YouTube Business Models: How Different Creators Make Money

In the last few years, YouTube has evolved from a video-sharing social media to a content monetization platform. Creators now make a living from entertaining their audience, getting a high number of views, and gaining real-life subscribers on their channels. If you want to become a part of the money earners, you can do this with the help of YouTube promotion services and an understanding of the different business models that these creators use.

There are so many opportunities for you to generate revenue on YouTube. Creators make money from its built-in monetization programs, merchandise sales, and ad revenues.

Sounds like something you’re interested in? Let’s get into the details.

1. Becoming a YouTube Partner

Creators on YouTube monetize the platform by signing up for the YouTube Partnership Program. The program allows eligible partners to earn a part of their ad revenue when an ad is shown before, during, or after their videos. It is a great way to earn passive income after you’ve put in enough work to build your channel.

To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following criteria;

• Reside in a country where the partnership program is available;
• Have zero active community guideline strikes on your YouTube channel;
• Have at least 1,000 subscribers;
• Must have at least 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months
• Link your channel with an Adsense account.

2. Branded Merchandise Sales

Many creators venture into selling their personal branded merchandise once they have a large audience. They sell branded apparel, mugs, bottles, and other items they have an interest in selling.

These creators sell their merchandise on e-commerce platforms like Shopify. They talk about it in their videos, include a link to shop, and rely on their loyal subscribers to make purchases.

3. Fan Funding to Support Their Channel

Another common way YouTubers monetize their channels is through fan funding. Creators offer a paid membership plan where fans and subscribers make monthly payments to have access to exclusive content, badges, live chats, and other special information about upcoming events and other areas of interest.

The fan funding feature is only available to YouTube partners who have over 1,000 subscribers.

4. Brand Sponsorship

As the digital space expands, marketers are always on the watch for influencers who can draw awareness to their businesses or brands. Companies pay creators in their niche who have the numbers to help them reach their marketing goals.

Thousands of creators make money by advertising the company’s products or services in their videos. The money they make isn’t usually public and is strictly based on their agreement.

5. Become an Affiliate Marketer

Creators on YouTube can make money as affiliate marketers for Amazon or SaaS companies. They are given a personalized link where they can earn a commission for every sale they make through their link. 

Becoming an affiliate marketer is perfect for all YouTubers who have a sizable number of subscribers, especially those who make review content. Viewers tend to click on the closest link they can find after getting the information they need about a product.

Conclusion

Creators make millions of dollars annually on YouTube. You, too, can begin to make money on this platform once you have the right number of audience and subscribers. Put in the work and stay consistent, and with time, you’ll be raking in the dough.