How to Make Money with YouTube Shorts: A Guide for Creators

YouTube Shorts has quickly become a favorite for creators and viewers alike. As this short-form video format continues to gain traction, many are asking the same question: How can you monetize YouTube Shorts?

Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting out, there are several ways to earn money from YT Shorts, and understanding the rules and opportunities will help maximize your earning potential.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different monetization strategies, eligibility requirements, and tips to help you get started. We’ll also explore how much YouTube Shorts can pay for 1,000 or even 1 million views!

What is YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts are vertical videos that last 60 seconds or less. They can be a powerful tool to grow your audience and, importantly, your income. Given the rise of TikTok and Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts was introduced to capture a share of the short-form content market.

Since its launch, YouTube has rolled out various ways for creators to monetize their Shorts, both directly and indirectly.

YouTube Shorts Monetization Requirements

YouTube has specific monetization requirements that creators must meet before they can start earning through ads. These requirements differ slightly between regular YouTube videos and Shorts.

To qualify for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), which enables ad revenue sharing, you must meet either:

1. 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public watch hours over the past 12 months, or
2. 1,000 subscribers and 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.

This shows how Shorts has opened a new path to monetization for creators who may need more long-form video content but are attracting attention through short clips.

Can You Monetize YouTube Shorts Without 1,000 Subscribers?

While reaching 1,000 subscribers is one of the conditions for ad revenue sharing under YPP, there are ways to monetize without reaching this subscriber milestone. We will discuss these below, including the YouTube Shorts Fund, affiliate marketing, and other indirect revenue strategies.

Ways to Earn From YouTube Shorts

YouTube Partner Program (YPP)

Once you’ve met the requirements, the YPP allows you to earn money from ads placed before, during, or after your videos, including Shorts. However, only some creators will meet these requirements quickly, especially the 10 million Shorts views in 90 days. Let’s look at alternatives to help you monetize early.

YouTube Shorts Fund

In 2021, YouTube introduced the YouTube Shorts Fund as a way for creators to earn without meeting traditional monetization thresholds. This $100 million fund rewards creators based on the performance of their Shorts. Monthly bonuses range from $100 to $10,000, depending on engagement levels and viewership.

Importantly, you don’t need to be a member of YPP to benefit from the Shorts Fund. Even if you have yet to hit 1,000 subscribers or 10 million views, you can still be eligible for payouts as long as your content complies with YouTube’s guidelines.

How to qualify for the Shorts Fund:

• Create original content: Reposting videos from other platforms like TikTok will disqualify you.
• Meet YouTube’s community guidelines: Violations can affect your eligibility.
• Active in eligible countries: The fund does not include all countries. YT Shorts monetization is available in the US, India, and the UK, among others.

Brand Sponsorships

Many brands are eager to partner with creators who have a large and engaged audience. Even without hitting YouTube’s ad revenue milestones, if your Shorts attract significant views, you can earn through sponsored content. Companies are willing to pay for creators to promote their products or services in their videos.

Make sure your content aligns with the brands you approach. For example, fitness influencers can partner with workout gear companies, while tech reviewers may collaborate with gadget brands.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is another powerful monetization strategy, especially if your Shorts are product-related. You can promote a product within your Shorts and include an affiliate link in the video description. When viewers click on that link and make a purchase, you earn a commission.

Creators who produce tech reviews, beauty tutorials, or even gadget unboxing videos have found great success with affiliate marketing. The key is to focus on promoting products that are relevant to your audience.

Merchandise Sales

If you have an established fanbase, selling merchandise can be a lucrative revenue stream. YouTube even allows eligible creators to integrate a merch shelf directly under their videos. This option isn’t limited to long-form content—it can work for Shorts creators, too.

Popular products to sell include branded T-shirts, mugs, or even digital products like e-books or music. Promoting your merchandise via engaging Shorts can help you drive sales.

Crowdfunding and Donations

Some platforms like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee allow creators to receive support from fans. If your Shorts are creative, entertaining, or educational, viewers may be willing to support you financially. Using donation features directly within YouTube, like Super Thanks, is also an option.

How Much Do YouTube Shorts Pay?

One of the most common questions is, “How much does YouTube Shorts pay for 1,000 views?” The answer depends on various factors, including geographic location, audience engagement, and the monetization method.

How Much YouTube Shorts Pay for 1,000 Views

YouTube Shorts does not pay the same amount for every creator or every video. For example, payouts from the Shorts Fund are not based on a fixed CPM (cost per thousand impressions), so you won’t get a specific amount per 1,000 views. However, depending on engagement, creators can expect between $0.01 to $0.10 per view under the Shorts Fund, but this varies.

How Much YouTube Shorts Pay for 1 Million Views

Creators who achieve 1 million views on a Short might be eligible for a higher payout from the YouTube Shorts Fund. While there’s no exact formula, some creators report earning between $100 and $2,000 for 1 million views. Again, the amount depends on viewership metrics such as likes, shares, and overall engagement.

YouTube Shorts Monetization Rules and Guidelines

To successfully monetize your YouTube Shorts, you must follow YouTube’s monetization rules. Violations of these rules can result in demonetization or disqualification from funds and revenue streams.

Key rules include:

• Content can only be reused from other platforms with significant modification.
• Compliance with YouTube’s community guidelines and advertiser-friendly policies.
• Shorts must be original and provide value to the audience.

How to Earn Money from YouTube Shorts Without Monetization

Even if you’re not eligible for ad revenue or the Shorts Fund yet, you can still make money through other methods:

• Leverage affiliate marketing by promoting products and earning commissions on sales.
• Use crowdfunding platforms like Patreon or Ko-fi for fan donations.
• Collaborate with brands for sponsored content opportunities.
• Sell your own merchandise or offer digital products.

By building a loyal audience through consistent, high-quality Shorts, you can explore multiple income streams beyond YouTube’s traditional monetization avenues.

Finally,

Monetizing YT Shorts is more accessible than ever, even for creators who are just getting started. Whether through ad revenue, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or YouTube’s Shorts Fund, you have multiple options to turn your short-form content into income. Focus on producing high-quality, engaging content, and the earnings will follow!

FAQs

Do YouTube Shorts generate ad revenue like regular videos?

Only after you qualify for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Otherwise, you must rely on other monetization methods, such as the YouTube Shorts Fund.

Can I earn money from YouTube Shorts without 1,000 subscribers?

Yes. You can monetize Shorts through the YouTube Shorts Fund without meeting traditional YPP thresholds, like having 1,000 subscribers.

How do I increase the chances of getting paid for my Shorts?

To increase your eligibility for payments and funds, post regularly, create original content, engage with your audience, and follow YouTube’s guidelines.

Is the YouTube Shorts Fund available in all countries?

No, only creators from select countries like the US, UK, and India are eligible. Check YouTube’s official list for more details.

How long does it take to monetize YouTube Shorts?

It depends on your views and engagement. Consistent uploading of quality content and interacting with your audience can help you reach monetization milestones faster.