If you’re tired of waiting for YouTube to approve you for the Partner Program—or watching pennies trickle in from AdSense—this post is going to change how you think about monetization.
You don’t need 1,000 subscribers.
You don’t need 4,000 watch hours.
And you don’t need a viral video to start earning real income from your content.
In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn exactly how to monetize your YouTube channel before 1,000 subscribers using affiliate marketing. You’ll see why it’s the simplest, fastest, and most platform-proof way to earn passive income as a creator—no sponsorships or brand deals required.
Why Every YouTuber Should Start with Affiliate Marketing
Most creators believe affiliate marketing is a scam. They think it’s only for “gurus” selling expensive courses or shady products. But in reality, affiliate marketing is simply recommending products and services you already use and trustThe Affiliate Program Every You….
Think of it like this:
When a friend asks what microphone you use or what camera you recommend, you share the answer—and in affiliate marketing, you get paid when they buy.
You don’t need a massive audience. You just need influence. People trust creators more than they trust corporations like Walmart or Best Buy because creators feel real and relatable.
And that’s why this system works—even if you’re just getting started.
The Affiliate Program Every YouTuber Should Be Using
There are hundreds of affiliate programs online, but one stands above the rest for beginners: Amazon AssociatesThe Affiliate Program Every You….
Here’s why it’s so powerful:
- You can promote almost anything sold on Amazon.
- It’s 100% free to join.
- You earn commissions on everything someone buys after clicking your link (even if it’s not what you promoted).
That means if someone clicks your link for a $100 microphone but also adds dog treats, towels, or laundry detergent to their cart—you still get paid for all of itThe Affiliate Program Every You….
The commissions are small (1–3%), but the traffic volume and trust factor are unmatched. People already know, like, and trust Amazon. You’re simply connecting them to what they’re already searching for.
How to Set Up Your Amazon Associates Account
- Apply for Free – Visit affiliate-program.amazon.com and create an account.
- Add Your YouTube Channel – Amazon will ask where you’ll share links; just include your YouTube channel URL.
- Get Conditional Approval – You’ll have 180 days to generate 3 qualified sales to stay approved.
- Use Amazon’s SiteStripe Tool – Once approved, use SiteStripe to easily grab your affiliate links for any product.
💡 Pro Tip: Always promote products you’ve actually used. It builds trust and credibility—two things that directly influence your conversion rate.
How to Create Affiliate Videos That Convert
1. Product Review Videos
Start by reviewing products you already own—like your camera, microphone, or lighting setup.
Use specific product names in your titles (e.g., “DJI Osmo 3 Review”). Viewers searching those keywords are already close to buyingThe Affiliate Program Every You….
2. Unboxing & Setup Videos
Show the unboxing experience, setup process, and first impressions. These videos attract high-intent search traffic.
3. Comparison Videos
Compare two or three similar products (e.g., “DJI Osmo 3 vs Sony ZV-E10”). Viewers love side-by-side comparisons because they’re making a final purchase decisionThe Affiliate Program Every You….
4. “Best X for Y” Videos
Create videos like “Best Camera for YouTubers” or “Best Microphone for Streamers.” This format positions you as a trusted guide rather than a salesperson.
5. Answer Common Questions
Think like your audience. Use the “who, what, when, where, why, how” method to generate content ideasThe Affiliate Program Every You….
For example:
- Who is this product best for?
- When should you upgrade?
- How does it compare to others in its price range?
💡 CTA Block:
Want to skip the guesswork and see how I build affiliate systems that pay me daily?
👉 Join the Platform-Proof Profits Membership — get the exact templates, videos, and automation systems I use to earn commissions 24/7.
Why Building an Email List Multiplies Your Income
If you rely only on YouTube, you’re still at the mercy of the algorithm. That’s why you must build a mailing listThe Affiliate Program Every You….
Your email list is your real asset.
Even if your channel gets demonetized or deleted, you’ll still have direct access to your audience.
Here’s how to set it up:
- Create a Lead Magnet – Offer something valuable for free, like a checklist or quick-start guide.
- Build a Landing Page – Use simple copy that speaks to your audience’s pain points and clearly describes your freebie.
- Use an Autoresponder – Software like Gbolt Systems (or AWeber, GetResponse, or GoHighLevel) automatically delivers your freebie and sends follow-up emails.
- Link It Everywhere – Add your opt-in link to every video description, pinned comment, and community post.
Once your list starts growing, you can promote not just affiliate links—but also your own digital products, courses, or memberships.
The Power of Global Affiliate Earnings
Another underrated feature of Amazon’s program is its OneLink systemThe Affiliate Program Every You….
This connects all international Amazon stores (US, UK, Canada, Germany, etc.) to your single affiliate ID. So if a viewer in Germany clicks your link and buys from their local Amazon, you still get paid.
That’s something you can’t do with Walmart, Best Buy, or other retailers. Amazon’s global reach means your commissions never sleep—especially if your videos rank internationally.
From Zero to Passive Income: Real Example
One of my channels has a video with over 249,000 views. That channel is not monetized by YouTube, so AdSense paid me nothing.
But because I had affiliate links in my description, that one video continues to generate commissions month after monthThe Affiliate Program Every You….
That’s the real magic of affiliate marketing:
Your content works for you long after you’ve stopped uploading.
Monetization Strategy: Make Affiliate Marketing Work for You
To recap, here’s the system:
- Pick a niche you already enjoy.
- Choose 3–5 products you use and love.
- Join the Amazon Associates program.
- Create content that reviews, compares, or demonstrates those products.
- Include your affiliate links in every description.
- Build your email list to follow up automatically.
Do this consistently, and you’ll build recurring, platform-proof income while growing your channel.
Final Thoughts: Stop Waiting for YouTube to Pay You
You don’t have to wait until YouTube decides you’re “worthy” of monetization.
You can take control right now.
Affiliate marketing lets you start small, stay authentic, and build income streams that don’t depend on views or ad policies.
💡 Next Step:
If you’re ready to start earning from your channel before hitting 1,000 subscribers, grab my free Affiliate Starter Checklist and learn how to build your first commission funnel today.
👉 Join the Platform-Proof Profits Membership