How To Make Money on YouTube

To make money on YouTube, creators start by qualifying for the YouTube Partner Program and enabling ads, but that’s just the beginning. Real income comes from combining multiple streams: sponsorships, channel memberships, affiliate marketing, and selling your own products or services.

At vidIQ, we’ve studied how creators unlock monetization
milestones and scale beyond ad revenue. Here you will learn practical strategies to diversify income and build
a sustainable business from your YouTube channel.

YouTube channel stats showing 24.3K subscribers and 169.8K watch hours with monetization icon

Jan 6, 2021

6 min read

How To Win at YouTube Monetization

Not all content on YouTube will help you quickly monetize your channel, YouTube Shorts especially. To win at monetization, here's what you need to know about...
Man thinking with YouTube and dollar icons and text "More Ads Less Cash?!" on blue background

Dec 5, 2020

6 min read

YouTube's Monetization Update: FAQ's for Creators

If YouTube runs ads on non-monetized channels, how will creators be affected? In this FAQ, we answer that question and share tips for diversifying your income.
YouTube monetization question with dollar sign and play button icons on blue background

Nov 20, 2020

5 min read

YouTube Will Run Ads On Some Unmonetized Channels, But Those Creators Won't B...

YouTube has announced it's going to place ads on some unmonetized channels - but it will keep 100% of the revenue share.
YouTube monetization steps apply, review, and accept with a man pointing at the list

Nov 10, 2020

8 min read

How to Apply for YouTube Monetization: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to monetize your YouTube channel? Follow our complete guide on how to make money through the YouTube Partner Program and start earning.
Colorful cocktails garnished with fruit and cherries on ice at a modern bar setting

Oct 20, 2020

5 min read

Career Goals: Make Money Drinking Boozy Beverages on YouTube

Crack open a cold one, turn on your camera, and start learning how to make money on YouTube by drinking your favorite adult beverages.
Smiling man wearing glasses with TubeTalk logo and illustrated background behind him

Oct 6, 2020

2 min read

How to Get a Brand Deal as a Smaller YouTube Channel

You don't need millions of YouTube subscribers to secure a great brand deal. Find out more on this episode of TubeTalk.
Joe Biden and Donald Trump with red blocked symbol and text "BLOCKED!"

Sep 9, 2020

4 min read

How to Block Unwanted Ads on Your YouTube Content

Tired of seeing cringey political messages and other sensitive ads on your videos? Block them from your channel in five easy steps.
Checkbox for mid-roll video ads set to 8 minutes with vidIQ and YouTube logos.

Updated May 11, 2026

8 min read

YouTube Mid-Roll Ads: The 8-Minute Minimum and How to Use Them

YouTube videos need to be 8 minutes or longer for mid-roll ads. Learn placement rules, how many to add, and the manual vs automatic settings that boost revenue.
Blue running shoes, dumbbells, towel, and water bottle on white wooden floor

Jul 29, 2020

7 min read

How To Make a Career as a Fitness Instructor on YouTube

Fitness instructors have a variety of ways to make money on YouTube. Find out what opportunities there are for generating revenue.
YouTube logo with gaming controller and dollar signs representing making money gaming

Updated Apr 29, 2026

9 min read

How to Make Money with a Gaming Channel on YouTube

Gaming channels can earn through AdSense, sponsors, affiliates, memberships, and Super Chats. See CPM benchmarks and earning ranges by subscriber tier.
Green dollar sign versus yellow dollar sign on blue and red background for money comparison

Jul 22, 2020

5 min read

How to Monetize Your YouTube Videos (and Keep Them Monetized!)

YouTube wants you to earn revenue from your videos so it has introduced a new step to confirm your uploads are ad-friendly. Read more about this new feature ...
Woman recording video blogging at home with dog lying on couch behind her

Jul 22, 2020

7 min read

3 Ways to Make Money as a How-To YouTube Channel

Not getting enough repeat views or revenue from your how-to or tutorial YouTube channel? Here are three ways to change that for good.
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