So you want to become a YouTuber? YouTube has been a powerhouse for young talented creators, entrepreneurs and hobbyists to create a full-time income from home. It’s the most disruptive social network completely changing how we consume media.
YouTube has grown to become the world's largest video-sharing network, allowing you to reach a wide range of audiences. With this platform's high level of engagement, it's no surprise that many people try their hand at content creation.
Trends such as vlogging, pranks, talk shows, tips and advice around a certain topic became saturated and competitive. Let’s face it, giving away more cash then you make isn’t sustainable for YouTubers getting started.
How do YouTubers make money?
YouTube offers 7 ways for YouTubers to earn money from their videos.
- Advertising Revenue: Estimated $3 to $5 per 1,000 video views
- Channel Memberships: 30/70 Split
- YouTube Shopping: *Unknown*
- Super Chat & Super Stickers: 30/70 Split
- Super Thanks: 30/70 Split
- YouTube Premium Revenue: Distributed to video creators based on watch time of your videos.
- YouTube Shorts Monetization: 45/55 Split
You must be a YouTube partner and your channel must reach certain eligibility before it can start earning money from YouTube.
YouTube creators agree, don’t rely on YouTube ads alone. You must diversify your revenue. Sponsorship, partnerships, merchandise, courses, consulting, products and services are common ways YouTubers make money in the early stages.
How long does it take for YouTubers to make money?
Starting a YouTube Channel is a long term play. Nobody has been an overnight success. Even people who went viral on their first upload still had to continue uploading for years before making a full-time income on YouTube.
As a general rule of thumb is don’t expect many subscribers, views or monetary gains for the first year or 100 videos.
If you can get and keep your viewers attention you can make money on YouTube. If you can do it for a decade, the world is your oyster. MrBeast was reportedly offered 1 billion dollars for his YouTube Channel. This may be the tip of the iceberg of what’s possible when you commit to a YouTube career.
Start your YouTube marketing strategy
People are now using YouTube as a marketing tool because it allows them to connect with a variety of people. Some created video content intending to monetize it.
Yet, many YouTubers continue to struggle with creating content. They fail to market their content due to a lack of an effective marketing approach. The following are the reasons why YouTube creators are poor at marketing:
Lack of strategy and technique
YouTube content creation is more than filming yourself doing random stuff with the hopes of garnering millions of views. It's common for YouTube creators to make the mistake of producing video content without the proper strategy or tactics.
A YouTube creator must be strategic and tactical to create good, effective content. It is critical that you understand how to place every detail in the content. This way, you can ensure that you reach your target audiences.
You can follow the trend that’s popular now. Consider a compelling title, keywords, and phrases to use and then rank them. Learn how to do keyword research and have a careful topic selection. Incorporating this content strategy will help you grow as a creator.
Failure to build the right connection with the audience
Many YouTube creators focus on making great video content. They tend to forget about the relationship their content will (or will not) build with the viewers. While creating content can be fun and exciting, a creator must strategically know how to build an audience.
One effective strategy is to make them feel like they know you. Viewers find it important to know who they watch because it will be their basis for watching your videos. If they like the energy you give, they can be your avid viewers.
The vibe you project through your videos can play a significant role in your success on YouTube. Using technical strategies alone isn't enough at this point. You must relate to your audience to connect with them.
Focusing on one skill only
Many people who try to get into content creation assume that being great at video editing is enough, but this is a huge mistake. There are many factors to consider in creating an effective video. A single YouTube skill won’t give you the desired outcomes you want.
It’s vital to have a thorough understanding of how YouTube works. It won't make sense if you can do amazing video effects but can't do keyword research. YouTubers need many skills, including creative video ideas, thumbnail design skills and more.
Concentrating on one skill will not help your YouTube channel develop. There are an increasing number of video creators entering YouTube. It's critical to have a competitive advantage by innovating and developing your talents.
Is being a YouTuber Hard?
Being a real “YouTuber” is hard. Look at what Airrack went through to reach his first 1 million subscribers. The guys at YesTheory have had some emotional ups and downs. Popular vlogger Roman Atwood has to go into protective custody. The original “gold digger” prankster Vitaly ended up in jail. Even the Nelk Boys’ MTV Jesse has taken a step back while Kyle presses on.
In conclusion
There are many ways to become a YouTuber. You don’t need to have a marketing background. You need some marketing strategies and the ability to create great videos that connect with your audience over a long period of time.
Be patient - growing a YouTube channel takes time, so be prepared to put in the work and keep creating great content.
For more information, check out the following guides:

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