How to Monetize Youtube Channel

YouTube monetization allows creators to earn money from ads, memberships, and other revenue tools. But before you can start making money, YouTube requires creators to meet certain criteria to ensure content quality and advertiser safety. Understanding these requirements is crucial so you don’t waste time on the wrong strategies.

If you’re a beginner, this guide breaks down everything into simple steps — no advanced terms, no confusion.

Requirements for YouTube Monetization

Before monetizing, your channel must meet the following YouTube Partner Program (YPP) requirements:

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old (or have a legal guardian)

  • Follow all YouTube monetization policies

  • Have 2-step verification enabled

  • No active Community Guidelines strikes

Monetization Thresholds

You must meet one of these:

Option 1 (Long Videos Monetization):

  • 1,000 subscribers

  • 4,000 hours of watch time in the past 12 months

Option 2 (Shorts Monetization):

  • 1,000 subscribers

  • 10 million public YouTube Shorts views in the last 90 days

Once you reach the threshold, you can apply for monetization inside YouTube Studio.

Step 1 — Create and Optimize Your YouTube Channel

Before earning money, you need a solid, professional-looking channel.

Essential Optimization Steps

  • Create a clear profile picture

  • Add a professional banner

  • Choose a specific niche

  • Write a keyword-rich channel description

  • Add links to social media or websites

  • Organize videos into playlists

Choose a Beginner-Friendly Niche

Some beginner-friendly monetizable niches include:

  • Tutorials (tech, software, apps)

  • Reviews (gadgets, products)

  • Gaming

  • Fitness

  • Personal finance

  • Cooking

  • Travel

  • Motivation & lifestyle

A focused niche helps YouTube understand your content and recommend it to the right audience.

Step 2 — Produce Content Designed for Monetization

Your content determines your growth speed and monetization potential.

Create Videos That People Search For

This includes:

  • Tutorials (“how to…”)

  • Reviews

  • Comparisons

  • Problem-solving topics

Focus on High Retention

Your goal is to keep viewers watching longer:

  • Use strong hooks in the first 7 seconds

  • Avoid long intros

  • Add storytelling

  • Use fast pacing

Create Evergreen Content

These videos continue generating views for years:

  • “How to Fix…”

  • “Beginner Guide to…”

  • “Top 10 Apps for…”

  • “How to Use… Step-by-Step”

Step 3 — Meet YouTube’s Monetization Requirements

The fastest ways to reach monetization:

Grow Subscribers Quickly

  • Ask for subscription using simple CTAs

  • Upload Shorts daily (Shorts grow channels 10x faster)

  • Use trending topics in your niche

Increase Watch Time

  • Create longer videos (8–12 minutes)

  • Use “Part 1, Part 2” strategy

  • Build playlists to increase session time

Shorts Strategy to Hit 10M Views

  • Post 2–5 short videos per day

  • Follow trending audio

  • Use eye-catching text on screen

  • Keep videos between 7–15 seconds

Step 4 — Enable the YouTube Partner Program

Once you qualify, follow these steps:

  1. Open YouTube Studio

  2. Click Earn in the left menu

  3. Verify monetization eligibility

  4. Accept all YPP terms

  5. Link your Google AdSense account

  6. Wait for YouTube to review your channel (usually 24h–30 days)

Step 5 — Turn On Monetization for Your Videos

After approval:

  1. Open YouTube Studio

  2. Go to Content

  3. Select a video

  4. Click Monetization

  5. Choose the ad formats you want:

    • Skippable ads

    • Non-skippable ads

    • Overlay ads

    • Display ads

    • Mid-roll ads (videos 8+ minutes)

Your revenue will begin as soon as ads start appearing.

Step 6 — Improve Your Monetization RPM & CPM

RPM = your revenue per 1000 views
CPM = how much advertisers pay per 1000 ad impressions

To increase both, focus on:

High-paying niches

  • Finance

  • Productivity

  • Business

  • Technology

  • Software tutorials

  • Health

  • Real estate

Optimize for Search Traffic

Search traffic tends to have higher CPM because it’s more targeted.

Create content with advertiser-friendly keywords

  • “how to”

  • “best tools”

  • “online course”

  • “software review”

  • “business ideas”

This signals that advertisers can safely show ads on your videos.

Step 7 — Use Additional Revenue Streams

YouTube ads are just the beginning. Beginners can increase earnings with extra tools:

1. Affiliate Marketing

Promote products in your video description:
Examples: Amazon, software, digital tools.

2. Channel Memberships

Offer exclusive perks or behind-the-scenes access.

3. Super Chat & Super Stickers

Great for live streams.

4. YouTube Shopping

Sell your own products.

5. Digital Products

Ebooks, templates, presets, online courses.

Step 8 — Promote Your Channel Strategically

Promotion accelerates monetization.

Use YouTube SEO

  • Keyword-rich titles

  • Strong thumbnails

  • Clear descriptions

  • Relevant tags

Publish Shorts Daily

Shorts increase channel exposure dramatically.

Promote on Social Media

  • Instagram Reels

  • TikTok

  • Facebook Groups

  • Reddit communities

Cross-platform promotion exposes your channel to new audiences.

Advanced Monetization Tips for Beginners

  • Add chapters to keep viewers watching

  • Use compelling storytelling

  • Improve audio quality

  • Study analytics weekly

  • Make your best videos into playlists

  • Create binge-worthy series

Common Mistakes That Stop Monetization

Avoid these:

  • Copyright reused content

  • Posting only Shorts (without long videos)

  • Low retention (viewers leave in first 10 seconds)

  • Not choosing a niche

  • Inconsistent uploads

  • Using clickbait excessively

Conclusion

Monetizing your YouTube channel is absolutely achievable for beginners. With a strategic approach, consistent posting, and a focus on content that engages viewers, you can reach the monetization threshold and turn your channel into a reliable source of income. Whether you’re starting small or aiming for long-term growth, the path begins with simple steps — and you now have a complete guide to follow.

FAQ

How long does it take to monetize a YouTube channel?

Beginners typically take between 1 to 6 months depending on posting frequency and niche.

Do Shorts count for monetization?

Yes — Shorts can qualify you for monetization if you reach 10 million public views in 90 days.

How much money does YouTube pay per 1,000 views?

Most channels earn between $1–$8 RPM, depending on niche and audience.

Can beginners really make money on YouTube?

Absolutely. Many successful channels started from zero with simple content and consistency.

What type of videos make the most money?

Tutorials, reviews, finance, tech, and business content usually pay the highest.

Wesley Freitas
Wesley Freitas

I am a copywriter specialized in Digital Marketing, Paid Traffic, and Sales, with a degree in Marketing. With years of experience in the field, I help businesses increase their visibility and conversions through effective content and advertising strategies. My focus is on creating persuasive and optimized texts that deliver real, measurable results.