When you hear or see the name YouTube, the first thing that comes to mind is video.
This means you must create videos first to make money from YouTube
The truth is that YouTube is helping many people make money. If you have 100,000 subscribers, you can earn $5,000-$15,000 monthly.
Also, according to Review42, YouTube is the second most popular website after Google.
Because so many people visit YouTube, it makes sense why people want to share their videos there.
Everyone wants the dollar.
But you may say you can’t make videos, so YouTube is not for you.
What if I told you you can make money from YouTube without making videos?
Surprising, yeah?
Calm down!
In this article, I will show how this is possible.
You can also join thousands of YouTubers earning thousands of dollars monthly.
The Basics of How to Monetize a YouTube Channel
First, you need to understand how YouTube pays creators.
YouTube has something called the YouTube Partner Program.
This is where YouTube shares some of the money they make from ads with you and other creators.
Your share depends on the number of views you have on your content. Also, you earn money each time someone watches an ad on your video.
But, your channel must meet some requirements to join the YouTube Partner Program.
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You need to have at least 1,000 subscribers.
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Then, 4,000 view hours in the last year.
Once you meet this requirement, YouTube will start sharing the money it makes from ads with you.
Now, let’s talk about how this money will get to you.
It’s simple!
You get paid through Google AdSense.
All you have to do is connect your YouTube account to a Google AdSense account.
Check how to connect it here.
With this AdSense account, YouTube can send money directly to your bank account.
So, it is necessary to understand these basics to start earning money on YouTube.
It may seem tricky when you start, but you are good to go once you get the hang of it.
Now that you know the basics, let me show you how it works.
Ways to Make Money on YouTube Without Making Any Videos
You already know it is possible to make money on YouTube without making any videos if you have followed from the beginning of this article.
You do not need to worry about being on camera or editing videos.
Let me show you how:
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Content curation
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Post other forms of content
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Become a YouTube consultant
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Convert blog posts to audio
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Use other income strings
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Use affiliate marketing on YouTube
Method 1. Content Curation
As a camera-shy person, this could be just what you need. Why?-
Content curation involves gathering and sharing videos that other creators make.
You can share inspirational videos, funny animal videos, or captivating and weird news.
Doing this allows you to build a YouTube channel and earn money over time.
All you need do is to keep sharing current videos that others have made.
You don’t have to be a video expert or spend hours filming and editing to do this.
The important thing is that you choose videos that people will find valuable.
When you pick a video, ask yourself if you would watch it. If the answer is no, it’s probably not a good one to share.
So, take your time to carefully choose and organize videos that focus on one main topic.
After that, put them together in a way that makes sense. Just like a playlist of your favorite songs.
This way, you can turn your YouTube channel into a successful online business using other people’s videos.
This is how to make your curation worth watching:
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Make playlists, compilations, or even reaction videos. These are popular and can help you grow your channel quickly.
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Add a music background to the videos to make them more exciting.
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Choose relevant and high-quality videos. This way, you can keep people watching and coming back for more.
Please Note:
As you gather videos together, you should know that not all videos are free for usage. So, look for videos with a Creative Commons license.
This is a set of standardized permissions that creators can apply to their copyrighted work.
The license allows others to use, share, and adjust it under specific conditions.
So, to avoid any legal sanction, ensure you have permission to use other people’s content.
Also, remember that just because a video has a Creative Commons license does not mean you can use it any way you want.
Sometimes, you are not allowed to use the videos to make money or for commercial purposes.
In most cases, you must also acknowledge the original creator.
In all, always add something extra, like your thoughts or reactions. Add your twist to make them even better. This way, you are not just reposting someone else’s work.
Method 2. Post Other Forms of Content
Do not post only traditional videos on your channel.
There are other forms of content to post on your YouTube channel that will attract viewers. They are as follows:
Slide decks and presentations
If you want to educate people about a new product or business, use slide decks and presentations.
For example, YouTube channels used this during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
They helped with homework and became very popular.
At the time, parents had a tough time getting into their new role of teaching their kids.
So, they had to resort to online resources from YouTube channels
Notably, many of them use slide decks to arrange their content.
Fast forward to today, many people still rely on YouTube for answers about many things.
Here’s the good part:
You can use Canva (a FREE design tool) to create your slide decks.
Audio-only reaction videos
According to The Economic Times, audio-only reaction videos became famous in 2020.
Many people became bored of staying at home during the lockdown.
So, many people with things to say and share on any topic did so without showing their faces on camera.
Guess what?
A lot of people subscribed to those YouTube channels to stay informed.
For example, Anthony Alba, also known as Jaby Koay, had 2.2M+ subscribers from only his reaction videos.
His estimated monthly YouTube earnings are $40,821.
You can also share your ideas or thoughts on any subject without making a video and still make money.
All you need do is get clips to share and then use a voiceover to record your reactions.
A tool like Audacity can help you record sharp and clear audio.
Audio podcast
Now, you can do the audio podcast as an option.
If you have a topic you love so much and can talk about without getting tired, make audio podcasts about it.
Then, post them on your own YouTube channel.
It’s that simple.
Contrary to what you thought, you can also use YouTube to listen to audio podcasts.
YouTube is now the most popular place to find new audio podcasts.
Many like to watch podcasts or listen while doing other things.
Check this:
Many people now listen to weekly audio podcasts. According to EMARKETER in 2023, 33% of these people in Q3 of 2023 said they preferred using YouTube.
This is more than 25% of those who choose Spotify and 16% who go for Apple Podcasts or iTunes.
Method 3. Become a YouTube Consultant
Keep in mind that not everyone who has started a YouTube channel will become successful.
This is not me wishing ill luck on anyone. Only stating facts.
I’ll tell you why:
Many people start a YouTube channel without a plan.
They jumped into it, hoping to make their own money because they saw others making money from it.
As time passes, they realize it takes hard work and a long time to earn money, so they give up.
This is why a YouTube consultant is vital.
So, if you are very good with YouTube and how to make money from it, you can become a YouTube consultant.
With your Knowledge, you can help other YouTubers:
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Plan and execute their content.
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Use SEO strategies to boost their content for more views.
This way, you will make money and help other YouTubers. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Good news:
YouTube consultant jobs are available on online platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and MarketerHire.
So, all you have to do to get jobs is:
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Create a profile on these platforms so that people who need your services can find you.
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Leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your services.
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Also, talk to people directly. By word-of-mouth, you can get more jobs faster.
In short, reach out to people in your community and online.
An estimate of $50 per hour is okay for beginners if you know your stuff well.
Most times, what you charge will depend on how tough the job is.
Method 4. Convert Blog Posts to Audio
This one is particularly doable for those who have a blog site where they have written blog posts.
The truth is, many people do not like reading. So, they want something more convenient.
This is why you should consider converting your blog posts into audio files.
It even gives your readers another way of consuming your content, which is more enjoyable.
An audio file for your blog post can make it reach more of your target audience.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1. Create Your Audio Files
Once you are ready, read your blog post and record it. You do not need any extra tools for this.
You can use a simple recording app on your phone or computer.
Make sure your voice is clear and at a steady pace, and there is no background noise.
This turns your written words into audio that people can listen to anytime.
Step 2: Upload to YouTube
Now that your audio files are ready, you can upload them to YouTube.
Make a video with a simple image or slideshow, then add your audio.
It doesn’t take much time.
This way, you can have a channel with audio versions of your posts.
Even if you don’t have a blog site or blog post, you can talk to someone who does.
Reach an agreement with the content owner to record their post and share it on YouTube.
Also, remember to credit the owner of the blog post.
Bottom line:
Converting blog posts to audio is a great way to give your audience more ways to connect with your content.
It’s like giving them another option apart from the usual blog posts or traditional videos.
Method 5. Use Other Income Streams
Let’s be honest. Posting video content only on your YouTube channel won’t make you the money you expect.
Consider other options to boost your income and keep things exciting. They include:
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channel memberships
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Super chat and super stickers
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Selling products
Let’s look at each of them.
Channel Memberships
This method allows you to earn money from your fans. It helps your fans to show their support while they enjoy exclusive perks.
It’s a reliable source of income because you get regular payments from your members.
This is how it works:
Viewers who follow your channel and want to become members will pay a monthly fee.
The monthly fee is at least $4.99 and a maximum of $49.99.
Note that YouTube will deduct a 30% share of your overall revenue.
Now, there are some requirements you must meet to set up Channel Memberships.
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First, join the YouTube Partner Program.
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Have at least 30,000 subscribers (1,000 for a gaming channel).
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You must be 18 years old and above.
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Be in a country or region where channel memberships are available.
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Made For Kids content is not allowed.
Once you meet all the above criteria, you are good to set up your membership access.
Offering channel memberships to your viewers gives them a sense of access to you.
Viewers only need to click on the Join button on the creator’s YouTube home page to see the wide range of perks on offer.
Also, with YouTube Premium, members might get extra features and watch ad-free videos.
Super Chat and Super Stickers
Another fun and new way to make money on YouTube is through Super Chat and Super Stickers.
Super Chat allows you to receive contributions from your viewers during livestreams.
They do this by using animated pictures.
Also, viewers can pay to have their chats or stickers pinned at the top of the chat.
It’s a great way to earn money while interacting with your audience in real time.
You can manage and see these chats through YouTube Studio. Go to Earn > Supers and follow the next on-screen prompts.
This makes it easy to track your earnings.
3. Sell Products
To do this, you need an online store on an e-commerce platform like Shopify.
Fans love showing their support with merch from their favorite creator.
So, you can sell stuff like branded t-shirts or other items from your YouTube channel.
This will help you earn money while drawing more attention to your channel.
Selling merchandice can even help you grow multiple channels of income.
Bonus tip: use your YouTube channel’s name to create merch. It will give you extra exposure.
Method 6. Use Affiliate Marketing on YouTube
With affiliate marketing, you can turn your videos into a source of income.
Affiliate marketing on YouTube means directing customers to third-party advertisers.
In other words, you get paid for recommending something you love!
To do this,
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First, find products that relate to the content of your channel.
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Then, discuss these products in your videos and include special links to track sales.
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For example, if your channel is about SEO, you can do a review video about an SEO tool for keyword research.
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Explain what you like or don’t like about the tool, and show how it works.
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Then, add a link for viewers to use to get the product.
Any time someone buys through your link, you earn a commission.
How cool is that?
You can check out some of the best keyword research tools I’ve listed here.
Another way to do this is to make a video tutorial showing how you use the tool.
Ensure your videos are high quality so viewers can see and hear everything.
My advice:
Be upfront with your viewers. Let them know you are earning some cash if they use your link.
People appreciate honesty, and it helps build trust.
Also, if you are recommending something you believe in, it makes it a win-win for everyone.
So there is nothing to hide.
P.S.: If you need help to get started, a YouTube consultant can offer great advice.
How to Use YouTube Automation Tools to Your Advantage
At this point, you know that a YouTube channel requires much work to manage before you can start earning from it.
But don’t worry.
YouTube automation tools that can help you. These tools will make your YouTube channel run well without doing everything yourself.
Examples are TubeBuddy, Pictory AI, Zapier, InVideo AI, and many others.
Also, if you are the type that curates content all over for use, you can get content curation tools to make it easy for you.
Tools like Curata, Flipboard, and UpContent can help you find and organize videos.
These tools can even make work very convenient for you. They handle tasks like uploading videos and adding video descriptions for you.
If you post audio files or other types of content, these tools help to make the process very easy.
They handle the repetitive work so you can have more time to focus on growing your YouTube channel.
Now, Let’s Talk About How to Optimize Video Descriptions and Titles
This is a vital aspect of the process. Video descriptions and titles are important.
They help people find your videos. That is why SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is necessary.
So, optimize your video descriptions and titles with the right keywords.
These keywords need to match what your audience is searching for. This will make your content easier to find.
You can use tools like YouTube Studio, TubeBuddy, or VidIQ.
They will help make managing your YouTube channel easier. You can do less work and still watch your channel grow with less effort.
Also, remember the thumbnail for your video. Make it eye-catching so people can’t help but click on it.
My Final Words
Indeed, the online space is an avenue for you to make money, but only if you know how to do it.
Thankfully, I have been able to guide you on how to make money on YouTube without making any videos.
Leverage the options I shared with you, from content curation to becoming a YouTube consultant to converting blog posts to audio files.
So what are you waiting for?
Your success is within reach if you are ready to start earning on YouTube.
Remember to use automation tools that make the work easy.