Discover how to monetize your social media in 7 days
YouTube Shorts has exploded in popularity, and with it, new ways to generate income. But while many people chase viral views, very few know how to turn those views into actual money.
If you’ve been wondering how to make serious income with a YouTube Shorts channel, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ll break down five proven monetization strategies—ranked from worst to best—so you can start generating income without relying on luck or chasing the algorithm.
1. YouTube Partner Program (The Slowest Option)
The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) allows creators to earn ad revenue from their videos, including Shorts. While this is a well-known method, it’s far from the most effective.
How It Works:
- You earn money from ads shown before, during, or after your Shorts videos.
- Earnings depend on RPM (Revenue Per 1,000 Views)—typically ranging from $0.50 to $2.50 for Shorts.
- You need 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days to qualify.
Why This Isn’t the Best Option:
- High View Requirement – 10 million views in 90 days is a steep goal for beginners.
- Low Earnings – Unless you’re pulling massive numbers, your revenue will be small.
- Unreliable Income – Your earnings fluctuate based on ad rates and watch time.
Who This Works For:
- Creators who upload Shorts frequently and can drive millions of views.
- Those looking for a passive income stream once they hit the Partner Program.
2. Affiliate Marketing (A Smarter Strategy)
Affiliate marketing is one of the fastest and most scalable ways to monetize YouTube Shorts.
How It Works:
- You recommend products or services and include affiliate links in your video descriptions.
- When viewers click your link and make a purchase, you earn a commission.
- You can partner with companies like Amazon, ClickBank, or independent brands.
Why This Works:
- No View Threshold – Start earning from Day 1 with zero subscribers.
- High-Payout Potential – Commissions range from a few dollars to thousands per sale.
- Scalability – You can promote multiple products across multiple videos.
Best Niches for Affiliate Marketing:
- Tech & Gadgets – Reviewing trending products.
- Finance – Recommending budgeting apps or investing platforms.
- Fitness & Health – Promoting supplements, workout programs, or digital courses.
Pro Tip:
- Create problem-solving Shorts (e.g., “Best budget laptop under $500”).
- Use a call to action (CTA) like: “Check out my recommended laptop in the description!”
3. Brand Deals & Sponsorships (Big Money)
Once you’ve built an audience, brands will pay you directly to feature their products in your Shorts.
How It Works:
- Companies sponsor a video where you promote their product.
- You get paid a flat fee or receive commissions on sales.
- Even small creators can land micro-sponsorships with just 3,000+ subscribers.
Why This Works:
- Higher Payouts – Sponsored Shorts can pay anywhere from $100 to $10,000 per video.
- Long-Term Deals – Many brands offer monthly sponsorship contracts.
- No View Requirement – It’s all about your niche and engagement rate.
How to Land Brand Deals:
- Reach Out to Brands – Email companies that align with your niche.
- Leverage Influencer Marketplaces – Sites like FameBit or Heepsy connect creators with sponsors.
- Post High-Quality Shorts Consistently – Brands love reliable content creators.
4. Selling Digital Products (High-Profit Margins)
One of the most profitable ways to monetize a Shorts channel is by selling digital products.
How It Works:
- You create and sell a downloadable product (e-books, courses, templates, guides).
- Link the product in your video description or use a pinned comment.
- Platforms like Gumroad, Teachable, and Shopify make it easy to sell.
Why This Works:
- 100% Profit Margins – Unlike affiliate marketing, you keep all the earnings.
- Passive Income – Once created, digital products sell 24/7.
- Instant Access – Customers receive products automatically after purchase.
Best Digital Products to Sell:
- Cheat Sheets & Guides – Example: “The Ultimate YouTube Shorts Growth Guide”.
- Canva Templates – Social media graphics, resume templates, business cards.
- Mini-Courses – Teach a skill in 30-60 minutes and sell for $20-$50.
Pro Tip:
- Showcase your product inside your Shorts (e.g., “This template made me $500 in a week!”).
- Use scarcity – “Only 10 copies available” drives urgency.
5. Driving Traffic to Long-Form Videos (The Best Strategy)
The #1 best way to monetize YouTube Shorts is by using them to drive traffic to long-form content.
How It Works:
- Create Shorts that tease or preview your long-form videos.
- Include a CTA: “Watch the full video in the pinned comment!”
- Long-form content has higher ad revenue, better engagement, and more monetization options.
Why This Works:
- Higher CPMs – Long-form videos earn 10x more per 1,000 views than Shorts.
- Multiple Monetization Streams – Combine ads, affiliate links, digital products, and sponsorships.
- Stronger Audience Connection – Viewers trust long-form content more, making them more likely to buy.
Best Way to Implement:
- Post a 10-15 second YouTube Short related to your long-form video.
- Pin a comment linking to the full video.
- Make the transition seamless – “Watch the full tutorial here!”
- Use analytics – Track click-through rates and optimize.
Final Thoughts: The Best Monetization Strategy for YouTube Shorts
If you’re serious about making money with YouTube Shorts, don’t rely on ad revenue alone. Instead, combine multiple income streams:
✔ Affiliate Marketing – Add links to your descriptions.
✔ Brand Deals & Sponsorships – Pitch companies in your niche.
✔ Selling Digital Products – Create something once, sell it forever.
✔ Driving Traffic to Long-Form Videos – Maximize revenue potential.
By implementing these five strategies, you’ll turn your Shorts channel into a profitable business rather than just a side hustle.