Are you ready to start your journey as a content creator but don't have a lot of money? Many people believe you need a big budget to succeed on YouTube, but that's not true. You can use many low-cost methods to make money on YouTube and build a successful channel from scratch. This guide will show you how to start earning from your videos, even with a small budget. These proven monetization methods are great for beginners.
With some smart planning and a little effort, you can turn your passion into a source of income. We will explore 11 different ways to make money in YouTube with a small budget. Let's dive into these practical tips and begin your monetization journey. We will cover everything from ads to digital products, helping you choose the best ways to earn money.
1. Monetization with Google AdSense
Google AdSense is the most common way to make money on YouTube. When you join the YouTube Partner Program, you can share in the ad revenue. This means that when ads play on your videos, you get a portion of the money. You don't need to spend any money to get started, just your time and effort.
To join, you must meet some simple requirements. For long videos, you need 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 public watch hours in a year. For YouTube Shorts, you need 1,000 subscribers and 10 million public Shorts views in 90 days. Once you meet these rules, you can apply.
How to Enable AdSense on a YouTube Channel
To enable AdSense, you need to sign into YouTube Studio. On the left side, look for the "Earn" tab and click on it. There, you'll find a card that says "Sign up for AdSense for YouTube" and you can click "START." You'll be asked to choose a Google Account to use with AdSense. If you already have one, use it. If not, you can create a new one.
After you connect your account, you will be redirected back to YouTube Studio. You'll see a green "Done" sign on the card when your account is linked. Now, you can start earning ad revenue from your videos. Just remember that it can take up to a day for the systems to connect and for ads to begin appearing on your channel.
Understanding AdSense Revenue and Payouts
After you link your accounts, your earnings start to add up. You'll see your estimated money in YouTube Analytics. Your earnings are finalized each month in your AdSense account. To get paid, your total balance must reach the payment threshold for your country. For many, this is $100.
You need to verify your physical address with a PIN code that Google sends in the mail. After your address is verified and your balance meets the threshold, you will get paid. Payments are usually sent out between the 21st and 26th of each month. It's a great way to earn passive YouTube income without spending a dime on promotion or production.
2. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a popular and very affordable way to make money online. You simply promote products you love and earn a small commission when someone buys something using your special link. You don't need to buy the products you recommend, which makes this a true low-cost method to make money on YouTube. It's a fantastic income stream for any creator.
For this to work, you need to be honest and only recommend things you truly believe in. Your audience trusts you, and that trust is very important. By recommending products that help your viewers, you build a loyal community. This monetization strategy is all about trust and providing value to your audience. The best part is you can start today.
How to Find Affiliate Programs for a Niche
Finding the right affiliate programs is easy. You can join large networks like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or ClickBank. These networks have thousands of companies you can partner with. Just search for products that fit your channel's topic. For example, a gaming channel can find affiliate links for gaming keyboards or headsets.
You can also look for companies that have their own affiliate program on their website. Simply search for "brand name + affiliate program" on Google. When you choose a program, look at the commission rate and how long the cookies last. Cookies are tiny pieces of code that track sales, and a longer cookie duration means you have more time to earn. This is a very smart affiliate marketing strategy for any creator. You can learn more about how to make money on YouTube with this and other methods here: how to make money in youtube.
Promoting Products with Affiliate Links
The best way to promote affiliate products is to be natural. You can show the product in your videos and explain why you like it. Then, put your special affiliate link in the video description. You can also pin a comment with the link and a short note. Make sure to tell your viewers that the links are affiliate links. Being transparent builds trust and is a key to long-term monetization success.
You can also create videos that are just about the product, like a review or a tutorial. For example, if you have a cooking channel, you can review a new blender. You could also make a video titled "5 Kitchen Gadgets That Changed My Life" and include links to all five products. This is a great way to get sales without sounding like a used car salesman.
3. Selling Merchandise
Selling your own merchandise is a fantastic way to earn money and build a community. It gives your fans a way to show their support and feel like they are part of your channel. The best news is that you don't need to spend any money to get started, thanks to print-on-demand services. This is a simple monetization solution for any YouTube creator.
You can sell all kinds of items like t-shirts, mugs, hats, or hoodies with your logo or a fun phrase from your channel. This is a low-cost way to make money on YouTube because you don't have to worry about buying products ahead of time or shipping them. The company handles everything for you. It's a great way to build a personal brand identity and earn money at the same time.
What are Print-on-Demand Services
Print-on-demand (POD) services are companies that print your designs on products only after a customer buys them. You simply upload your design and choose the products you want to sell. When someone places an order, the POD company prints the item, packages it, and ships it directly to your fan. You don't have to touch a single product.
Some of the most popular print-on-demand services include Printful and Printify. These companies have a huge list of items you can choose from. They also handle all the hard parts of selling, like returns and customer service. This allows you to focus on what you do best: making great videos. It’s a very simple and efficient business model.
Designing and Selling T-shirts, Mugs, and other Products
You don't need to be a professional designer to create your merch. You can use free online tools like Canva to make a cool design. You can also hire a designer on a site like Fiverr for a small fee. Once you have a design, you upload it to the POD service.
Then, you link your POD service to your YouTube channel. Many services, like Amazon Merch on Demand, allow you to sell directly on Amazon, which is a big plus. When a viewer buys a t-shirt, you get a royalty. It’s an easy and fun way to build a brand and earn YouTube income at the same time.
4. Channel Memberships and Super Chat
Channel Memberships and Super Chat are great ways for your most dedicated fans to support you directly. These features are part of the YouTube Partner Program. Viewers pay a small monthly fee to get special perks. This helps you build a strong YouTube community while earning a reliable income. It's a great passive income stream for those who have a loyal fan base.
These are especially useful during live streams. With a small budget, live streaming is a great option because you can interact with your audience in real-time. By talking with your viewers, you build a stronger bond. You can earn money in YouTube from home using these features and more as discussed in the article available at this link: earn money in youtube from home.
How to Set up Channel Memberships
To set up Channel Memberships, you need to be in the YouTube Partner Program. You can create different tiers for your members. Each tier can offer different perks. For example, a "Bronze" tier might get a special badge next to their name in the comments, while a "Silver" tier might get custom emojis and access to members-only live streams.
You can also offer exclusive videos or behind-the-scenes content to your members. This makes them feel special and part of a smaller, more exclusive community. Remember to promote your memberships in your videos and on your channel page.
Leveraging Super Chat during Live Streams
Super Chat and Super Stickers allow viewers to pay money to have their message highlighted during a live stream. The more they pay, the longer their message stays pinned at the top of the chat. It is a great way for fans to get your attention and support your work. This is a very important direct monetization method for many creators.
When a viewer sends a Super Chat, make sure to thank them by name. This makes the person feel seen and appreciated. This interaction encourages other viewers to use Super Chat as well.
5. Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a way for you to ask your audience for direct financial support. It's a powerful way to fund a special project or just get help to keep making videos. Instead of selling a product, you are asking for donations from your community. This is a great alternative monetization strategy for creators who want to stay independent.
Crowdfunding can be a one-time thing or an ongoing effort. For example, you could ask your audience to help you buy a new camera. Or, you could ask them to support your channel every month. The key is to be open about why you need the money.
What is the Difference between Patreon and Ko-fi
Patreon is a very popular crowdfunding platform. It is based on a monthly subscription model. Fans, called "patrons," pay you a small amount of money each month. In return, you give them exclusive content like early access to videos, members-only posts, or behind-the-scenes footage. Patreon is great for creators who put out content on a regular schedule.
Ko-fi is different. It is more about one-time donations. Viewers can "buy you a coffee," which is a fun way to say they are sending you a small tip. Ko-fi also has a subscription feature, but it is known for its one-time payment option. This makes it a great choice for creators who don't have a strict schedule but still want to give their fans a way to support them.
How to Create a Compelling Campaign
No matter which platform you choose, you need to create a good campaign. Start by telling a clear story about why you need their support. Explain how their money will help you create better videos. People are more likely to donate if they know exactly where their money is going.
You should also offer good rewards for your supporters. This could be anything from a special shout-out in a video to a chance to talk to you on a video call. By giving back, you show your fans that you appreciate their support.
6. Sponsorships and Brand Deals
As your channel grows, brands will want to work with you. A sponsorship or brand deal is when a company pays you to promote their product or service in your video. This can be a huge source of income. This is a very smart business model for a growing channel.
You don't need a million subscribers to get a brand deal. Many companies are looking for smaller channels with a very loyal and engaged audience. You just need to show them why working with you is a good idea. The best niches to make money on YouTube are those with a lot of engaged viewers. You can find out more about these niches here: best niches to make money in youtube.
How to Create a Media Kit
A media kit is like a resume for your YouTube channel. It is a document that shows a brand all the important information they need to know about your channel. It helps you look professional and ready for business. You don't need to spend money to create a great one.
Here is what you should include in your media kit:
Your channel name and a brief description of what you do.
Your subscriber count and average video views.
Information about your audience, such as their age, where they live, and what they are interested in.
Examples of past brand deals or your best videos.
The best part is that YouTube Studio can create a basic media kit for you! Just go to the "Earn" tab and click on "BrandConnect." You can view and download a PDF version of your kit right from there.
How to Pitch Brands for Sponsorships
Once your media kit is ready, you can start reaching out to brands. Look for companies that make products or services you already use and love. This makes the partnership feel more natural. Send a short, polite email to the brand's marketing team. In the email, introduce yourself, talk about your channel, and explain why their brand would be a great fit for your audience.
You should also attach your media kit to the email. This gives them all the information they need to say "yes." Remember, if you are a smaller channel, you can offer to promote them in a few videos for a lower price. It's a great way to start building your sponsorship history.
7. Licensing Content
If your video goes viral, you may be able to license it to news outlets, TV shows, or other media companies. This means they will pay you for the right to use your video. For example, if you film a funny animal video that gets millions of views, a TV show might want to use it. This can bring in a lot of money without any extra work. This is a great unexpected income stream for any creator.
What is the Process of Licensing Content
When you create a video, you own the copyright. This means that no one else can use it without your permission. If a company wants to use your video, they must get your permission and pay you a licensing fee.
The best way to do this is to use a content licensing platform. Jukin Media is a very popular one. These platforms help you find buyers for your viral videos. They also handle all the legal parts of the deal and make sure you get paid. They take a small cut of the money, but it is worth it because they do all the hard work for you.
8. Digital Products
Selling digital products is a smart monetization strategy for creators. These are products that can be downloaded or used online. Since there is no shipping or inventory, it is a very low-cost method to make money on YouTube. You create the product once, and you can sell it forever.
What are Some Examples of Digital Products
Digital products can be anything from a PDF guide to a digital art file. Here are some examples that are perfect for a YouTube creator:
E-books and Guides: If you have a fitness channel, you can write a guide about healthy eating. If you have a tech channel, you can write a guide on how to build a computer.
Templates: If you are a designer, you can sell templates for resumes or social media posts.
Presets: Photographers and video editors can sell their custom photo presets or video filters.
How to Create and Sell Digital Products
You can create your own digital products with free tools like Canva or Google Docs. You can also use free video editing software to make a video course. To sell them, you can use platforms like Gumroad or Etsy. These sites make it easy for you to sell your products and get paid.
When you promote your products, you can talk about them in your videos. Put a link to the product in your video description. You can also make a special video that shows your product in action. This is a great way to earn a passive income from your channel.
9. Consulting or Coaching
If you are an expert in your field, you can offer one-on-one consulting or coaching sessions. This is a very direct way to earn money and provide a lot of value. For example, if you have a channel about personal finance, you could offer coaching to people who want to manage their money better.
How to Offer 1-on-1 Coaching Sessions
First, you need to decide what you are going to coach people on. It should be something you are very knowledgeable about. Then, you can use a free scheduling tool like Calendly to let people book time with you. This tool can also handle the payments for you.
When you talk about your coaching services, make it clear what people will get out of a session with you. Explain how you can help them solve a problem or reach a goal. This is a great way to use your knowledge and expertise to help others and earn money on YouTube.
10. YouTube Shorts Fund
The YouTube Shorts Fund was a temporary program that rewarded creators for making popular Shorts. While that program is over, YouTube has a new way for creators to earn money from Shorts: the Shorts Monetization Module. It's a new and exciting way to get paid for your work.
What is the YouTube Shorts Monetization Module
With this new module, creators in the YouTube Partner Program can share in the ad revenue from Shorts. This means that when ads play between Shorts in the Shorts Feed, you can get a portion of that money. To be eligible, you need 1,000 subscribers and 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days. This makes Shorts a very important part of a creator's monetization strategy.
How to Optimize Shorts for the Fund
The best way to earn money from Shorts is to make them engaging. This means creating short, fun videos that people will want to watch again and again. You can use popular music and sounds to make your Shorts more interesting. By making great content, you can get more views and, in turn, earn more money.
11. Reselling Items
Creating a channel about reselling is a unique way to earn money. You can film your journey of finding old items and selling them for a profit. This is a very low-cost method to make money on YouTube because you can start with items you already have.
How to Find Items to Resell
You can find items at a very low cost at places like thrift stores and garage sales. Look for things that are in good condition and can be sold for more money online. You can also look for items that are being given away for free.
How to Create a Reselling YouTube Channel
The best way to create a reselling channel is to show the whole process. You can film videos of you going to a thrift store and finding items. Then, you can film a video of you cleaning and fixing the items. Finally, you can show a video of you packaging and shipping the items to the buyer. This type of content is very popular and can help you build a big audience.
Best Practices for Reselling on YouTube
Be honest about the condition of the items you are selling.
Make sure you price your items fairly.
Use good lighting and a good camera to film your videos.
Share your knowledge with your viewers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the YouTube Partner Program?
The YouTube Partner Program is what allows creators to start earning money from their content. To join, creators must meet certain requirements, such as a certain number of subscribers and watch hours. Once accepted, you can turn on different ways to monetize your videos.
What is the best way to earn money on YouTube with a small audience?
The best ways to earn money with a small audience are affiliate marketing and selling digital products. These methods do not require a large number of views to earn income. You can also use crowdfunding to get direct support from your fans.
How can a beginner monetize their channel without getting a lot of views?
A beginner can use affiliate marketing by linking to products they use and love. They can also create and sell their own digital products, like e-books or templates, because these can be sold to even a small, dedicated fan base.
What is the lowest-cost method to make money on YouTube?
The lowest-cost methods are those that require no money upfront. These include Google AdSense (after you meet the requirements), affiliate marketing, and crowdfunding. These methods only require your time and effort.
