YouTube has become a global platform where content creators can turn their passions into profitable careers.
With the rise of influencers like Mr Beast, the allure of making money through YouTube has never been stronger.
But how exactly do YouTubers earn their income, and what does it take to succeed in this competitive space?
YouTubers primarily make money through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), which allows eligible creators to monetise their content in various ways. Here’s how it works:
YouTube shares a portion of this ad revenue with creators. On average, YouTubers can make anywhere from $0.01 to $0.03 per view, which translates to approximately $1 to $3 per 1,000 views.
For 100,000 views, this could mean earnings of $100 to $300, depending on factors like audience demographics, video length, and content niche.
READ: Why Director Trevor is letting go of the 9M-view YouTube channel he shared with Eve
2. YouTube premium revenue: YouTube Premium subscribers can watch content without ads, but creators still get paid.
Revenue from Premium membership fees is distributed to creators based on how much of their content is watched by Premium members.
3. Channel memberships: Creators can offer channel memberships to their subscribers for a monthly fee.
Members get perks like exclusive badges, emojis, and access to members-only content. This is an additional revenue stream that can be significant for creators with a loyal fanbase.
4. Super chats and super stickers: During live streams, viewers can purchase Super Chats and Super Stickers to stand out in the chat.
These features are another way for creators to earn money directly from their audience.
READ: Top 11 Kenyan YouTube channels with one million subscribers
5. Merchandise sales: YouTube allows creators to showcase and sell their merchandise directly on their channel.
This integration makes it easier for fans to support their favourite creators by purchasing branded items.
To start making money on YouTube, creators must meet specific criteria to join the YouTube Partner Program:
READ: Erick Wokabi, Turbotales & 7 other top car content creators to watch
YouTube’s main source of revenue is advertising, which allows businesses to reach relevant audiences.
As a creator, you share in this revenue through the ads that appear on your videos. The actual amount you earn depends on several factors, including:
YouTube Premium also contributes to your earnings, especially if your content is popular among Premium subscribers.
READ: What it takes to earn the Red Diamond Play Button awarded to only 8 YouTube channels
For those looking to break into the YouTube space, here are some essential tips:
For Kenyan YouTubers, several factors can influence earnings:
READ: Top 10 YouTube influencers in Africa by country
YouTube does not currently offer direct payments through M-PESA. Instead, Kenyan creators can receive payments through:
