Earning Money From Your Youtube Video – Okay, the most obvious way to make money on YouTube is through advertising. However, it is not the only—or, to be honest, the best—way.
YouTube accounts for half of the internet, with 1.9 billion users logging in each month. However, 500 hours of video are uploaded to the site every minute.
So you already know that this article will not be about how easy it is to buy a Swiss watch with ad revenue from your YouTube views. (However, if you have millions of video views, you could probably rent one. Don’t do it.)
#1 – Join the YouTube Partner Program [Earning Money From Your Youtube Video]
Regular YouTubers can gain access to special features on the platform through the YouTube Partner Program.
You don’t have to be a partner to make money on YouTube (just set up an AdSense account and get views will suffice), but being a Partner makes things a lot easier.
YouTube Partners have access to a variety of revenue streams, including not only video ads, but also YouTube Premium subscription fees and features that directly tap your loyal fans’ wallets, such as Super Chat, channel memberships, and the merchandise shelf (more on these later.)
Step 1: Launch a YouTube channel.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a handy guide. ‘How to Create a YouTube Channel’ is the title.
Step 2: Grow your channel to the point where it meets the YouTube Partner Program requirements.
To be eligible for the programme, you must have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months.
Here are some suggestions for increasing your YouTube views. [Earning Money From Your Youtube Video]
Step 3: Create an AdSense account.
This is straightforward. Simply follow YouTube’s official AdSense account setup guide.
Step 4: Investigate your new monetization options.
The eligibility requirements for each monetization channel vary. As an example:
- Ad revenue: To earn ad revenue, you must be at least 18 years old and create content that is appealing to advertisers. Basically, the less controversial your videos are, the more comfortable YouTube advertisers will be running ads on them, and the more money you will make.
- YouTube Premium revenue: You receive a portion of a YouTube Premium member’s subscription fee if they watch your video. (This one is automated, which is convenient.)
- Channel memberships: You must be at least 18 and have over 30,000 subscribers to sell channel memberships to your subscribers (i.e., your fans opt in to pay you an extra amount).
- Merchandise shelf: You must be at least 18 years old and have at least 10,000 subscribers to sell merchandise from YouTube’s merchandise shelf.
- Super Chat payments: You must be at least 18 years old if you want your fans to be able to pay to have their messages highlighted in your live chats during your live streams (and live in a country where the feature is offered).
Step 5: Submit to ongoing evaluations
According to YouTube, as a YouTube Partner, your channel will be held to a higher standard. You must adhere to not only the YouTube Partner Program policies, but also the Community Guidelines. Not to mention staying within the bounds of copyright law.
#2 – Make and sell your own merchandise.
Perhaps you consider yourself a content creator first and an entrepreneur second. (Remember, even Drake sells t-shirts.)
Alternatively, you could be a business owner first and a video creator second, which means you already have a product and are working on a YouTube marketing strategy to sell it.
In either case, selling merchandise on YouTube is a viable way to make money.
Step 1: Create an image of your product and design it.
Your channel’s merchandise should both represent and feed your audience’s connection with you. That means your merchandise should be one-of-a-kind.
Ryan Higa, a Hawaiian YouTube star, launched his milk-based energy drink Ninja Melk to capitalise on the success of his viral comedy Ninja Melk. While he sells t-shirts and other merchandise through his online shop, Ninja Melk’s fan base is large enough that he has his own website.
Pro tip: You may have more merchandise ideas than you can possibly stock. So, to begin, dip your toes in the water with one or two items. However, make certain that you involve your audience in the decision-making process. Poll them to find out what they want. Create buzz by offering one-time products tied to significant subscriber-count milestones.
Step 2: Find and/or create your product.
In most cases, you will require the services of a manufacturer, supplier, or wholesaler to create and deliver your product. Some suppliers will deliver it to you, while others will take care of inventory, shipping, and returns for you.
If you’re unsure where to begin, read Shopify’s how-to on finding a brick-and-mortar company to make your dream a reality.
Step 3: Design your store and landing page.
To process purchases, you’ll need a separate website. If you want to link to it directly from your videos (which you should), consult YouTube’s list of authorised merchandise sites.
Step 4: Make your YouTube Partner merchandise shelf available.
YouTube Partners can also use the shelf feature to sell merchandise from their channel. Follow YouTube’s instructions to enable it if you are eligible.
Step 5: Use your videos to promote your product.
This is where your charisma comes into play. Wear or incorporate your merchandise into your videos. Showcase viewers who have purchased and are using it. (If we were on another platform, we might call this ‘user-generated content,’ or possibly ‘solid gold’).
Don’t forget to include a link to your store in your video descriptions, as well as end screens and cards with compelling calls to action.
Don’t forget to express your gratitude. Because it’s courteous. But it’s also an excuse to remind people how great and popular your product is yet again.