If you’re here to learn how to monetize your YouTube channel to finally generate profit from all the efforts, you’re at the right place.

We’re going to share some strategies some of the popular channels are using that you can use to reach monetization fast – even if you’re starting from scratch.

From understanding how YouTube monetization works to exploring effective ways to generate income, we’ll cover everything you need to turn your channel into a revenue-generating machine, provided you follow the right YouTube marketing strategies. 

But before that, let’s start by first understanding YouTube monetization requirements.

YouTube Monetization Requirements

Before you can start earning, you need to meet the YouTube monetization requirements. These include joining the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), which opens the door to earning through ads, memberships, and more. To qualify for YPP, your channel must meet these thresholds:

• Subscribers: You need at least 1,000 subscribers.
• Watch time: Your channel must accumulate 4,000 valid public watch hours within the last 12 months.
• Content guidelines: Your content must adhere to YouTube’s community guidelines and copyright policies.
• Account verification: Enable two-step verification for added security.

Once these requirements are met, you can apply for the program through YouTube Studio. If accepted, you’ll gain access to monetization features, including ad revenue and channel memberships.

Now that you’re familiar with the requirements for monetization on YouTube, let’s go through the strategies you need to follow to monetize your YouTube channel in a snap! 

How To Monetize Your YouTube Channel: 

Strategy 1: Choosing a profitable niche

So, how do you make money on YouTube? Well, the first step, as always, is finding a niche that serves your goal. However, instead of just picking something you’re passionate about, you should focus on something that sells on YouTube – product reviews, tutorials, or even streaming services for gaming channels. That said, it is completely valid to pursue something you’re passionate about, but let’s dig in a bit more to learn how to make money on YouTube. 

To get started, you need to ask yourself a few key questions:

1. Is the niche profitable? 

Not all niches are created equal. Let’s say you have a goal of earning $100 per video. With a CPM (cost per mille) of $5 per 1,000 views, you would need 20,000 views. But if your CPM is $12 per 1,000 views, you would only need 8,334 views per upload. This is a much more attainable goal, right?

Similarly, with a CPM of $18 per 1,000 views, you would need just 5,556 views to earn $100. And if your CPM is $25 per 1,000 views, you’d only need 4,000 views. The higher your CPM, the fewer views you need to reach your goal.

2. Is this a popular niche? 

Your niche is basically the audience that’s going to be interested in what you’re talking about. The larger the audience, the more money you can make. Big YouTubers like MrBeast increase their number of YouTube subscribers quickly because they increase their TAM (total addressable market). For example, MrBeast’s “Ages 1 to 100 Fight for $500,000” appeals to almost everyone who likes money and is between the ages of 1 and 100.

3. How saturated is this niche? 

What if millions of other creators are getting billions of views on the topic you’re in? Do you compete in this crowded space, or do you pick something less saturated? If you’re set on a competitive niche, find out a smaller sub-niche. For example, instead of covering all of fitness, focus on CrossFit. Becoming a big fish in a small pond by specializing can help you grow faster.

4. Is there room to grow within this niche? 

This doesn’t just include generating endless ideas for your niche. It also includes monetization opportunities outside of YouTube, like affiliate links, brand deals, or sponsorships. AdSense should not be the only way you’re looking to make money.

Do note that it’s important to have a passion for what you’re talking about. Topics you already care about tend to be easier to infiltrate because you’re familiar with the community and the lingo. This will also help you avoid burnout.

Strategy 2: Creating content that gets views

Finding the perfect niche won’t be the magic bullet. You still need to generate views. There’s actually a strategy you can lean into to boost YouTube views than you’re used to getting right now.

The biggest channels on YouTube aren’t just throwing random ideas at the wall. They follow specific blueprints. For instance, niches like services for music creators often thrive by addressing unique needs, while gaming channels leverage streaming services to build engaged communities. Once you find videos in your niche that have gone viral, create content modeled after them. 

However, don’t copy them outright. Make them your own. If you’re starting out, your goal shouldn’t necessarily be millions of views but to achieve milestones like 10,000 or 100,000 views. Intentional research and content creation will get you monetized faster, sometimes within a month.

Strategy 3: Thumbnails and click-through rates

Look at the thumbnails of successful videos in your niche. MrBeast’s thumbnails often place him on the left and the object of interest on the right. The object takes up two-thirds of the thumbnail. Nick’s thumbnail, for example, features a large steak and a recognizable element, like Salt Bae’s sprinkle. These elements grab attention, but more importantly, they’re unique to the creator.

To increase impressions and click-through rates, analyze what works in your niche and tweak your thumbnails accordingly. Unique and compelling visuals will draw viewers in.

Strategy 4: Retention and watch time

Increasing your impressions and click-through rate is a fast track to monetization, but it’s not enough. You need to work on retention because you must hit 4,000 watch hours. Here’s how:

1. Hook viewers immediately: Alan Sultanic, a famous copywriter, suggests using assumptive questions. Anticipate viewers’ objections and address them right away.

2. Reduce early drop-offs: The first 30 seconds of your video are critical. Analyze retention graphs in YouTube Analytics and refine your intros to keep viewers engaged.

3. Open and close loops: Tease exciting moments later in the video or ask questions that you answer later. This keeps viewers curious and watching longer.

4. Avoid lengthy outros: Seamlessly transition viewers to another video instead of signaling that the current one is ending. This increases watch time and encourages binge sessions, especially for new viewers.

Strategy 5: Analyzing your performance

After uploading a video, use YouTube analytics tools to see how it’s performing. If your click-through rate is low, revisit your title and thumbnail. Examine audience retention graphs to pinpoint where viewers drop off. If retention drops in the first 30 seconds, adjust your intro for future videos. Look for spikes in rewatching, as they might indicate engaging moments you can replicate.

Strategy 6: Diversifying revenue streams

Once you meet YouTube monetization requirements, interesting opportunities open up. But AdSense shouldn’t be your only income stream. Here’s how to diversify:

• Affiliate marketing: Promote niche-related products and earn commissions on sales.
• Sponsorships: Collaborate with brands for paid promotions.
• Merchandise: Sell branded products to loyal fans.
• Memberships or courses: Offer exclusive content or training.

You can work with creator management platforms such as AIR Media Tech to help you diversify your revenue streams. The platform offers a marketplace and operates a creator ecosystem for creators in all niches. 

Monetization of YouTube with AIR Media-Tech can do wonders for your channel and can boost your income significantly. 

Conclusion

By now, we hope that you have all the insights on how to monetize your YouTube channel by making the right effort and following a strategy that can do wonders for you. By selecting a profitable niche, creating intentional content, and using proven YouTube marketing strategies, you can achieve monetization faster. 

Continuously analyze your performance with YouTube Analytics tools and explore multiple revenue streams to maximize your earnings. Start implementing these tips today, and you’ll be on your way to making money on YouTube.