below and tell me what kind of channel you’re dreaming of starting! And if you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend on TikTok or Instagram—let’s get more teens earning!
P.S. The world of online earning is always changing! Be sure to check back on our site for the latest updates on platforms, rules, and new ways to make money.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many views do you need to make money on YouTube?
You don’t get paid per view directly. Instead, you need to be accepted into the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). The requirements are 4,000 public watch hours on your long-form videos within 12 months or 10 million valid public Shorts views in 90 days, plus 1,000 subscribers. Once you’re in the YPP, you start earning from the ads shown on your videos, so that’s when the views start translating into money.
2. How much money does 1,000 views on YouTube make?
The amount of money you make for 1,000 views, known as RPM (Revenue Per Mille), varies greatly. It can be anywhere from less than $1 to over $10, depending on your video’s topic, the advertisers, and your audience’s location. For example, a video about personal finance will typically earn much more per 1,000 views than a gaming highlights video. For a new channel, a realistic estimate is often between $1 and $3.
3. How much does 1 million views on YouTube pay?
Using the same RPM logic, 1 million views can pay anywhere from $1,000 to over $10,000. For many creators, the average is around $2,000 to $5,000. It’s a huge range because factors like your niche, audience demographics, and the number of ads you run in your video all play a massive role. A viral video with 1 million views can be a fantastic payday, but consistent viewership is the key to a steady income.
4. How do YouTubers get paid?
YouTubers get paid primarily through the Google AdSense account linked to their channel. Once you earn money from ads, affiliate sales, or other features, it accumulates in your AdSense account. After you verify your identity and address, and your earnings reach the payment threshold (which is $100 in the US), Google will send the money to your bank account each month. It’s a very official and automated process once you have it all set up.
