In partnership with

Start learning AI in 2025

Everyone talks about AI, but no one has the time to learn it. So, we found the easiest way to learn AI in as little time as possible: The Rundown AI.

It's a free AI newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on the latest AI news, and teaches you how to apply it in just 5 minutes a day.

Plus, complete the quiz after signing up and they’ll recommend the best AI tools, guides, and courses – tailored to your needs.

Sign up to start learning.

YouTube Monetization Made Easy: The 2025 Guide for Side Hustlers, Solopreneurs, and Content Creators

So, you’ve decided to start a YouTube channel to make money. Great choice! YouTube offers incredible earning potential, but the road to monetization can initially feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—I’m here to guide you through every step of the process.

YouTube’s Monetization Requirements

Before you can start earning ad revenue, you need to meet this YouTube Partner Program (YPP) requirements:

1. 1,000 Subscribers

2. 4,000 Watch Hours in the last 12 months OR 10 million Shorts views in 90 days.

3. Follow YouTube Policies: No copyright strikes or violations of community guidelines.

4. Link a Google AdSense Account to get paid.

Once you hit these milestones, you can earn from ads, channel memberships, Super Chats, and more.

Tips to Meet Monetization Requirements in 3–6 Months

Achieving these goals quickly requires strategy and consistency. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose a Niche with High Demand
   Pick a genre that aligns with your passion and has a large audience. Examples include tech reviews, fitness, or personal finance.

2. Post Consistently
   Upload at least 1-2 videos per week. Consistency builds an engaged audience.

3. Make Quality Content
   Invest in good lighting, clear audio, and engaging thumbnails. Even basic editing makes a huge difference.

4. Leverage AI Tools
   AI can help streamline your workflow and improve your videos:

   • Descript: Simplifies video editing with text-based edits. Great for trimming errors quickly.

   • Pictory AI: Turns scripts or blogs into engaging videos with visuals and voiceovers.

   • TubeBuddy: Optimizes video titles, tags, and descriptions for better search rankings.

   • Canva: Designs eye-catching thumbnails and channel art easily.

   • ChatGPT: Generates video scripts, captions, or content ideas.

   • VidIQ: Offers insights into keywords, competition, and trending topics.

5. Optimize for SEO
   Research keywords for your niche using TubeBuddy or VidIQ. Use these keywords in your video title, description, and tags.

6. Engage with Your Audience
   Reply to comments, ask questions in your videos, and create polls or community posts to connect with viewers.

7. Use Shorts
   Short-form content can go viral faster, helping you increase views and subscribers.

Top 10 Genres for Monetization and Their CPM

CPM (Cost Per Mille) is how much advertisers pay for 1,000 views on your channel. Here are 10 high-earning niches:

Choosing a niche with a higher CPM can maximize your earnings once you’re monetized.

Making Money Before Monetization

You don’t have to wait to join the YouTube Partner Program to start earning! Here are some strategies to generate income early:

1. Affiliate Marketing
   Promote products or services in your niche using affiliate links. For example, review products on Amazon and include affiliate links in your video descriptions.

2. Sponsorships
   Partner with brands that align with your audience. Even small creators can secure sponsorships by pitching to companies.

3. Sell Your Own Products
   Create and sell eBooks, courses, or merchandise related to your niche.

4. Crowdfunding
   Platforms like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee allow viewers to support you directly.

5. Freelancing
   Use your channel as a portfolio to attract clients for skills like video editing, graphic design, or coaching.

Building an Email List and Community for Long-Term Success

Why focus on email lists and community? Because social platforms come and go, but your audience is yours forever.

• Start an Email Newsletter
  Use tools like Beehiiv or ConvertKit to collect email addresses and send updates, tips, or exclusive content.

• Create a Private Community
  Platforms like Skool or Discord let you build a dedicated space where your fans can connect and support each other.

Benefits of an email list and community:

• Direct access to your audience (no algorithm interference).

• Higher conversion rates for selling products or services.

• Loyal fans who stick with you for the long haul.

Final Thoughts

YouTube monetization is achievable with the right plan and tools. Focus on quality, consistency, and engaging content, and don’t forget to diversify your income streams. Building an email list and community ensures your success isn’t tied to YouTube alone.

Start now, stay consistent, and you’ll be celebrating your first YouTube paycheck sooner than you think!

Book of the Week

YouTube Channels For Dummies

by Rob Ciampa, Matt Ciampa, Rick Murphy, and Jackie Swansburg Paulino

Unleash Your Video Stardom!

 Ready to shine on the world's biggest stage? With YouTube Channels For Dummies, you'll unlock the secrets to creating powerful videos and channels that captivate audiences and propel your brand to stardom. Four renowned experts guide you through every step, from ideation to production, promotion, and monetization.

 Master video planning, filming, and editing that demand attention

Discover cutting-edge tech and tools to capture the perfect shot

Explore audio and lighting magic to elevate your content's cinematic quality

Develop a loyal community of engaged fans and customers with YouTube Analytics and learn how to leverage AI to streamline your video planning and scheduling.

 When you've mastered content creation and built your audience, it's time to build your business. YouTube Channels For Dummies reveals proven strategies for monetizing your channel through:

Advertising programs

Sponsorships

And more monetization and brand opportunities

Whether you're a bedroom broadcaster, a business looking to reach a global audience, or anywhere in between, this jargon-free guide is your ticket to YouTube superstardom. Get ready to claim your share of the spotlight.

The YouTube Formula: How Anyone Can Unlock the Algorithm to Drive Views, Build an Audience, and Grow Revenue

by Derral Eves

The Wall Street Journal bestseller!

Includes a FREE companion online course

Learn the secrets to getting dramatic results on YouTube

Derral Eves has generated over 60 billion views on YouTube and helped 24 channels grow to one million subscribers from zero. In The YouTube Formula: How Anyone Can Unlock the Algorithm to Drive Views, Build an Audience, and Grow Revenue, the owner of the largest YouTube how-to channel provides the secrets to getting the results that every YouTube creator and strategist wants. Eves will reveal what readers can't get anywhere else: the inner workings of the YouTube algorithm that's responsible for determining success on the platform, and how creators can use it to their advantage.

Full of actionable advice and concrete strategies, this book teaches readers how to:

· Launch a channel

· Create life-changing content

· Drive rapid view and subscriber growth

· Build a brand and increase engagement

· Improve searchability

· Monetize content and audience

Replete with case studies and information from successful YouTube creators, The YouTube Formula is perfect for any creator, entrepreneur, social media strategist, and brand manager who hopes to see real commercial results from their work on the platform.

QuikCoach by Hugh Lee Johnson

Book a free 1:1 Discovery Call to see if personalized coaching might be right for you.

Coaching Sessions if you choose to work with QuikCoach are provided in the following disciplines:

• AI Integration & Business Productivity

• Business Formation & Compliance

• Business Credit & Finance 

• E-mail Newsletter Publishing

• Life & Career Coaching

• Relationship Coaching

 “Life waits for no one… learn quik!”

 Book your 1:1 Discovery Call now!