10 ways to monetize on YouTube
Mar 31, 2025 – [[read-time]] minute read
This April, YouTube turns 20 and we celebrate 20 years of the Creator Economy. With 3 million channels in the YouTube Partner Program –700,000 in just the last three years – and a staggering $70 billion paid out to creators, artists, and media companies over three years, there's never been a better time to create. Ready to monetize? Here are 10 ways to start.
Ads
Our unique revenue-sharing model has long been the core of creator earnings, with creators receiving the majority of revenue generated from ads on their videos. Building on this success, we pioneered Shorts revenue sharing, deepening our commitment to growing creator monetization.
YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is a paid subscription that lets members enjoy ad-free content, background playback, downloads, access to the YouTube Music app, and other cool benefits. The majority of subscription revenue goes to YouTube partners and we’re now also experimenting with Premium Lite, which unlocks additional revenue opportunities.
YouTube Shopping
Want to easily promote products from your own stores or other brands and retailers across YouTube? YouTube Shopping has you covered! You can connect your store to your channel, tag products from other brands in your videos, shorts and livestreams. Creators can choose from thousands of different brands globally.
YouTube BrandConnect
Through YouTube BrandConnect, we’re making it easier for creators and brands to create branded content that is both authentic and effective. BrandConnect brings insights, measurement, and industry expertise to the influencer marketing landscape -- seamlessly connecting brands, creators, and fans.
Channel memberships
Channel memberships empower creators to offer exclusive perks and content to paying subscribers, with pricing set by the creator.
Super Chat
Fans watching livestreams and Premieres can purchase a Super Chat, a highlighted message in the chat stream that stands out from the crowd to get even more of their favorite creator’s attention.
Super Stickers
Super Stickers offer a fun and direct way for fans to support creators during livestreams and Premieres. By purchasing these vibrant stickers, viewers make their appreciation visible and add a playful element to the experience.
Super Thanks
Viewers can give thanks and show appreciation on long-form videos and Shorts through Super Thanks. As an added bonus, fans will get a distinct, colorful comment to highlight the purchase, which creators can respond to.
Ticketing
Music fans can discover upcoming concerts and instantly purchase tickets through our ticketing partner with a single click.
Gifts
Gifts allow viewers to express themselves, show their appreciation, and connect with their favorite creators in real-time during vertical live streams.
At YouTube, we’re invested in every creator milestone. As creators become the next generation of media companies, we’ll continue to deliver more ways to help them find success and turn their passions into profit.