Monetizing on YouTube starts with building a strong foundation. To be eligible for the YouTube Partner Program, you need at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid watch hours in the past 12 months. But beyond those numbers, success depends on creating engaging, high-retention content. Focus on quality production — clear visuals, crisp audio, and strong storytelling make a huge difference.
Once monetized, diversify your income streams. In addition to ad revenue, explore affiliate marketing, sponsored videos, merchandise, and Super Chats if you go live. Use compelling thumbnails and titles to increase click-through rates, and optimize your video descriptions with keywords to boost visibility. Consistency is crucial — posting regularly and staying within your niche will help you grow faster and attract a loyal audience that keeps your channel profitable.