Okay, ad revenue is the most obvious way to make money on YouTube. But it’s not the only way—or, to be honest, the best way.

YouTube is half the internet: that’s 1.9 billion users logging in every month. But at the same time, 500 hours of video are uploaded to the site every minute.

1. Join the YouTube Partner Program

The YouTube Partner Program is how regular YouTubers get access to special features on the platform.

You don’t need to be a partner to make money on YouTube (just setting up an AdSense account and getting views is enough to handle that), but being a Partner makes it a lot easier.

YouTube Partners have access to multiple income streams: not just video ads, but YouTube Premium subscription fees, and features that tap your loyal fans’ wallets directly like Super Chat, channel memberships and the merchandise shelf (more on these later.)

2. Sell your own merch

Maybe you identify as a content creator first, and entrepreneur second. (Just remember that even Drake sells t-shirts.)

Alternately, you’re an entrepreneur first and video creator second, which means you probably already have a product, and you’re designing your YouTube marketing strategy to sell it.

Step 1: Imagine and design your product

Merchandise for your channel is meant to both represent and feed your audience’s connection with you. That means your merch should be unique.

Step 2: Source and/or build your product

In most cases, you’ll need a manufacturer, supplier or wholesaler to make and deliver your product. Some suppliers will deliver it to you, and some will spare you the headaches of inventory, shipping and returns by handling it themselves.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out Shopify’s how-to on the topic of finding a brick-and-mortar company to make your dream a reality.

3. Become an affiliate marketer

Affiliate marketing might be the most practical way to monetize your YouTube traffic, especially if you plan to make product review videos. It works like this:

You find a company or seller with an affiliate program, such as Amazon Associates, and apply to join.

Once accepted, you’ll use their process to create custom links to products you plan to feature in your videos.

Demo, review or make reference to the products in your YouTube videos, and paste your custom affiliate marketing link(s) in the description field when you upload.

As an affiliate of a brand, you’ll earn a commission when a viewer clicks your custom link and purchases the product.

While Amazon Associates is a great way to make money on Amazon, endless other opportunities exist. Search on affiliate marketing sites such as ShareASale and ClickBank for possible corporate partners and products to feature. You can also search your favorite brands’ websites for information on how to become an affiliate straight from the source.

Don’t forget to properly notify your viewers about your affiliation with the brand or brands featured, and be sure to point them to the “link in description” when you shoot your video

4. Create sponsored content through brand deals

Landing a brand deal, also a form of affiliate marketing, is another way to get paid on YouTube: Companies interested in your channel’s audience might sponsor your videos or offer you product placement deals in exchange for a shoutout.

The operative word here is “audience,” which means these types of deals are more likely to present themselves when you develop a following. As your channel grows, you can contact the brands you’d like to work with directly, or use resources like the aforementioned affiliate marketing sites to find corporate partners that complement your style of content.

With brand deals, you can receive lump sum payments, earn commission on a per-sale basis or get the product or service for free.

5. Get Featured on YouTube Premium

How do you make money on YouTube besides running channel advertisements? YouTube Premium is the answer.

YouTube Premium is a paid membership service that enables people to watch ad-free videos. Creators don’t have to do anything, as they’ll automatically get a second revenue stream when YouTube Premium members play their videos.

As with YouTube monetization rules for advertising-based revenue, most of the revenue generated via Premium membership fees will go to creators (total revenue distribution is based on how much Premium members watch your content).

Premium members will also get the opportunity to download and watch your videos offline and play them in the background, which contributes to your watch time.

6. Monetize Live Streams via Super Chat

Super Chat is a popular new way to make money from YouTube. The feature lets your audience buy chat messages that stand out and, in certain instances, pin them to the top of the comments section of a live stream. So, when you go live on YouTube, you can use Super Chat to monetize your stream.

YouTube monetization rates for Super Chat range from $1 to $500, and the company takes a 30% cut from the revenue. For anyone wondering how to make money from YouTube Super Chat, the key is to organize and promote live streams.

Promote them in videos, on other social media platforms, and anywhere else where your audience loves hanging out.

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