How YouTubers Really Make Money

One of the best things I ever did for my businesses was starting a Youtube channel. Videos help create brand awareness, build trust, and increase conversions. In fact, if you asked me what ONE thing I have done that has driven the overall success of my brands, I would answer: YouTube. Combined with social media, it helped me build a tribe.

Most people don't realize that if they started a Youtube channel around a skill they have, they could earn an income teaching that skill.

You could feature things to do in your town, give personal finance tips like budgeting, provide travel hacks, teach people how to cook, clean, garden, fix things, etc., or build a channel around pets, hobbies, and professions. The opportunities are endless!

This income earner might be for you if you can commit to a weekly video.

How to Monetize a Youtube Channel

1. Create a YouTube Channel: Create a YouTube account and set up your channel. You'll need a Google account to do this.

2. Produce High-Quality Content: Create interesting, engaging, and valuable videos for your target audience. Consistency is key, so aim to upload content on a regular schedule.

3. Enable Monetization: Once your channel meets certain requirements, you can apply for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). The basic eligibility criteria include having at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months. Once accepted, you can enable monetization on your channel.

4. Ads: YouTube allows you to earn money by displaying ads on your videos. Google AdSense serves these ads, and you'll earn a portion of the revenue generated from ad clicks or impressions.

5. Channel Memberships: Once you have at least 30,000 subscribers, you can offer channel memberships. This allows your viewers to pay a monthly fee to access exclusive perks, such as badges, emojis, or members-only content.

6. Super Chat and Super Stickers: These are features that enable your viewers to pay to have their messages highlighted during live chat or to use animated stickers in live streams. You'll receive a share of the revenue generated by these features.

7. YouTube Premium Revenue: YouTube Premium is a subscription service that allows users to watch ad-free videos and access exclusive content. As a creator, you'll receive a portion of the revenue generated from YouTube Premium subscriptions based on how much time premium members spend watching your content.

8. Sponsored Content and Brand Deals: As your channel grows, you may have opportunities to collaborate with brands or receive sponsorship offers. These can include product placements, sponsored videos, or sponsored mentions. Brands may provide payment or products/services in exchange for promoting their offerings.

9. Merchandise and Merch Shelf: If you have a dedicated fan base, you can create and sell your own merchandise, such as t-shirts, hats, or mugs. YouTube allows displaying your merchandise on your channel through the "Merch Shelf" feature.

10. Crowdfunding: Some creators use crowdfunding platforms like Patreon or Ko-fi to receive direct financial support from their viewers. This allows fans to contribute regularly to support the channel and gain access to exclusive content or perks.

Building a successful YouTube channel takes time, dedication, and consistent effort. It's important to focus on creating quality content and engaging with your audience to grow your subscriber base and increase your revenue opportunities.

Lori Ballen is a well-known entrepreneur, real estate agent, speaker, and online marketing expert. She has made a name for herself in the real estate industry through her successful real estate team, The Ballen Group . Lori Ballen is also the founder of Ballen Brands, a digital marketing company specializing in helping businesses, particularly in the real estate industry, generate leads and increase their online presence.

Lori Ballen is recognized for her expertise in search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and lead generation. She shares her knowledge and insights through speaking engagements, training programs, and her own online platforms. Lori is also an author and creator of Ballen Academy, where she teaches her digital marketing strategies.

With her extensive experience and success in the real estate and online marketing fields, Lori Ballen has become a respected figure and a source of inspiration for many aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals. She continues to impact the industry through her teachings and innovative approaches to digital marketing and business growth.