Make money from making YouTube videos as a YouTuber. Learn what a YouTuber is, who can do it & how to start a YouTube channel in easy steps.
Do you have a passion, hobby, or expertise you’d love to share with the world? Starting a YouTube channel from home allows you to turn your creativity into a thriving career while connecting with millions of people worldwide. Whether you’re looking to teach, entertain, or inspire, YouTube offers endless opportunities for you to grow your personal brand and earn income right from your living room!
What Is YouTube?
YouTube is an online video-sharing network that allows users to upload, view, and engage with many types of video content. YouTube has become one of the most popular online platforms worldwide since its founding in 2005, with over 2.5 billion monthly active users. People visit YouTube to consume all types of content, from tutorials and vlogs to entertainment, education, product reviews, and more.
YouTube is unique because it allows anyone to upload videos and, with time and effort, potentially build a loyal audience. The platform offers creators a chance to monetize their content through ads, brand deals, and fan contributions, turning it into an effective tool for anyone wishing to share their passion and earn money in the process.
What Is a YouTuber?
A YouTuber is a person who produces and uploads videos to the YouTube platform, building an audience around a particular niche or topic. YouTubers can focus on anything they’re passionate about, such as:
- Vlogging about daily life, travel, or lifestyle topics
- Teaching tutorials in areas like cooking, fitness, beauty, or tech
- Entertainment content like gaming, comedy sketches, or music
- Product reviews and unboxing videos
- Education and inspiration around personal development, finance, or business
Successful YouTubers build a strong connection with their audience by consistently providing value, entertainment, or insight. With time, YouTubers can monetize their channels through advertising, sponsorships, and even merchandise.
Who Is a YouTuber Career For?
A YouTuber career is for anyone who enjoys creating video content and sharing it with an audience. It’s perfect for:
- Creative individuals who love storytelling, performing, or teaching through video
- Entrepreneurs looking to build a personal brand and reach potential customers
- Hobbyists and experts eager to share their knowledge, from gamers to fitness enthusiasts
- Aspiring entertainers who want to express their personality and engage with fans
- Anyone who’s willing to put in the time to grow a channel, regardless of their level of experience with video production
You don’t need expensive equipment or professional editing skills to get started on YouTube—just a phone or camera, a basic understanding of editing, and a passion for your chosen topic.
How Much Can You Make?
A YouTuber Job Pays: Up to $50,000+ per month
Earnings as a YouTuber vary widely depending on several factors like your audience size, monetization strategies, and your niche. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ways YouTubers make money:
- YouTube Ads (AdSense):
- YouTubers can earn money from ads shown on their videos through the YouTube Partner Program. You must have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours throughout the last 12 months in order to qualify.
- Earnings from ads depend on factors like video views, audience demographics, and ad engagement. On average, YouTubers make $2 to $5 per 1,000 monetized views. However, this can increase for channels in high-paying niches like finance or technology.
- Sponsorships and Brand Deals:
- Once you have a large enough audience, brands may reach out for sponsored content. These deals may start from a few hundred dollars to thousands per video, depending on your niche and follower count.
- Affiliate Marketing:
- YouTubers often promote products and services using affiliate links. The YouTuber receives a commission when visitors make purchases using those links.
- Merchandise and Fan Contributions:
- Many YouTubers sell branded merchandise or use platforms like Patreon to offer exclusive content in exchange for fan support.
- Memberships and Super Chats:
- YouTube allows creators to offer channel memberships or receive Super Chats during live streams, where fans can pay to highlight their comments.
- YouTube Premium Revenue:
- Creators also earn a share of revenue when YouTube Premium subscribers watch their videos.
Potential Earnings
While YouTube stardom takes time, effort, and consistency, here’s an overview of how much YouTubers can make based on audience size:
- Small YouTubers (1,000–10,000 subscribers):
- These YouTubers may earn $100 to $1,000+ per month through ads, affiliate marketing, and small sponsorships.
- Mid-sized YouTubers (10,000–100,000 subscribers):
- Earnings grow significantly, with potential income ranging from $1,000 to $10,000+ per month, especially through brand deals and affiliate sales.
- Large YouTubers (100,000+ subscribers):
- Top-tier YouTubers can earn $10,000 to $50,000+ per month or more, depending on their niche, viewership, and additional income streams.
While some YouTubers turn their channels into full-time careers, others use it as a supplementary income source. The key to success lies in producing consistent, valuable content and engaging with your audience.