How to Make Money on YouTube Without Making Videos
Plenty of people assume that becoming a YouTube sensation requires them to churn out content at a breakneck pace. But that’s not always the case. While it’s true that most successful YouTubers put in hours of work every day creating content that their viewers love, there are other ways to make a living on the site that don’t require you to be the next PewDiePie. In this article, we’ll explore a few strategies you can use to start earning money on YouTube without having to make any videos of your own.
Explore YouTube Affiliate Marketing
Let’s start with affiliate marketing – a method that involves promoting other people’s products on your channel and getting a commission in return. It’s a popular way to monetize websites and blogs, and it can work just as well on YouTube. The basic idea is that you’ll promote a product in your videos by including a link in the description or mentioning it in your commentary, and then a small percentage of the sale will be paid to you as a commission.
One of the most successful examples of this is Graham Stephan, his channel provides advice on personal finance and real estate, and his audience numbers have skyrocketed over the past few years. He frequently promotes financial products, such as credit cards or bank accounts, in his videos, and earns a commission when his viewers sign up using his referral link.
If you want to explore affiliate marketing on YouTube, be sure to put in the necessary groundwork first. This means researching which products will appeal most to your audience, making sure that your endorsements are authentic, and staying FTC compliant with the YourTube regulations.
Create Compilations of Popular YouTube Content
Making compilations of popular YouTube content is another easy way to make money on the site. While this method may sound simple, it requires a lot of creativity, research and editing. You can create a channel featuring videos related to music, movies, sports, and TV shows, etc, and then earn money through ad revenue.
One example of a creator who has found success with this method is the channel FailArmy. They create “fails of the week” compilations, and their channel has over 15 million subscribers. The key to their success is that they not only source funny content but also add a unique spin to these compilations, such as adding funny footage or video commentary.
If you want to try this method, keep in mind that you need to make your content unique and comply with the guidelines regarding intellectual property and copyright law. While it’s legal to curate content and put it together, it’s important to ensure the owners of the original videos are credited and that you have permission to use their content.
Write Articles & Make Videos Discussing Popular YouTube Topics
Another way to earn money on YouTube is to create content covering popular YouTube topics. You can start a blog focused on niche topics like beauty, gaming, cooking, travel, etc. Next, you can explore creative ways to incorporate your YouTube channel into your website. This will allow you to monetize any traffic you generate from your videos.
One example of a website that has found success with this method is the blog Cupcakes and Cashmere. The author, Emily Schuman, writes about fashion, lifestyle, and beauty, but she also uses her YouTube channel to showcase her fashion style, create beauty tutorials, and give advice to budding entrepreneurs. The blog has grown in popularity, and the YouTube channel generates additional revenue by driving traffic to the site.
If you’re interested in this method, be sure to create engaging content that attracts traffic to your website. You can monetize your website through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or by advertising. Just keep in mind that building a successful site requires a lot of hard work and dedication.
Utilize Google AdSense
If you’re interested in making money through Google AdSense, it’s a straightforward process to start. AdSense is an advertising program owned by Google that allows content creators to earn revenue by displaying advertisements on their videos. When viewers watch your videos and click ads, you receive a percentage of the revenue generated.
To maximize profits, it’s essential to create engaging and high-quality content that attracts a large number of viewers to your channel. The more views you have, the more ad revenue you will likely generate, so it’s important to put in the necessary work to make your content stand out. A successful example of a YouTuber utilizing AdSense is Jenna Marbles. Jenna’s channel is known for its creative and funny content, with her videos frequently receiving millions of views.
Offer Consultation and YouTube Channel Optimization Services
If you have expertise in the YouTube sphere, one way to monetize your knowledge is through consultation or optimization services. You can offer consultation services to clients who want to improve their channels but don’t have the time or skills to handle it themselves. You can also teach people how to grow their audiences, strategize for ad revenue, or teach video editing techniques, etc.
One example of a channel that has found success with this method is the YouTube Certified Consultant, a channel that focuses on helping creators grow and optimize their channels. They offer various courses and consultation packages for new starters to learn the proven techniques to generate revenue on the platform.
Utilize Sponsored Content Deals
Finally, another way to earn money on YouTube is to partner with brands and create sponsored content. This one requires a lot of creativity to ensure that the content fits well with your audience interests. If you have a passionate crowd, there’s a good chance you can create engaging content that your audience will love.
However, it’s essential to be transparent with your audience when disclosing your sponsored posts. By being honest, you increase your trust with your audience and ensure that you remain within the YouTube guidelines. One example of a successful creator who has partnered with brands is Casey Neistat, who has had several partnerships with Nike and Samsung to promote their products.
Conclusion
Making a living on YouTube without actually creating any videos is a great way to generate an income if you are creative. There are several ways to monetize the site, including affiliate marketing, compilations, offering consultation services, creating sponsored content, and utilizing AdSense. With hard work and persistence, it’s possible to find a monetization strategy that fits your niche.
