Best Ways to Make Money on YouTube Without Ads

You’ve started a YouTube channel and are creating content you love, but your subscriber count is under 500, and monetization through AdSense or YouTube’s Partner Program seems far off. If you’re passionate about your content and want to make money on the side, don’t worry — you have options.

Best Ways to Make Money on YouTube Without Ads

Let’s dive into some practical and unique strategies to make money on YouTube without relying on traditional monetization.

Leverage Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the most accessible ways to earn money, especially for small channels. The idea is simple: you promote products or services and earn a commission for every sale made through your unique affiliate link. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Choose Products You Believe In

Only promote products you genuinely like and use. Your audience, no matter how small, can sense authenticity. If you’re a tech enthusiast, review gadgets you own; if you’re a bookworm, recommend your favorite reads.

Make Content That Educates or Solves Problems

Instead of generic reviews, focus on how-to guides, unboxing videos, or tutorials.

These types of content convert better because viewers are often in the buying mindset when searching for them. Always disclose that you’re using affiliate links. It builds trust, and your audience will appreciate your honesty.

You might be surprised how many people want to support you by purchasing.

Create and Sell Digital Products

Even with a small following, you can sell digital products like eBooks, templates, printables, or courses. Here’s how to approach this:

– Identify Your Niche’s Needs: Look at the questions your viewers ask in the comments or what problems they mention on social media. Use these insights to create a product that addresses a specific pain point.

– Keep It Simple and Affordable: Since targeting a small audience, your product doesn’t need to be a massive undertaking. A 20-page eBook or a simple design template can be just as valuable, incredibly, if priced reasonably.

– Promote Within Your Content: Mention your product naturally in your videos. For instance, if you’ve made a digital cookbook, show some behind-the-scenes footage of a recipe and then direct viewers to where they can buy the entire book.

Offer Personalized Services

Even with a small subscriber base, you can offer personalized services like consulting, coaching, or custom work. This works particularly well if your channel focuses on a skill or knowledge area, such as fitness, art, music, or business.

Create a Simple Offer

Start with something straightforward, like one-on-one coaching sessions, personalized art commissions, or custom video editing.

Clearly outline what you’re offering and the value it brings.

Use Your Videos as a Portfolio

Your YouTube content is a live portfolio showcasing your skills. For instance, if you’re a graphic designer, use your channel to show your process or discuss design principles. Then, mention that you offer custom designs for clients.

Engage Directly with Your Audience

Respond to comments and engage with your viewers in live streams or community posts. Building a relationship can lead to more people interested in hiring you for your services.

Crowdfund Your Content

Crowdfunding platforms like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee allow your audience to support you directly. Here’s how to make it work even with a small audience:

– Offer Exclusive Content: Give your supporters something extra, like behind-the-scenes content, early video access, or personalized shoutouts. This doesn’t have to be complicated—a monthly Q&A or a simple thank-you video can go a long way.

– Set Realistic Goals: Don’t aim too high immediately. Start with a modest goal that covers basic needs like new equipment or software. As your channel grows, you can adjust your goals and perks.

– Promote Thoughtfully: Mention your crowdfunding page in your videos, but do it tactfully. Share why you’re asking for support and what it will help you achieve. Viewers are more likely to contribute when they understand the impact their support will have.

Sell Merchandise

You don’t need a massive audience to start selling merch, especially if your channel has a distinct brand or theme. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Start with one or two simple products, such as T-shirts, stickers, or mugs. You can use print-on-demand services like Spring or Redbubble, which require no upfront costs and handle production and shipping.

Design For Your Audience

Create designs that resonate with your viewers. If your channel has catchphrases or inside jokes, turn them into merch. Personalized, niche-specific designs often sell better than generic ones.

Incorporate Merch into Your Content

Wear your merch in your videos, show it off, and discuss it. If you’re a crafting channel, film a tutorial where you create the designs for your merch, which promotes your products and adds value to your content.

Collaborate with Brands on Sponsored Content

Even with a small following, you can land sponsorships if you’re in a niche or have an engaged audience. Here’s how to approach potential sponsors:

– Target Niche Brands: Large companies may not be interested in small channels, but niche brands often are. If your channel focuses on a specific interest, reach out to smaller companies within that niche.

– Showcase Your Engagement: Brands are often more interested in engagement than subscriber count. Highlight your active community, the quality of your content, and any metrics that show viewer interaction, like comments, shares, or likes.

– Be Open to Barter Deals: If cash isn’t an option, consider product exchanges. Getting free gear or tools you would otherwise have to buy can still be valuable, especially when starting your content creation journey.

Repurpose Your Content for Other Platforms

You’re already creating great content — why not repurpose it for other monetization platforms? Here’s how to maximize your efforts:

Create a Blog or Website

Turn your video content into blog posts and monetize with affiliate links, ads, or digital products. Blogging platforms like WordPress can be a good starting point, and you can use your blog to drive traffic back to your YouTube channel.

Share on Social Media

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest offer monetization options. Share highlights from your videos on these platforms to drive traffic to your YouTube channel and monetized accounts.

Offer Content as a Podcast

If your videos are informative or discussion-based, consider turning them into podcasts. You can monetize podcasts through sponsorships, donations, or affiliate marketing.

Best Ways to Make Money on YouTube Without Ads

When making money on YouTube, your subscriber count is only one piece of the puzzle. By thinking creatively and diversifying your income streams, you can start earning even with a small audience.

The key is understanding your niche, engaging your community, and offering value through products, services, or content that resonate with your viewers. Remember, growth on YouTube takes time, but with persistence and these strategies, you can build a sustainable income stream while doing what you love.