You probably know a lot about the YouTube Partner Program and monetization through ads. But what about 10 other monetization methods that might significantly boost your YouTube income?
Let’s skip the long-winded foreword and dive into the main stuff right away.
Overview of YouTube Monetization Methods
Some YouTube monetization types run in the background, while others need more hands-on engagement. It’s smart to mix several methods to keep your income steady.
The key is to choose a blend that suits your style. Some strategies require a loyal community, others thrive on live interactions, and some work best when you’re sharing your expertise. Let’s explore the options.
AdSense: How Does YouTube Monetization Work
AdSense is the starting point. Once you hit 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, and receive those cute little achievement badges on YouTube Studio, ads can appear on your videos. YouTube Shorts monetization also becomes available (even if you haven’t reached 10M public Shorts views in the last 90 days). And after becoming a partner, the following income opportunities open for you:
YouTube Monetization & CPM
You might ask, 'How is CPM related to monetization methods?' The thing is, YouTube monetization through ads primarily operates on CPM (Cost Per Mille), which is the amount advertisers pay per 1,000 ad impressions.
CPMs can vary significantly based on geography and content niche. Markets like the U.S., U.K., and Canada generally see higher CPMs due to significant advertiser investment, while developing regions often experience lower rates. Similarly, niches like finance, tech reviews, and real estate attract premium CPMs ($8 – $14) by targeting high-value audiences, whereas broader niches like lifestyle vlogging or general entertainment tend to have lower CPMs ($1.5 – $4).
The CPM rates are constantly changing. If you are currently selecting a niche or trying to fine-tune revenue from the current one, reach out to us at ScaleLab. We manage thousands of channels and help creators optimize their content for higher CPMs—whether by targeting premium audiences or exploring niche markets with untapped potential.
Channel Memberships: Building a Community
Channel memberships let your most dedicated fans pay a monthly fee. In return, they get perks like exclusive videos, custom badges, and behind-the-scenes access. It’s a simple idea: your fans become part of a VIP club, and you earn money on a regular basis.
This method works best when you have a loyal following. A steady stream of membership fees can provide a cushion during slower months. The trick is offering value that makes your fans feel like insiders without overwhelming yourself with extra work. A little extra content here and there, like full videos without ads or censorship or a quick live Q&A, can be enough to keep your community engaged and your revenue steady.
ScaleLab’s team can help design your channel, including thumbnails, banners, logos, intros, custom emojis for Memberships, loyalty badges, and more. Contact us to get started!
Super Chats and Super Stickers: Engaging Live Audiences
During a live stream, viewers can send Super Chats and Super Stickers to get their messages or images highlighted on screen. This brings a fun, competitive twist to your broadcasts. A lively chat with a few enthusiastic viewers can turn into a nice income boost.
The key here is to make your live streams engaging and interactive. When your audience feels connected, they’re more likely to chip in. And even if your YouTube earnings from Super Chats and Super Stickers aren’t huge every time, over several streams, they add up. Plus, the excitement of watching those highlighted messages can add a playful energy to your live sessions.
YouTube Premium Revenue
Subscribers who opt for YouTube Premium pay a monthly fee to watch videos without ads. Although these viewers don’t trigger ad revenue directly, YouTube still pays creators based on their share of watch time. This extra income stream is subtle but steady.
Channels with high watch times and engaged viewers tend to benefit the most. While it might not be a key contributor on its own, every little bit helps.
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Our experts at ScaleLab have already helped hundreds of creators optimize their revenue streams. Drop us a line to explore personalized strategies!
Sponsored Content and Brand Deals
Sponsored content is where your personality meets business. Brands partner with creators to feature products or services in videos. These deals can range from a simple mention to an in-depth review, and the paychecks can be significant. It’s about finding the right fit: the brand should match your style and resonate with your audience.
But authenticity is critical here. Your viewers will quickly spot a forced promotion. Instead, choose partnerships that naturally blend with your content. A well-matched sponsorship can turn your channel into a reliable income source and open doors to further monetization YouTube opportunities.
You can use free tools like pin.top to convert brand deals more effectively. It’s like a link-in-bio store that actually sells, complete with stats and media kit data to convince brands to collaborate with you.
Merchandising Through YouTube
Merchandising takes your brand off the screen and into the real world. Selling T-shirts, hoodies, or even mugs with your logo or catchphrase earns you money and builds your brand identity. You can integrate product sales directly into your channel with YouTube's Merch Shelf. Or you can redirect viewers to the website with your shop:
This method is ideal if you have a strong personal brand or a memorable tagline. It requires some upfront work—designing, sourcing, and managing inventory—but once set up, it can become a passive revenue stream.
Affiliate Marketing on YouTube
Affiliate marketing lets you earn commissions by recommending products. It’s a great addition to your regular YouTube payments. You place affiliate links in your video descriptions and talk about products in your videos. When your viewers purchase through your link, you earn a cut. This method works best in niches where product recommendations fit naturally, like tech, beauty, or lifestyle. Here’s the list of the most popular affiliate programs among creators:
- Amazon Associates
- eBay Partner Network
- Etsy Affiliate Program
- Shopify Affiliate Program
- ClickBank
The secret is to stay genuine. Only promote products you truly believe in, and your audience will trust your recommendations. Over time, even a small commission rate can add up to a decent income.
Crowdfunding Through Platforms Like Patreon
Crowdfunding is all about direct fan support. Platforms like Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, and Ko-fi let your fans subscribe to receive extra content, early access, or personalized interactions. It’s a way for your audience to back your work financially without relying solely on ads or sponsors.
This model works best when you already have a loyal and engaged community. By offering exclusive perks, you make your fans feel special and appreciated. Over time, this can create a reliable monthly revenue stream that allows you to focus more on quality content rather than chasing every ad dollar.
Adapting for Other Platforms or Licensing
If you’re producing great content, why restrict it to YouTube? Repurposing means adapting your videos for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook. You can even license your content to media companies in need of fresh material. This approach helps you reach new audiences and earn money in multiple places.
However, this method involves a bit of creative editing. You might need to trim your videos or change the format slightly for each platform. But the extra effort can pay off by bringing in additional income.
Interested in content distribution?
Reach new audiences by distributing your videos beyond YouTube. ScaleLab will help you increase income and popularity with zero effort on your part.
Online Courses and Consulting
If you have a skill or expertise, why not share it? Creating online courses or offering consulting services can be a way to monetize your knowledge. Use your YouTube channel as a portfolio to build trust and demonstrate your expertise. Then, package that knowledge into a course or one-on-one sessions.
This method is good for those who enjoy teaching. It allows you to earn money from your skills rather than just from video views. It also helps build your reputation as an expert in your field. With proper planning and clear, engaging lessons, online courses can become a significant source of income.
Which Monetization Method Is Right for You?
It depends on your content, audience, and goals. The trick is to experiment. Don’t rely on a single method. Combine different approaches until you find the mix that works best for your channel. In our work, we’ve seen success come from testing various strategies and adjusting as needed. Even a small tweak here or there can lead to significant changes in your overall revenue.
Expert Boost
At ScaleLab, we have the expertise to help you earn more on YouTube. Whether you need guidance on optimizing your ad revenue or tips for building a more engaged community, our team is here to support you. It’s time to mix things up, experiment, and watch your income grow.