So, you want to make money on YouTube? Good choice. Every day, creators earn from videos that people binge-watch while eating pizza, brushing their teeth, or pretending to study.
I still remember when I uploaded my first YouTube video back in 2017 — it got 23 views (and I think 20 of them were me refreshing the page). Today, the game has changed. YouTube monetization in 2025 is more accessible than ever, but only if you know the right steps.
Let’s break it down in a way that’s stupid simple, slightly funny, and actually useful.
Step 1: Set Up Your YouTube Channel Properly
Before the money flows in, you need the foundation: your channel. Think of it as your digital storefront.
Here’s the quick-start guide:
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Create a Google Account
Go to YouTube.com, click Sign In, and make a personal or business account. -
Make Your Channel
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Click your profile icon > Create Channel
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Pick a username that matches your niche (don’t call it “Dave’s Channel” if you’re teaching coding — go for something like “CodeWithDave”).
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Polish the Look
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Upload a profile picture and banner (Canva is your best friend here).
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Write an “About” section filled with keywords like YouTube monetization, make money online, and how to grow a channel.
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Unlock Features
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Apply for intermediate and advanced features (sometimes they ask for ID, so don’t panic).
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✅ Once this is done, you’re officially open for business. Now you just need content that people actually want to watch.
Step 2: Meet the YouTube Monetization Requirements
YouTube doesn’t hand out money like Oprah giving away cars. You need to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) first:
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1,000 subscribers
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4,000 public watch hours (on long-form videos)
OR -
10 million Shorts views in 90 days + 1,000 subscribers
Other rules:
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No community guideline strikes
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No shady, spammy content
👉 Once you hit the requirements, apply inside YouTube Studio > Earn. You’ll also need an AdSense account (where your money gets deposited). Make sure your address and payment details are correct.
Step 3: Ways to Monetize YouTube in 2025
Here’s where it gets fun. Once approved, you’ve got multiple ways to turn views into cash.
Comparison Table: YouTube Monetization Options
| Method | What It Is | Money Potential | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ad Revenue | YouTube ads play on your videos | Moderate | All creators |
| Channel Memberships | Fans pay monthly for perks | High | Loyal, niche-based audiences |
| Super Chats/Stickers | Viewers tip during live streams | Good | Streamers & entertainers |
| Merch Shelf | Sell branded merch directly under your videos | High | Creators with strong branding |
| YouTube Premium | Earn from Premium users watching your videos | Passive | Everyone |
Let’s Break It Down
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Ad Revenue: The classic. Ads run on your videos, you get a cut. Think of it as the “salary” of YouTube.
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Channel Memberships: Offer perks like exclusive videos or Discord access. Monthly recurring income is nice!
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Super Chats & Stickers: Best if you can stream live. Imagine viewers paying just to make their message glow on-screen.
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Merch Shelf: Use tools like Printful or Teespring to sell mugs, hoodies, or socks with your face on them.
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YouTube Premium Revenue: When Premium users watch your content, you get a slice. Totally passive.
👉 Bonus streams: Affiliate marketing, brand sponsorships, and selling your own courses.
Real-World Examples (2025)
Let’s add some proof that this works.
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MKBHD (Tech Reviewer)
Marques Brownlee didn’t just rely on ad revenue. He mixes sponsorships, merch, and YouTube Premium — building a multi-million-dollar empire. -
Emma Chamberlain (Lifestyle Vlogger)
She turned her YouTube fame into a coffee brand, merch line, and podcasts. Proof that YouTube can launch real businesses. -
MrBeast (Entertainment)
Love him or hate him, MrBeast is the king of monetization. Ad revenue, merch, apps, and sponsorships fund his massive projects. He’s proof you can scale beyond the platform.
FAQs About YouTube Monetization
Q: Can I monetize YouTube Shorts?
Yes. But you need 10M Shorts views in 90 days + 1K subs.
Q: Do I need 1,000 subscribers to earn?
Yes, for AdSense. But you can still earn via affiliate links or sponsorships before hitting that milestone.
Q: How long does approval take?
Usually a few days, but sometimes up to a month.
Q: Can I use copyrighted music?
Nope. Use YouTube’s free Audio Library or royalty-free tracks.
Q: Is the YouTube Partner Program free?
Yes, no hidden fees.
Conclusion: Your Turn to Shine
Starting on YouTube might feel like screaming into the void, but here’s the truth: consistency + value = growth. If you stay patient, avoid shortcuts, and focus on content that helps or entertains, the money will follow.
Remember, YouTube isn’t just about ad revenue anymore. It’s a platform to build a brand, sell products, and even launch businesses.
🚀 Now it’s your turn. Have you started your YouTube channel yet? Drop your niche in the comments — I’d love to see what you’re building. And if you found this guide useful, sign up for my newsletter where I share weekly tips on making money online in 2025.