How to Monetize a YouTube Channel: 5 Suggestions

Growing a YouTube channel from scratch can take a long time. You need to work hard to produce interesting content and attract enough viewers and subscribers.

Once you reach a certain threshold, you can start figuring out how to monetize the channel. As expected, there are multiple different methods to consider.

If you are looking for some great suggestions on how to make money as a YouTuber, then this article should come in quite handy.

Offer Custom Merchandise

One of the most common methods to monetize YouTube videos is by offering watchers an opportunity to support a channel by purchasing custom merchandise.

From shoulder tote bags and face masks to t-shirts and hoodies, there are plenty of great products that you can turn into merchandise.

Thanks to the available marketplaces, you do not have to worry about starting an online merch store from scratch. No, you usually just need to create an account on one of these marketplaces and add the merchandise. Many marketplaces also offer mockup generators that allow you to design merchandise directly on the website.

Of course, the odds are that you will likely hire a proper graphic designer who can come up with different types of merchandise. Also, if you rely on this monetization method a lot, make sure to keep the merchandise fresh, even if it means paying extra to the graphic designer.

Try Live Streaming

YouTube is still a bit behind Twitch TV in terms of streaming, but you can still try it. The idea is pretty straightforward. Instead of publishing a video on your channel like you usually do, start a live stream version where you get to interact with the viewers.

Those who watch your stream can donate money, which is where the monetization comes from. If you have not tried streaming on YouTube before, it is hard to predict how many viewers your stream will get and how much money you will make.

As a side note, you can also switch to Twitch TV when streaming because the platform is more suitable (for now) for such type of content. Announce that you are now streaming on Twitch on your social media pages. Also, link the Twitch TV channel in your video descriptions. You can also leave a comment on your latest YouTube video and pin it to encourage people to check your Twitch TV stream.

Exploring other platforms might offer great opportunities to make money as a YouTuber if you play your cards smart. After all, you do not have to start from scratch on new platforms because you already have an established audience on YouTube that will likely follow you around. And that includes watching your stream on Twitch TV.

Rely on Ads

Even though more and more people are using ad blockers on their desktop browsers, plenty of YouTube users watch YouTube on their smartphones or tablets—devices that do not have ad blocker extensions.

YouTube has its own ad system. You need to join the YouTube Partner Program first. Then, you will have the option to enable ads for videos on your channel. However, note that YouTube has a strict policy as to what type of content is user-friendly and can be monetized with ads.

Finally, be sure to check the guides on different ad placements on YouTube videos to find a setup that maximizes your profits.

Run Paid Sponsorships

Paid sponsorships are another example of a common YouTube monetization method. You see many YouTubers, including an “advertisement” hashtag or a disclaimer that a video is sponsored. There is usually a portion of a video dedicated to the sponsor at the end or at the beginning of the video. 

Since YouTubers can be treated as influencers, it is natural to see brands getting in touch with them and asking to promote a product on a YouTube channel.

Note that you need to be smart about what goods or services you plan to promote on your channel. If the sponsorships become too long or do not make sense for the type of content you publish on your channel, it might not go well with your audience. Not to mention what accepting shady stuff like crypto sponsorships can do to the well-being of your channel.

Create a Patreon Page

Crowdfunding platforms let content creators receive support directly from the audience. You can create a page on Patreon or another similar service and advertise it on your YouTube channel, asking for people to join the supporters.

You should not, however, that many people will jump at an opportunity to support you without getting anything in return. Be sure to offer certain perks to your supporters. A couple of perk examples include:

• Early video access
• Exclusive behind-the-scenes
• One-on-one sessions
• Merchandise

Relying solely on Patreon might be hard if you do not have enough supporters. Nevertheless, it is still a great option as far as YouTube monetization goes.