25 Best Legit Ways to Make Money on YouTube in 2025

1. Ad Revenue via YouTube Partner Program (YPP)

The most well-known way to earn is by enabling monetization through YPP. Once you reach 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, you can earn money from ads that play on your videos.

2. YouTube Shorts Fund

YouTube pays creators for viral Shorts through the YouTube Shorts Monetization program. With 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views in 90 days, you're eligible to earn ad revenue from short videos.

3. Channel Memberships

If you have over 1,000 subscribers, you can offer channel memberships where fans pay a monthly fee for exclusive content like badges, emojis, or members-only videos.

4. Super Chat & Super Stickers

During live streams or Premieres, viewers can purchase Super Chats to highlight their messages or send fun animated Super Stickers, which translates to revenue for you.

5. YouTube Premium Revenue

When YouTube Premium subscribers watch your videos, you earn a share of their subscription fee, based on watch time.

6. Affiliate Marketing

Promote products in your videos and add affiliate links in your description. You’ll earn a commission for every sale. Popular programs include Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and ClickBank.

7. Sponsored Videos

Brands may pay you to create content featuring their product or service. Sponsorship deals vary based on your niche and reach — even small creators can land paid deals with micro-brands.

8. Merchandise Shelf

Once your channel has 10,000 subscribers, you can sell custom merchandise (shirts, mugs, hats, etc.) through the Merch Shelf feature directly under your videos.

9. Sell Digital Products

If you create digital products like eBooks, templates, or printables, promote them in your videos and link them in the description using sites like Gumroad or Sellfy.

10. Online Courses or Coaching

Offer tutorials or in-depth learning via paid courses on platforms like Teachable or Udemy. Use your videos to build authority and drive traffic to your course.

11. Patreon Memberships

Drive your audience to support you on Patreon, offering exclusive videos, shout-outs, or early access to content in exchange for monthly donations.

12. Crowdfunding

Use platforms like Buy Me a Coffee, Ko-fi, or even Kickstarter to get financial support for projects from your viewers.

13. Sell Stock Footage

If you shoot high-quality video, you can repurpose some content for stock video platforms like Pond5 or Storyblocks, earning passive income.

14. License Your Content

Viral or newsworthy videos can be licensed to media outlets through platforms like Jukin Media or ViralHog for a payout.

15. YouTube Automation (Faceless Channels)

Run faceless YouTube channels using voiceovers and stock footage. You can outsource the work and earn from ads, affiliate links, or product promotions.

16. Use YouTube to Drive Traffic to a Blog

Grow your blog with traffic from YouTube. Then monetize your blog through ads (like Google AdSense), affiliate links, and sponsored content.

17. Promote a Service Business

If you’re a freelancer or offer services like coaching, editing, or consulting, use YouTube videos to attract and convert clients.

18. Podcasting via YouTube

Video podcasts (or audio with visuals) can build a loyal audience. Monetize through sponsors, memberships, and ads.

19. Create Reaction or Commentary Channels

These channels are growing fast. With clever editing and personality, you can monetize commentary, review, or reaction content.

20. Gaming Content & Live Streams

Gaming channels earn through ads, donations, affiliate links, and sponsorships. Use live streams with Super Chat for real-time earnings.

21. ASMR or Meditation Videos

These types of videos rack up long watch times, helping boost ad revenue. You can also sell relaxation tracks or digital bundles.

22. Dropshipping Store Promotions

Start a dropshipping store and use your channel to promote products, then drive traffic to your store using product review or lifestyle content.

23. Create a Kids or Educational Channel

Children’s content can generate high views. Just make sure to comply with COPPA guidelines and YouTube’s kids’ content rules.

24. Tutorials & How-To Videos

Evergreen content like tech tutorials, software guides, or DIY crafts can drive steady traffic and recurring ad income.

25. Collaborate with Other Creators

Cross-promotions, collabs, or shout-outs can lead to mutual growth and joint income through co-branded content or sponsor deals.

Tips to Maximize Your YouTube Earnings

Consistency is key: Upload regularly to build a loyal audience.

Niche down: Focus on a specific topic to grow faster.

Engage your audience: Ask questions, reply to comments, and build a community.

Optimize your videos: Use strong titles, thumbnails, and SEO tags to increase views.

Analyze your data: Use YouTube Analytics to understand what works best.

Conclusion: The YouTube Goldmine

YouTube isn’t just a hobby anymore — it’s a full-fledged income source with dozens of legit ways to make money. Whether you're just starting or already gaining traction, choose a few monetization methods that align with your content and audience. With patience, consistency, and creativity, you can turn your channel into a long-term business.