Make Money on YouTube? Here Are 5 Easy Ways

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t dream of getting rich on YouTube?

Take a look around: even your neighbor’s kid who spends every day dancing and pulling funny faces can now afford a car.

So, if you’re looking for a shortcut to becoming a millionaire without breaking your back, here are five ways to do it. But fair warning, this isn’t for quitters.

If you’re the type to cry over just five views, you might as well close this article now.

1. Collaborate with Brands

So, here’s the most popular way to make money on YouTube: sponsored content or collaboration with brands.

Don’t just imagine that you’re only sent products and asked to do unboxing in front of the camera. It’s much more complicated than that, full of tricky tactics that might make you think, “Why not just become a salesperson?”

In this world, there are two types of people:

1. Those Who Can Maintain Authenticity and the ‘No Selling’ Vibe Even When They’re Endorsing a Product.

These are people who are very skilled at communication, especially in the world of endorsements or promotions.

They can endorse a product or service in a very subtle way, without coming across as pushy.

Even though they’re clearly paid to promote a specific product, the way they present it doesn’t make the audience feel like they’re being forced to buy something.

Example:

Imagine a beauty influencer talking about a skincare product. Instead of saying, “You have to buy this product, it’s cheap and amazing!”, they might say, “So, I’ve been using this product for the past few weeks, and my skin feels so much more hydrated. Give it a try if you’re dealing with the same skin issues.”

This approach makes the audience feel like they’re getting advice from a friend, not someone who’s just trying to sell something.

Authenticity is key here because viewers are more likely to trust someone who speaks sincerely and not excessively.

They can maintain the “I’m not selling” vibe while still promoting a product very effectively.

Their ability to maintain this authenticity also comes from how they choose the brands they work with. They usually select brands they truly believe will resonate with their audience or that they have used before.

It’s not about “getting paid for everything,” but about preserving credibility. As a result, the audience feels valued, not like a target market.

2. Those Who, Like Hungry People Seeing Food, Can’t Help But Push Products in a Very Obvious and Embarrassing Way.

On the other side, there are people who, for some reason, can’t resist making it clear that they’re endorsing something.

They push products in a very visible and sometimes embarrassing way, making the audience feel like they’re being forced to buy something they probably don’t need.

Example:

For instance, an influencer might suddenly start adding a sponsored product to every video, even if the product isn’t relevant to the content.

They might say something like, “Okay guys, before we start the video, I want to tell you about this AMAZING product! You have to buy it because it’s perfect for you.”

Then, they’ll continue to promote it relentlessly throughout the video. If too many products are promoted in an obvious, forced way, it can make the audience uncomfortable.

They often emphasize the “must-buy” aspect.

Usually, they focus more on material benefits (like commissions) than the actual benefits of the product itself. For example, “Get a 50% discount if you use my code, and remember, it’s only valid until tomorrow! You don’t want to miss out on this chance, right?”

Because this approach is so clearly sales-oriented and lacks authenticity, the audience feels like they’re being bombarded with a “sales pitch.”

It’s even worse if the promotion happens at the wrong time or too often, causing the audience to feel disappointed and think, “This isn’t the content I signed up for, it’s just an ad.”

The Main Difference Between These Two Types:

Authenticity vs. Clear Promotion

• The first type can maintain the impression that they’re not selling something, even though they’re endorsing a product. They do this in a very subtle, almost invisible way. Authenticity is their key.
• The second type, on the other hand, tends to be overly obvious and aggressive in pushing products. They don’t try to hide the fact that they’re selling something, and their approach is usually very clear and sometimes excessive.

Audience Reactions

• The first type tends to gain more trust from their audience because they leverage their authority and reputation. The audience feels like they’re getting valuable information, not just hidden ads.
• The second type often receives negative reactions because they seem too “forced” or even manipulative. The audience feels pressured to buy something, which can lower engagement and trust.

Communication Style

• The first type is more likely to use a conversational tone and focus on the long-term benefits of a product. They highlight personal experiences and offer more natural reviews.
• The second type uses a more structured style and sometimes feels scripted, emphasizing “cheap prices” or “discounts,” which can come across as direct selling.

In the end, these differences are crucial for influencers or YouTubers to maintain their relationship with their audience.

Sure, everyone needs money, but the audience also wants to feel valued, not just used as a tool to achieve the influencer’s financial goals.

If you can find a balance between promoting products and staying authentic, you can make money without compromising your integrity.

But if you go overboard with selling, be ready for your audience to leave!

Ultimately, collaborating with brands can generate a lot of income, but the key is how you promote the product. Don’t let it feel like you’re constantly selling something.

If you can maintain a balance between promotion and authenticity, you can earn money without losing your integrity.

However, don’t forget that even though many can make a lot of money from endorsements, the audience still wants to feel appreciated. So, make sure you’re not pushing promotions too often, or your audience might leave!

Remember, being an influencer isn’t just about money, it’s also about maintaining a good relationship with your audience. Don’t let them feel deceived, even if you’re getting paid a lot.

2. Join the YouTube Partner Program

Ah, YouTube Partner Program (YPP). This is the main route for YouTubers to start making money from their videos.

Sounds easy, right?

Just create content, upload it, and place ads in the videos. Every time someone watches an ad on your video, you make money. The more views, the more money.

You could say, YPP is the shortcut to “getting rich overnight” on YouTube, but don’t be mistaken, there’s a price to pay.

Imagine this: you work hard to create a video, editing here and there, trying out cool and creative ideas to grab attention, and finally, your video gets lots of views.

Then, YouTube starts putting ads on your video, and voilà, you start making money!

But don’t get too excited, because there’s one thing you need to prepare for: the ever-awake netizens.

Yes, while you’re earning from ads, you also have to be ready to be scolded, mocked, or even bullied by netizens who feel that these ads are disrupting their viewing experience.

In fact, they might see you as a “walking ATM machine” that’s only relying on ads to fill your wallet.

So, it’s not just about watching videos; they’re also ready to share their thoughts on how annoying those ads are.

Ads That Are Considered Annoying

Ever watched a YouTube video that was filled with ads, whether it was a non-skippable pre-roll ad or an annoying banner at the bottom of the video?

If you’ve experienced this, you know how it feels, right?

It’s an experience almost every netizen faces. And if you’re a YouTuber monetizing your videos through YPP, well… you’re going to feel the backlash.

Some netizens won’t hesitate to comment angrily, saying things like, “Why are there so many ads? It’s so uncomfortable to watch this video!” or “Ugh, this ad is too long, I’m losing interest.”

And worse, you’re the one they’re mad at!

Even though ads are the primary income for many YouTubers, netizens don’t always understand why these ads are there.

They think YouTube should be a place free from interruptions, so when a non-skippable ad pops up, they immediately comment in disappointment and anger.

They may even say things like, “If you’re only making videos to earn money from ads, you might as well stop making videos!”

So, while YouTube gives you the opportunity to make money, you also have to be prepared to be the easy target for all the complaints and anger from netizens who feel disrupted.

Wealth comes with a price, and that price is the criticism from viewers who feel they have the right to decide what should and shouldn’t be in your video.

45% of Your Earnings Aren’t Fully Yours

Don’t forget, YouTube takes 45% of every dollar you make through YPP.

So, even though a lot of ads may appear on your video, and even if your video gets millions of views, YouTube will still take a large portion of that revenue.

YouTube only gives you the remaining 55%, meaning, even though you might think you’re successful with all the ads showing up, your earnings won’t be as big as you expect.

Example of YouTube Earnings Calculation

Imagine you’re a YouTuber with a video that gets 1 million views in a month. Based on the average earnings from YPP, YouTube typically pays around $1 to $3 per 1,000 views. For this example, let’s use the middle value of $2 per 1,000 views.

So, with 1 million views, you would make $2,000 from ads.

But that’s not all. Since YouTube takes 45% of this revenue as its share, you’ll only receive 55% of the total ad earnings.

Result:

• Total earnings from 1 million views = $2,000.
• YouTube takes $900 (45%).
• You receive $1,100 (55%).

This means, even though you’re getting lots of views and ads keep showing up, you still need to work hard to make sure the ads aren’t bothering your audience and that your content stays appealing.

Because if you show too many ads or interrupt your audience with long ads too often, not only will your earnings be affected, but your viewers might leave and never return to your channel.

Are Ads the Only Source of Income?

Not at all.

YouTube offers more than just ad monetization.

However, even though there are other options like channel memberships or super chats, for many YouTubers, ads remain the main source of income.

And even though there are many creative ways to increase your earnings (such as through sponsorships or selling products), ads are still the ‘hero’ that brings in big money but also causes stress.

But sometimes, the problem isn’t just about how many ads are showing up. YouTube itself may tweak its algorithms in ways that prevent videos that used to be monetized from qualifying anymore.

For example, YouTube might lower your monetization status if you violate certain policies, or if your audience thinks your video doesn’t comply with community guidelines.

Imagine you’ve gotten lots of views, worked hard on creating great videos, and then suddenly YouTube tells you your monetization has been paused because of issues that sometimes aren’t even clear.

Oh, and don’t forget about the automatic demonetization feature that could make you lose money just because YouTube’s algorithm doesn’t understand the context.

Get Ready for Criticism and Complaints

Sometimes, netizens won’t hold back with their criticism.

From complaining that your video is too full of ads to saying things like “You’re all about the money, huh? YouTubers only care about ads, not content!”

If you’re sensitive, be ready to get hurt because netizens might leave you harsh comments like that, even though they don’t realize they’re part of the same system.

Indeed, being part of the YouTube Partner Program is an effective way to earn money, but you must be prepared to face the reality that you’ll often encounter netizens who feel entitled to criticize.

Even if you’ve tried to provide the best content, they won’t hesitate to offer sharp criticism.

3. Affiliate Marketing

Who wouldn’t want extra income without having to stand in front of a store selling products?

This is where affiliate marketing comes in as a smart solution for many YouTubers.

By simply recommending products or services you love and may already use, you can earn a commission every time someone purchases through the link you share.

Easy, right?

You don’t need to stock products, ship them, and most importantly, you don’t have to be a salesperson trying to convince others to buy.

However, even though you don’t have to engage in “hard selling” and market products directly, netizens still won’t be at ease if you frequently link affiliate links in your video descriptions or mention certain products in your videos.

So, be prepared to be bullied, labeled as a “salesperson”, or even called a “liar”.

Selling Without Selling? That’s Affiliate Marketing

With affiliate marketing, you can make money simply by adding a product link to your video description or mentioning it in your content.

For example, let’s say you make a video reviewing a camera, and you absolutely love the camera you’re using.

You recommend your audience buy that camera through your affiliate link. Every time someone makes a purchase through your link, you’ll get a commission, which may not be much per purchase, but over time, it adds up if many people buy.

“But I’m just recommending it, I’m not selling!”

If you think that, get ready to be called a “salesperson.”

Because even though you’re just offering a suggestion or saying the product is great, many people feel you’re just trying to make money by slipping affiliate links everywhere.

Instead of appreciating your content, they might comment things like, “Wow, this is starting to feel like an ad!” or “Why is every video of yours just selling stuff?”

In reality, you’re just giving an honest recommendation about a product you genuinely like and have used.

Why Do People Feel Played?

One reason why people can get upset about affiliate marketing is the feeling of being manipulated.

They feel that your recommendation isn’t genuine, but rather a tactic to profit off them.

They see you not as a creator offering content based on your interests or expertise, but more like a “salesperson disguised as a nice person.”

Imagine if you frequently recommend high-priced items or create overly promotional videos that seem focused solely on promoting one product.

Even though you’re not directly selling anything, people still feel bombarded by hidden ads that seem to push them into making a purchase.

Additionally, the “buy now!” slogans or constant emphasis on the benefits of the product can further damage your image as a creator.

Your audience may think every piece of content you create is just a shortcut to earning commissions.

Even if you don’t use overly harsh words, the audience still feels your main goal isn’t to share knowledge, but more about making money from product recommendations.

How Can You Avoid Being Labeled a Salesperson?

Of course, there are steps you can take to ensure affiliate marketing doesn’t get you labeled as a “salesperson.”

First, don’t overdo affiliate links. Maybe once a month or twice, so your audience doesn’t feel like every video is just about selling.

Second, make sure your product recommendations are genuinely honest and relevant to your audience. If you review products that relate to the topics you cover and that you’ve personally used, your audience is more likely to value your opinion.

For example, if you’re a gamer and recommend gaming equipment you’ve used yourself, people will trust you more because they’ll feel it’s a sincere recommendation, not just for commission.

Third, offer extra value to your audience.

For example, you can provide guides or tutorials on how to use the product effectively.

This will show that you’re offering more than just a purchase link, and your audience will feel like they’re getting more benefit, rather than just being targeted for a sale.

Criticism Like “Stop Talking About Sales All the Time!”

Even if you follow all these steps, sometimes people will still feel bombarded by the “sales” that aren’t obvious.

Sometimes, even though you try to stay honest and not push your audience too hard, some will still feel like you have a hidden agenda.

For instance, you might get comments like: “I follow you for the content, not to buy stuff!” or “You should make videos that are actually entertaining, not just about selling!”

This is the harsh reality you’ll face if you venture into affiliate marketing.

You can’t avoid criticism, especially from those who believe you should focus on content, not “buying and selling.”

When Can Affiliate Marketing Be a Good Solution?

On the other hand, affiliate marketing can also be a very profitable solution for creators who want to earn extra income without bothering their audience with products they don’t need.

Many YouTubers have successfully earned passive income from affiliate marketing, without needing to engage in embarrassing hard-sell tactics.

So, even though you may sometimes be labeled a “salesperson”, it doesn’t mean you can’t do affiliate marketing in a classy and wise way.

The key is to maintain integrity, offer relevant recommendations, and provide value to your audience, not just drop links and hope for sales.

Keep in mind, affiliate marketing does offer a chance to earn extra income without having to be a pushy salesperson, but still, some netizens won’t accept you constantly slipping product links into all your content.

So, be wise in taking advantage of this opportunity, and make sure you don’t fall into the negative image of a “salesperson” chasing commissions.

4. Sell Your Expertise

Nowadays, becoming an online teacher or digital instructor can be one of the most profitable ways to make money on YouTube.

With a wide range of topics to teach, from cooking, photography, and digital marketing to even how to play the guitar, selling knowledge can be a huge opportunity.

All you need to do is create tutorial content or courses and invite people to buy digital products like e-books, paid courses, or consultation services.

But remember, there is one very important thing when selling knowledge: don’t pretend to be an expert, especially if you’re not!

Why?

Because even though we can teach people just about anything, from makeup techniques to gaming skills, people can quickly realize if you’re just talking without a solid foundation.

It’s not just about expertise, but also about delivering knowledge in a way that feels genuine and not know-it-all.

If you provide a tutorial that feels like you’re just trying to teach but don’t truly understand what you’re teaching, the audience will feel deceived and disappointed.

In the end, instead of earning an income, you could lose credibility.

Be an Online Teacher, But Don’t Be a Know-It-All

Indeed, there are many platforms and opportunities to become an online instructor.

For example, you can create course videos on YouTube or platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare.

Many YouTubers have been successful in generating large incomes by selling courses or tutorials. However, the problem is that many people who are just starting to sell knowledge don’t have much expertise yet.

As a result, what they teach often feels half-baked and seems like common knowledge that most people already know.

Example:

If you start creating tutorials about video editing and only give a few basic tips that can easily be found on Google, people will feel like it’s just a copy-paste job with no added value.

They might even feel like you’re just selling something they already knew, but in a more expensive format.

So, instead of attracting interest, people will feel disappointed and won’t buy from you again.

It’s important to always be honest about your abilities and expertise.

If you truly know a lot about something and can convey it clearly and helpfully, people will appreciate it.

But if you’re just talking to sell something, your audience will definitely notice and won’t buy anything from you again.

Another Example:

Imagine you create a course about digital marketing.

You confidently teach people about SEO, how to create effective ads on social media, and so on.

But when people join your course, it turns out the material only covers 5 basic tips that can be found in free articles.

People will be really disappointed, right?

They’ll feel tricked.

But if you focus on offering greater value, like case studies or personal experiences that really lead to practical solutions, they’ll appreciate your course more.

Don’t Fall into the “Know-It-All” Trap

Most people tend to think that if they want to succeed at selling knowledge, they have to appear super smart and know more than everyone else.

This is a common trap, especially for beginners. Many people emphasize their made-up greatness rather than sharing real experiences that they can actually teach.

For example, you might start discussing things that sound sophisticated and complex, like “more advanced marketing strategies” or “psychological theories that every digital entrepreneur should understand.”

But who will believe you if you only know theory and not practical application?

Don’t pretend to be smart—it’s better to show your expertise through concrete, proven actions. Don’t just talk without having real experience or evidence.

Be Honest, Don’t Make People Feel Stupid

Another big issue is when you start teaching something in a know-it-all or overly professional way, you could make your audience feel stupid or incapable of keeping up.

For example, if you create a tutorial about graphic design apps but use technical language that only professional designers can understand.

If you keep using jargon that’s hard to follow, beginners in your audience will feel alienated and won’t understand what you’re explaining.

It’s really important to use easy-to-understand language, especially if your audience is just starting to learn.

So, don’t make them feel dumb just because you want to appear smarter.

Instead, be a patient teacher who can explain things in a simple and relatable way.

How to Be an Honest and Credible Online Teacher?

If you really want to be a respected online teacher, you must focus on quality, honesty, and transparency.

Here are some tips you can try:

1. Know your expertise boundaries – Never teach something you haven’t mastered or only understand superficially. It’s better to focus on what you really understand and can teach well.
2. Offer more value – Don’t just teach the basics; provide your audience with something they can’t find elsewhere. For example, give practical tips or share personal experiences that can help them solve problems.
3. Use easy-to-understand language – Don’t make your audience feel alienated with confusing jargon. Use language they can understand, especially if your audience is just starting out.
4. Be honest about what you can teach – Don’t try to cover up your weaknesses by pretending to know a lot. People will appreciate you more if you’re transparent and honest about your skills.
5. Offer free content before paid – One of the best ways to build trust is by offering free content first. For example, create tutorial videos or articles that help them. Once they feel helped, they’ll be more likely to purchase your paid courses.

Becoming an online teacher isn’t as easy as it seems. You need to maintain your integrity and don’t pretend to be an expert just for profit.

If you can truly provide valuable knowledge and convey it in an understandable way, your audience will appreciate you and may even be ready to buy the products or courses you offer.

So, selling knowledge is fine, as long as you don’t do it half-heartedly and don’t make people feel deceived by the fake expertise you’re selling.

5. Merchandise

Selling merchandise on YouTube can be a cool way to make money.

Once you have loyal followers who enjoy your content, you can take advantage of this opportunity to offer channel-themed products.

From t-shirts, mugs, bags, to posters, merchandise can be a lucrative revenue stream.

But be careful, don’t let the merchandise you sell make your followers lose interest or start calling you a “salesperson” just showing off.

What Is Merchandise?

Merchandise consists of items that can be sold with designs or logos related to your YouTube channel.

It could be t-shirts with funny quotes from your videos, mugs with your face on them (because who wouldn’t want to drink coffee while looking at the face of someone they like?), or hoodies with a catchphrase from your videos.

The point is, merchandise serves as a keepsake for your loyal followers who want to celebrate their identity as fans.

But here’s the problem: Many YouTubers are tempted to sell merchandise just for the money.

Not because the items are really cool or useful, but because they feel that merchandise is a shortcut to earning money.

And this usually leads to selling items that aren’t even worthy of someone with minimal aesthetic sense. Don’t let your merchandise end up looking cheap!

How to Create Merchandise That Won’t Disappoint Your Followers?

1. Don’t Sell Worthless Items

For example, if you sell a t-shirt with a design that lacks creativity, just a big sentence from your video on the front.

It might seem funny to you, but if the design is ugly or messy, don’t be surprised if people would rather buy something they really need than a shirt with a design that makes them feel embarrassed.

If the design is bad, your merchandise might become the subject of ridicule.

Bad example: A t-shirt with a design that’s too busy, unreadable fonts, or random colors. This will make people think, “What is this? A t-shirt just for branding, no style at all.” Make sure your design is simple yet has a personal touch that makes your fans proud to own the item.

2. Match It with Your Character

Don’t just sell products because “everyone else is selling them.”

If you’re a YouTuber known for educational or inspirational content, don’t just sell items that seem like they’re only for profit.

Your fans need something that reminds them of the values you offer, not just merchandise with your logo on it.

So, if your content is focused on education, for example, sell merchandise with educational value, like cool notebooks with inspirational quotes or mugs that can inspire someone’s morning.

If you’re a gamer, for instance, design hoodies or t-shirts with themes from games or characters featured in your content.

When your merchandise aligns with your brand and persona, your followers will feel more connected and appreciated.

They won’t just buy items, they’ll feel like they’re participating in the community you’ve created.

3. Don’t Just Sell, Understand Market Demand

Before you start selling merchandise, ask your followers what they want.

Create polls or surveys on social media to find out what they desire.

Sometimes, YouTubers feel obligated to sell without thinking about whether their followers really need or want the items.

You might feel proud to sell a t-shirt with a quirky design you think is funny, but don’t be surprised if your followers prefer to buy something they can actually wear every day.

For example, you could sell a comfortable hoodie for hanging out, or a hat that’s not just fashion, but also ties into your channel’s theme.

Instead of just selling t-shirts that can only be worn at home, think about items that are more functional and useful for your audience. This will increase the chances they’ll buy.

4. Make Unique Products

If you only make products that are very similar to what other YouTubers are selling, your merchandise will quickly become too mainstream.

Don’t let your items be less cool than other YouTubers’ merchandise that feature more attractive or unique designs.

Make sure your product has its own unique quality that sets it apart. Whether it’s higher-quality materials, fresher designs, or unique features (like a backpack with lots of pockets or a t-shirt with an interactive design).

For example, if you’re passionate about nature and adventure, why not sell a backpack perfect for adventurers?

Or if your content focuses on fitness, sell merchandise like a water bottle with a tracker. Your merchandise can be more than just a fandom symbol; it can also be useful and functional.

5. Don’t Fall Behind on Trends

Fashion trends and popular products are always changing.

So, you need to be ready to keep up with these developments. Don’t let the merchandise you sell look outdated.

For example, last year, t-shirts with popular cartoon images or memes might have been in high demand. But now, minimalist and elegant designs are more favored. If you’re selling items that are outdated, your followers may lose interest.

Make sure to stay updated with the latest trends, and don’t be afraid to experiment with more modern designs or more creative products.

That way, your merchandise will stay relevant to your audience and show that you truly know what they like.

Merchandise Is More Than Just Selling

Merchandise on YouTube can be a highly profitable revenue stream, but don’t just sell items for the sake of money.

If you want to succeed in selling merchandise, you need to have cool designs, useful products, and most importantly, stay true to your channel’s identity.

Don’t be just a “salesperson” showing off products, make sure the merchandise you sell has extra value for your followers.

Remember, your merchandise isn’t just something people see as “annoying” or “insignificant.”

Turn your merchandise into a symbol of community connection that you’ve built. Don’t just think about the profit also think about providing a more valuable experience for your fans.

Getting Rich on YouTube Is Hard but Not Impossible

Making money on YouTube is like trying to win back an ex who’s moved on: it’s tough, but if you’re persistent, who knows you might succeed. The key is to not give up halfway.

Remember, every successful YouTuber once started with zero views too.

One last tip: don’t create content just for money if it’ll embarrass your family.

If you go viral for cheap stunts, the money might come quickly, but it’ll leave just as fast. Create content you’re proud of, at least for yourself.

Good luck, and let me know when you’ve made it big.

Who knows, I might be able to say, “Hey, that’s my friend who got rich on YouTube!”