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How to Make Money on YouTube

Have you ever wondered how top YouTube earners make tons of money every year? YouTube legends Mr. Beast, Jake Paul, and Nastya earn between $20 to $80 million annually. That’s because their earnings come from not one but multiple income streams.

In 2025, there’s more than one way to earn money on YouTube. Earlier, most YouTubers made a share of their revenue from YouTube ads and partner programs. While they are still an integral part of getting paid on YouTube, they’re not the only ones.

Want to know how to make money on YouTube? We’ll show you the best and most effective ways to start earning on YouTube in 2025.

First Up: Sign Up for the YouTube Partner Program

The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is your gateway to getting paid on YouTube. It opens up creators to several money-making possibilities—whether you want to make money from addictive YouTube Shorts or informative, long-form videos.

In the past three years alone, YouTube has paid its creators over $70 billion in revenue. You, too, can be one of them. Once you sign up for this program, there are a ton of revenue options to explore, such as:

Apart from the above revenue streams, you can access several creator tools. We’re talking about YouTube’s creator support and Copyright Match tool, which lets you identify copied videos from your channel. This ensures that only you—and no one else—can make money from your content.

How Do I Join the YouTube Partner Program?

Is joining YPP as easy as they say? Well, yes, so long as you meet the eligibility criteria. First up, get ready for some number crunching and see if your channel hits these milestones:

You must also live in an eligible region to qualify for the program.

Does your channel tick all the boxes? Great. Head over to YouTube Studio to apply for the program. This is also where you’ll see all your earnings at a glance. Once you apply, YouTube tells you whether they’ve accepted you into the program within a month.

In the meantime, check if you qualify for YouTube’s other monetization features. Yes, you got that right. Even without hitting the above milestones, you may be able to start earning on YouTube. Its channel memberships, chat, and shopping features are all open, even if you have 500 subscribers.

Additionally, you must have uploaded at least three pieces of content in the last 90 days. You must also have 3,000 watch hours in the last 12 months (or 3 million views on Shorts in the past 90 days). Here’s a table that breaks down all the elements of the YPP:

Still short on watch hours? Consider a practical solution to buy YouTube watch hours and quickly qualify for monetization.

Monetization PathSubscriber EligibilityWatch Hour EligibilityShorts Views EligibilityOther Qualifications
YouTube Partner Program (YPP)At least 1,0004,000 hours in the last 12 months, OR ->10 million views in the last 90 daysMust live in an eligible region/country
Alternate Monetization FeaturesAt least 5003,000 hours in the last 12 months OR ->3 million in the last 90 daysMust live in an eligible region/countryMinimum three uploads in the past 90 days

Start Airing Ads on Your YouTube Videos

So, you’ve been welcomed into YouTube’s Partner Program—excellent! Now, you can start collecting revenue from your channel’s ads. To do this, you need to create a Google AdSense account from within YouTube Studio. Next, link your account to your YouTube channel and wait for AdSense to approve your application.

Once approved, you can turn on ads on YouTube and start running them. For example, when you make a long-form video, YouTube will display a mix of ads to your viewers. While you can’t control the ads you display, you can decide where to place them—at least for videos eight minutes or longer.

The more content you post, the more ads YouTube will display—maximizing your revenue greatly. Some videos may not generate as much revenue as others, but don’t worry. This is your chance to experiment and see what works best with your audience. You can see your share of earnings in your YouTube Studio under the Revenue tab.

If you’re struggling to meet YouTube’s Partner Program criteria quickly, a proven strategy is to buy YouTube views—kickstarting your channel’s growth and increasing your potential earnings faster

Collaborate With Brands and Earn Money From Sponsored Videos

In 2022, tech channel Unbox Therapy became the leading collab creator in the U.S. and Canada with 45 brand collabs. So, if you thought brand collaborations were only for TikTokers and Instagram influencers, that’s not true.

A study shows that brands that collaborate with YouTube creators are 4X better at increasing brand familiarity than celeb collabs. And mind you, they pay big—especially when they realize your channel has a growing, niche audience worth tapping into. If you’re a fledgling channel, you may need to pitch brands to gain sponsorships. But once you gain enough traction, brands will come knocking!

As such, companies will sponsor your videos while you promote their products. Or, they may offer barter deals. For example, if you’re a tech channel, you may receive the latest gadget from a brand in exchange for a shoutout in one of your videos. The bottom line is that brand deals can get you anything from per-sale commissions to free products and hefty payouts. Of course, you must notify your audience about brand sponsorships by checking a box in your video caption.

Collaborate with brands

Pitching a Brand for Collaboration

Now is the time to be bold and get that brand sponsorship! If you’re interested in working with a brand, get in touch with their marketing team. Send them a personalized pitch with the following details:

Be ready for a few initial rejections, but don’t take them to heart. Keep working on your content and send those pitches as your audience grows. Remember, the worst they can say is no.

Earn Commissions Via Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a great way to earn passive income from your channel. If you follow MKBHD on YouTube, you know what we’re talking about. The prominent tech reviewer earns millions yearly, with a substantial portion of his earnings coming from affiliate tech links. The best part is that affiliate marketing benefits all involved—you, your audience, and the brand you’re recommending!

This is how it works—you recommend a product or service you’ve tried or know about. If it interests your viewers, they can buy the product through your affiliate link. As a result, you earn a commission from the sale. All you need to do is sign up for the brand’s affiliate program.

Once you’re accepted, you get a special affiliate link for each product. It’s up to you how you want to promote these products in your video—but include the affiliate link in its caption so your viewers can buy from it.

Here are some things to note about YouTube affiliate marketing:

Earn Commissions Via Affiliate Marketing

Make Money From Loyal Followers: Channel Subscriptions and Memberships

Your audience follows you for your unique content, but guess what? Some followers may be willing to pay a premium to access more exclusive content. That’s why a membership model is a great opportunity to grow your fan base and make more money while at it.

Fans of your channel can sign up for a monthly subscription—as one does with Netflix. In return, you can offer them a range of members-only perks, including:

This is an indicative list, but you can do much more to build a relationship with your paid subscribers. The great thing is that such subscriptions help you generate a fixed monthly income.

How to Get Paid Subscribers or Memberships

Some YouTubers use third-party platforms like Patreon to garner subscriptions. However, YouTube also has an internal channel subscription model for those parts of its partner program. It also offers fan funding features that can get you tips and bonuses.

For example, when streaming live, your viewers can send you money through Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks. In return, YouTube highlights these viewers’ comments in the chat box.

Besides Patreon and YouTube, you can get tips or donations from your fans through funding platforms such as:

A golden rule of fan funding: don’t ask, don’t get. So, don’t shy away from marketing yourself and explicitly asking for donations from viewers who want to support your content.

Promote and Sell Cool Merchandise

Swedish YouTuber PewDiePie makes a lion’s share of his income from selling branded merch. You’re probably thinking: Of course, people buy his merch; he’s a literal legend. Who’s going to buy mine? Well, lots of people, especially your followers.

You can sell merch even if you have a small yet engaged community of followers. Just find a product that resonates with your followers and market it in your videos every chance you get. For instance, if you have a yoga channel, you could promote merch such as:

If selling physical products is not feasible, you can easily sell downloadable merch or services such as:

The sky’s the limit as long as you have the drive to sell.

But before you open up your channel to merch goods, here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Lesser-Known Ways to Earn Money From Your YouTube Channel

Being a YouTuber is now a legit profession—and a lucrative one at that. If you’re seeking more ways to earn money off your YouTube channel, we’ve got you.

License Your YouTube Content

It’s not just followers and regular viewers looking for viral YouTube content these days. News channels, online outlets, and even other creators may want to showcase your content, especially if it’s trending. And guess what? If they want to use it, they must legally license it from you in exchange for money.

Stay a step ahead and enlist your videos in licensing marketplaces like these:

Crowdfund Your YouTube Projects

Want to make your next viral video but don’t have the capital to fuel it? Crowdfund it! Many YouTubers crowdfund their creative projects, whether to cover production costs or start a YouTube series.

Of course, you must first have a concrete project in mind before you ask your audience to pitch in. Next, explain what you’re building and how you plan to go about it. You’d be surprised at how many viewers show interest and contribute to making it happen. Popular crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo allow you to set up funding options easily.

How Much Money Can I Make From My YouTube Channel?

It’s hard to put a number on YouTube revenue, as the figure varies widely. But some experts estimate that there’s a chance to earn anywhere between $30 to $300 monthly from AdSense.

The real deal? Making money on YouTube boils down to a combination of factors, from engagement to niche—and sheer luck. You may have heard stories of overnight success, but these are rare. One thing is non-negotiable, though—you need to put in the work, make smart moves, and stay consistent. While you may not be able to control your earnings directly, you can influence them. Here’s how.

Tips on How to Make Money on YouTube

Increase Your Chances of Earning on YouTube Today!

There’s no better time to start earning on YouTube. The platform rewards nascent creators with high payouts so long as they bring the views and audience. Thanks to YouTube’s versatile payment structure, you can also earn from multiple income streams. The earlier you launch your channel, the sooner you’ll start building a community that rewards your efforts. Become an independent creator and start making money from YouTube today!

FAQs

All FAQs General Support Payment Others
What is the number of views I need to get paid on YouTube?

If you want to earn from long-form videos on YouTube, you need at least 4,000 public watch hours in the last 12 months. To earn through Shorts, you need at least 10 million views in the last 90 days.

What are the basic requirements to start making money on YouTube?

You must be eligible for its partner program to start making money on YouTube. The program mandates you have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 public watch hours for long-form videos in the last 12 months. For Shorts, you need 10 million views in the last 90 days.

How do I know that my channel is eligible for YouTube earnings?

When you’re eligible for YouTube earnings, you can display ads on your channel and earn from them. You can track your ad revenue on YouTube Studio.

What is the easiest way to earn money on YouTube?

Ad revenue is one of the easiest and most popular ways to earn on YouTube. Once you’re eligible, you can display ads on your videos. The more viewers watch your videos (and the ads), the more money you earn.

How much do beginners make on YouTube?

Beginner YouTubers who meet the basic requirements of YouTube’s Partner Program can earn at least $50 per month. This amount may be higher depending on your channel’s view count. For example, beginner YouTubers with more views and watch hours can earn up to $300.

Have More Question?

What do Kai Cenat, SpiuK, and Caedrel have in common? If you hang out on Twitch regularly, you’re probably aware they’ve received over 2 million views on their Twitch streams. These creators have also made a name for themselves in the live streaming space with their gaming content.

Why are we telling you this? Because we believe you, too, have the potential to join the ranks of these Twitch creators. We can show you how.

Most Twitch streamers go in blind, get overwhelmed, and give up too soon. But with our helpful guide for beginners, you’ll know how to start a Twitch stream successfully in no time—even if you’ve never done it before.

You’ll learn everything, including how to:

Get Started: Setting Up a Twitch Account

Did you know you can start a live Twitch stream using your PC/Mac, mobile phone, Xbox, or PlayStation? No matter what device you use, you must first create an account on Twitch to start streaming.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Head to Twitch.tv and click the “Sign Up” button in the upper right corner. Sign up for a free account using your email address. Pick a username and create a strong password. It doesn’t have to be fancy, although it helps if your username is catchy. To finish setting up your profile, add a profile picture and a snappy channel description.

Step 2: Twitch asks you to enable two-factor authentication to protect your account from hackers and shady logins. To do this, go to Settings>Security and Privacy and set up your 2FA with your phone number. This means you’ll get a code to verify your identity whenever you log onto Twitch.

Step 3: Quickly verify your email, and you’re all set!

Get Your Equipment Ready

Unlike Instagram and YouTube, where you can create content with basic equipment, streaming on Twitch requires some effort.

These are the equipment and accessories you need to start streaming on Twitch:

Gaming PC

You want a workhorse PC to support your gaming needs. Gaming and streaming will put a significant strain on your PC, so ensure it has the following features:

This is pretty basic as gaming PCs go, so you don’t have to go overboard trying to get the latest computer. Just find one that can handle your gaming and streaming activities.

For a basic budget setup, Twitch recommends the ASUS TUF gaming laptop, 15.6” for $999. If you can afford a slightly upgraded version, opt for the ASUS ROG Strix Scar II gaming laptop, 15.6”, starting at $1,999.

If you prefer Mac laptops, the MacBook Pro 13” 8th Gen i5 with 128GB Storage is an excellent option for gaming and streaming. It costs a cool $1,299.

Optional: Some streamers prefer a dual-computer setup as it helps them stream more efficiently. One works as a streaming computer, while the other hosts the gaming content you want to stream. While starting out, you can stick to the basics and invest in a more sophisticated setup later.

Get Your Streaming Equipment Ready

Stable Internet Line

This one’s a no-brainer, yet important. Your internet connection should be able to handle your gaming and streaming load. You don’t want a spotty internet connection disrupting you mid-stream, do you? Abrupt freezes, video glitches, and poor viewing quality can turn off even the most engaged audience.

Before streaming, check that your current internet plan is up to the task. If you have a fiber internet service available in your area, consider signing up for one.

Pro tip: Opt fora faster upload speed than download speed when choosing an internet provider.

Streaming Software

Most Twitch beginners don’t know they need to install special software on their PC to stream on Twitch. The purpose of streaming software is simple. It helps you broadcast your audio and video over the internet in real time.

There’s a variety of options available, but you can choose one based on these aspects:

Twitch recommends streaming software that its popular broadcasters typically use. These include:

Streaming SoftwareCompatible OSPricing
OBSWindows, Mac, UbuntuFree
StreamlabsWindows, MacFree
LightstreamWindows, MacFree and Paid
XSplitWindowsFree and Paid

OBS is a crowd favorite and a solid choice for beginners. Here’s why:

Webcam/Camera

Since video is a major part of Twitch streaming, you need to use a professional-grade camera that can capture you clearly. You can use your computer’s built-in camera or get a moderately priced USB camera. USB cameras are easy to use. Just plug one into your computer for improved video quality. When you grow your channel, you can upgrade to a DSLR camera for professional-level video quality.

Here are some budget to mid-range webcams under $100 to consider for your streaming needs:

Microphone and Headphones

Microphone and Headphones

Your audio commentary can make or break your Twitch channel. Use a good-quality microphone to ensure your audience hears you and is hooked onto your every word. Regular Twitchers use these options:

Consider these budget-friendly options:

Similarly, headphones are a must-have accessory in your Twitch streaming toolkit. They give you direct feedback on your audio quality during gameplay. You can also better adjust and monitor stream alerts and game audio while wearing headphones. The result? Better streaming experience for everyone. Here are a few budget options:

Optional Gear

How to Stream on Twitch From Various Devices

Now that you’re all set, let’s move on to streaming. We show you how to stream on Twitch from any device.

How to Start a Twitch Stream From Your Mobile

The best part about streaming from your mobile? You don’t need streaming software like you would for PC-based streaming. Just download the official Twitch app from Google Play or Apple and go live directly. Here’s how to go about it:

  1. Log into your Twitch account.
  2. Tap on your account’s profile photo and click the “Go Live” option.
  3. You’ll see two options: Stream Games or Stream IRL.
  4. Choosing “Stream IRL” activates your phone’s camera and lets you start live streaming instantly.
  5. If you choose “Stream Games,” you’ll first need to choose from a list of games you want to stream.
  6. After choosing a game, review and set your preferences for gameplay. Adjust settings for audio, mic, and gameplay volume.
  7. Before broadcasting live, you’ll receive an alert from the app. It explains that Twitch screencasts your device for the live stream and also broadcasts any alerts on your phone. You can activate the DND feature on your phone to avoid this (unless you want the world to know who swiped right on your dating app).
  8. That’s it; just tap “Start Broadcast” to begin your first Twitch livestream.

More Mobile Twitch Streaming Tips for Beginners

When streaming via mobile, use a Wi-Fi connection or a stable 4G/5G connection to avoid annoying lags. Remember that live-streaming can quickly drain your battery. So, check that your phone has enough juice to last you through the stream.

If you want to play around with custom settings, consider using third-party apps. Apps such as Streamlabs Mobile and Prism Live Studio offer options for customization, chat functions, and simultaneous (screen and camera) streaming.

How to Start a Twitch Stream on Your PC or Mac

Download any free streaming software and install it on your computer. Here’s how to stream live from your PC via a streaming software:

  1. If you’re using OBS software, go to Settings>Stream and select Twitch.
  2. Toggle to your Twitch settings, where you’ll receive a “stream key.” Paste this key to OBS.
  3. Sync your mic and webcam to OBS
  4. Click on “Start Streaming” on OBS and go live! Start with a short intro stream to ensure everything works as planned.

How to Start a Twitch Stream From Xbox and PlayStation

If you have an Xbox or a PlayStation, you can stream on Twitch from there! Just follow these easy steps:

For Xbox

  1. Open the Xbox Twitch app and log into your account.
  2. Get the six-digit security code from your Twitch dashboard and enter it when prompted.
  3. Click on “Broadcast” and give your stream a title.
  4. Press A on your Xbox controller to select the “Start Streaming” button. Open a game of your choice and begin streaming.

For PlayStation

  1. Open the Twitch app on your PS and log in with the six-digit security code from your Twitch dashboard.
  2. Start the game you want to play and stream.
  3. Next, choose the “Share” option with your PS controller.
  4. Click on “Broadcast Gameplay” and choose Twitch.
  5. Name your live stream and begin broadcasting.

How to Make the Most of Your Twitch Stream

Worried about technical difficulties interrupting your Twitch stream? Here’s how to pull out all the stops and keep this from happening:

Struggling to gain traction? Consider a simple way to boost your Twitch followers and build a thriving community faster.

How to Make the Most of Your Twitch Stream

Common Twitch Streaming Mistakes to Avoid As a Beginner—And What To Do Instead

Keep Talking: Let’s be honest—it’s possible that your chat will be slow during your first few streams. Most beginner streamers take this as instant rejection and go silent. That’s a huge mistake. Even if there are only a few viewers, talk to them, ask questions, and narrate your gameplay. Keep the conversation flowing, and soon, more people will join in.

Check Your Audio: Many Twitch beginners focus too much on video quality while overlooking something that matters just as much: audio. Do your mic checks and monitor your audio levels before you go live. If you are in a noisy apartment or get echo feedback, fix it with noise reduction software.

Schedule Your Streams: As a beginner, one thing matters above all else while trying to gain engagement—consistency. Some early creators stream five times in one week, only to skip streaming entirely the next. Streaming without a definite schedule will only bring you inconsistent results. Create a realistic streaming schedule and stick to it to build traction.

Be Uniquely You: Look, we get it—starting a debut stream can feel like taking a shot in the dark. Maybe you haven’t found your style yet. Maybe you don’t know the direction your stream will take. That’s okay. Instead of emulating your favorite Twitch streamer, be yourself. Keep it authentic—your streams will be better for it.

Don’t Forget the Stream Title: In their eagerness to start a new stream, beginners almost always forget to add a stream title. This only pushes your stream further down Twitch’s algorithm. Always add a catchy or curiosity-evoking stream title and choose the correct category or game before you go live. A descriptive stream title doesn’t just help Twitch users find your stream but also influences their decision to watch it.

Having trouble getting noticed? You can increase your Twitch viewers quickly, making your streams more visible and engaging from day one.

Make Your Debut on Twitch Today!

Make Your Debut on Twitch Today!

Many budding creators waste a lot of time overthinking their debut stream due to low confidence. In reality, streaming on Twitch is really easy once you have your basic setup ready.

So, stop wondering and start streaming! While it may seem overwhelming at first, you’ll realize how fun and rewarding it is once you begin. Start streaming today to expand and grow your Twitch audience quickly!

FAQs: Twitch Streaming As a Beginner

All FAQs General Support Payment Others
How do you stream on Twitch as a beginner?

Decide whether you want to start streaming from your PC, mobile, or gaming station. Download the Twitch app and streaming software if necessary. Create an account, set your audio and video preferences, and start streaming the same day!

How much can a beginner Twitch streamer earn?

Beginner Twitch streamers with around 10 average viewers per stream can earn between $25 to $50.

How much does it cost to begin streaming on Twitch?

Streaming on Twitch is totally free. However, some beginner streamers invest money in technical setup and software.

How long should a beginner Twitch streamer stream for?

There is no golden duration for streaming. However, a consistent streaming schedule is more likely to grab attention and increase engagement. As a beginner, plan to stream for at least two to four hours per week.

Is it legal to play copyrighted music on Twitch?

Twitch has strong community guidelines that restrict the use of music that streamers don’t own during live streaming.

Have More Question?

Recently there have been a new streaming platform launched named Kick. 

Kick has equired a lot of Twitch streamers like (Adin Ross, Trainwrecks)

Their strategi has been very simple. Kick gives streamers equity stake in their company.

Some will say this is a game changer for streamers. When Michael Jordan was bought over to Nike in 1984 he also got equity stake in Nike. That opened the flod gates for other athletes to ask for equity in the future. And this may also happen for the future streamers if Twitch does not give streamers better contracts. As of 2023 Twitch has a 50/50 deal with streams that are partnered with Twitch. This means that when a streamer gets a new subscriber of 5,99USD twitch takes 50% of that. And there is a lot of big streamers who thinks this is a very bad deal. A hard working streamers streams 5 days a week for 8 hours, and for a company (Twitch) to take 50% of their paycheck is a hard pill to swallow for many streamers.

Twitch is still known as the best streaming platform for streamers, and is also the biggest shark in the streaming ocean as of today. 

All the equity owners off Kick gives streamers big contracts and equity stake to big streams they manage to convince to move over to Kick as a primary streaming platform for the streamer. This is tempting to many streamers because the TOS on Kick is very light compared to on Twitch. As of 2023 there are almost no rules to streaming on Kick compared to Twitch. This has also caused some trouble for Kick because of streaming streaming PPV events on their stream.

Conclusion 

Kick is a rising competitor but has a long way to go to make a big rift in the streaming world. As of now the streams seems to be happy with the streaming service, its also a lot easier to grow on twitch because of the amount of people using the site on the daily (140 million monthly users) and its only growing for year to year. This is why we on Streamerplus help streamers push their stream to the next level we offer live viewers, followers, and AI chatbot for your streams. We are the only service that have Ad friendly viewers. This means that with our services you can earn money. Win win for both parts.