YouTube Shorts has exploded in popularity — with over 70 billion daily views and millions of creators using it to grow audiences fast. But here’s the real question: Can you actually make money from YouTube Shorts?
The answer is a big YES! Whether you’re a new creator or already building a YouTube channel, there are multiple ways to turn your 60-second videos into a source of income. In this guide, we’ll walk through 11 proven ways to earn money from YouTube Shorts with actionable tips for beginners and advanced creators alike.
11 Ways to Earn Money from YouTube Shorts
1. Join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
The most direct way to earn from YouTube Shorts is by joining the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Once you meet the eligibility requirements of at least 1,000 subscribers and either 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days or 4,000 public watch hours on long-form videos — you can start earning ad revenue. YouTube shares 45% of ad revenue from Shorts with creators, based on the number of views and engagement. By consistently uploading quality Shorts and attracting more viewers, you can generate a steady stream of ad income over time.
2. Earn from YouTube Shorts Bonuses & Funds
YouTube has also rewarded creators through Shorts bonuses and creator funds. These incentive programs aim to encourage creativity and reward viral performance. Depending on your country and niche, you might qualify for special payouts or competitions that reward top-performing Shorts. While these bonuses aren’t always consistent, they can be a great way to earn extra money if your content performs well or goes viral.
3. Promote Affiliate Products
Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular ways to earn money from YouTube Shorts, even if you’re not monetized. You simply promote other people’s products or services and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral link. For example, you could review gadgets, promote fitness supplements, or share beauty products in your Shorts. Add your affiliate link in the description or a pinned comment, and whenever viewers make a purchase through that link, you earn money. It’s a smart way to earn passive income while creating valuable content.
4. Get Brand Sponsorships and Collaborations
As your channel grows, brands will start noticing your influence. Many companies are willing to pay creators for promotions and collaborations because Shorts have high reach and engagement. If your content matches a brand’s target audience, you can partner with them for sponsored videos or product placements. Even smaller creators can get sponsorships by building a loyal and engaged audience in a specific niche, such as travel, beauty, or tech. Sponsorships can easily bring in hundreds or even thousands of dollars per collaboration.
5. Sell Your Own Products or Merch
If you have a strong personal brand or audience, selling your own merchandise or digital products can be very profitable. You can design and sell items like t-shirts, mugs, or hoodies featuring your logo or catchphrases. Alternatively, digital products such as eBooks, online courses, or design templates can be sold directly through your YouTube channel. Use your Shorts to showcase these items creatively and encourage viewers to check the link in your description for more details.
Also Read: 60 Best Business Ideas For Students To Earn Money with low Investment
Best Side Jobs To Earn Extra Money
10 Legit Ways to Make Money on YouTube Without Showing Your Face
6. Drive Traffic to Long-Form YouTube Videos
You can also use YouTube Shorts to drive traffic to your long-form videos, where you earn more from ads. For instance, create short teaser clips or highlights that link to your full video. This strategy increases overall channel watch time and boosts your monetization potential. By converting casual viewers from Shorts into long-term subscribers who watch your main content, you build a stronger and more profitable channel.
7. Offer Paid Promotions or Shoutouts
Once you gain a following, small businesses or other creators might pay you to promote their products or services in your Shorts. These are often called “paid shoutouts” or “promotional videos.” For example, a local brand might pay you to feature their clothing or gadget in a 15-second clip. The payment can range from a small flat fee to a significant amount depending on your views, niche, and engagement rate.
8. Launch Channel Memberships
Another excellent way to earn recurring income is by offering channel memberships. This feature, available through the YouTube Partner Program, allows your fans to support you monthly in exchange for exclusive perks. You can provide members-only Shorts, behind-the-scenes content, custom badges, or early access to videos. Channel memberships are great for building a strong community and ensuring consistent income from your most loyal fans.
9. Use Crowdfunding Platforms
If your Shorts deliver unique value like educational, entertainment, or inspirational content you can ask your audience to support you through crowdfunding. Platforms like Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, or Ko-fi allow fans to contribute money to help you continue creating content. You can offer special rewards, such as shoutouts or exclusive updates, to encourage support. This approach works well for creators who have a dedicated fan base and produce high-quality, niche content.
10. License Your Content
Sometimes your Shorts might go viral and catch the attention of media companies, brands, or online publishers. In that case, you can license your videos and get paid whenever they are used in advertisements, news reports, or social media campaigns. Websites like Jukin Media, ViralHog, and Rumble make it easy to sell the rights to your content. If you consistently create unique or funny videos, licensing can become a valuable additional income source.
11. Create Content for Other Businesses
Finally, if you’re skilled at making engaging Shorts, you can offer your expertise to create short-form videos for other brands or creators. Many businesses are now investing in short video marketing and are willing to pay freelancers or content creators for professional video production. You can charge per video or offer a monthly content package. This is an excellent way to use your skills to generate income without relying solely on your own channel.
Earning Potential from YouTube Shorts
The amount you can earn from YouTube Shorts depends on several factors — including your niche, engagement, audience location, and monetization strategy.
- Ad Revenue: Typically, creators earn between $0.01 to $0.06 per 1,000 views, but this can vary widely.
- Affiliate Marketing: Earnings depend on your product and conversion rate — successful creators make $100 to $5,000+ per month.
- Brand Deals: Sponsorship payments range from $100 for small channels to $10,000+ for larger influencers.
- Merch & Product Sales: Profits depend on your pricing and audience loyalty — some creators earn thousands per month.
- Content Creation Services: Freelancers can charge $50 to $500+ per short video.
While beginners might start with small earnings, consistent posting, strong branding, and audience engagement can lead to significant monthly income.
Final Thoughts
Earning money from YouTube Shorts in 2025 is more accessible than ever, for creators willing to put in consistent effort and strategic planning. From ad revenue sharing and brand sponsorships to selling your own products and licensing viral content, there are numerous ways to turn your short-form videos into substantial income.
The key to success is creating valuable, engaging content that resonates with your target audience, diversifying your income streams, and staying committed to consistent posting. Start with one or two monetization methods and gradually expand as your channel grows. Remember, building a profitable YouTube Shorts channel takes time, but with persistence and the right strategies, you can turn your creativity into a thriving online business.
Related Post: 11 Genuine Ways to Get Free Money
Top 17 Best Profitable Niches For Blogging
FAQs - Earn Money From Youtube Shorts
Ans: Yes, absolutely! You can earn through ad revenue, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, merchandise sales, and more. Even if you’re not yet in the YouTube Partner Program, other income streams like affiliate links and brand deals can generate income.
Ans: To qualify for monetization through YPP, you need 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days and 1,000 subscribers. However, other methods like affiliate marketing or paid promotions don’t require any minimum view count.
Ans: The rate varies depending on your audience’s country and niche. On average, creators earn between $0.01 and $0.06 per 1,000 views from ad revenue. While it might seem small, viral videos with millions of views can still generate a good payout.
Ans: You need 1,000 subscribers to join the YouTube Partner Program, but other income sources like affiliate links, sponsorships, or selling products don’t have any subscriber requirements.
Ans: Shorts that solve problems, review products, or provide entertainment perform best. Niches like tech, beauty, finance, travel, and lifestyle tend to attract higher-paying sponsors and affiliate deals.
Ans: Yes! You can repurpose your YouTube Shorts on Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Facebook Reels. This multiplatform approach increases your exposure and opens up more monetization opportunities.
Ans: Yes! You can repurpose your YouTube Shorts on Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Facebook Reels. This multiplatform approach increases your exposure and opens up more monetization opportunities.
Pingback: How To Earn Money With Voice-Over Work 2025 | Beginner’s Guide