Uncover the secrets to making money on YouTube even if you’re not part of the YouTube Partner Program
Getting started on YouTube can feel like a long road, especially when you’re just trying to reach that 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours needed to join the YouTube Partner Program. But what if I told you there are ways to make money even before you qualify for monetization? That’s right, I made $200 on YouTube without running a single ad, and I’m going to show you exactly how I did it – and how you can, too.
It’s Not About the Ads – It’s About What You Already Know
If you’re new to YouTube, you might think that ads are the only way to make money on the platform. But trust me, there are far better ways to make an income even before you’re eligible for those ad dollars. The best part? You’re not limited by YouTube’s strict rules about monetization. Instead, you can leverage your knowledge and creativity to start earning cash right away.
When I first heard about making money on YouTube without being monetized, I was skeptical, to say the least. I mean, isn’t that the whole point of working toward monetization? But once I started experimenting with different income streams, I quickly realized I could turn my channel into a money-making machine before I even saw my first ad revenue. And it didn’t take a massive audience to get there.
Affiliate Marketing – Your First Step to Profit
The first method I used to make $200 without YouTube ads was affiliate marketing. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make money on YouTube, even if your channel is still growing. Here’s how it works:
You partner with companies that sell products or services related to your content. They give you unique affiliate links, and when someone clicks on your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission. The key is to make sure these products or services genuinely provide value to your audience.
How I Did It
In my case, I created content around tools and software that help YouTubers. Since my audience was mostly people trying to grow their own channels, I knew they’d benefit from these products. I simply integrated the affiliate links into my video descriptions and blog posts, recommending the products as part of my normal content.
And here’s the best part – I didn’t have to sell my soul or sound salesy. I just shared tools I was already using and loved, and I showed my audience how they could benefit from them too. People naturally clicked the links and made purchases, which quickly added up to commissions in my pocket.
What You Can Do
To get started with affiliate marketing, sign up for affiliate programs with companies that are relevant to your niche. Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and Impact are great places to start, offering products for almost every niche out there. Then, find ways to naturally integrate these products into your content. You can include affiliate links in your video descriptions, blog posts, and even your social media platforms. The key is to be genuine and transparent with your audience.
Digital Products – Sell Your Own Stuff
While affiliate marketing is a great way to make money on YouTube without ads, selling digital products took my earnings to the next level. And the best part? Once you create a digital product, it becomes a passive income stream that keeps earning you money long after you’ve done the work.
How I Did It
I created a simple ebook teaching beginners how to get started on YouTube. It wasn’t fancy – just a straightforward guide based on my own experiences. Then I promoted it in my YouTube videos and added the link in the video descriptions.
The response was incredible! My audience found it valuable, and I started seeing sales trickling in. I priced the ebook at around $10, and before I knew it, I had made a few hundred bucks from just a couple of sales. And here’s the kicker – I didn’t have to do much after the initial setup. The ebook was selling on autopilot.
What You Can Do
If you have knowledge in your niche, consider creating a digital product like an ebook, guide, or even a course. People are willing to pay for quality information, especially if it solves a problem they have. If you’re not sure where to start, think about the most common questions your audience asks and create a simple guide to answer them. Then, promote it in your videos and watch the sales roll in.
Brand Deals – Get Paid to Promote
Another strategy I used to hit that $200 mark was collaborating with brands for sponsored content. Even if you don’t have a huge audience, brands are often willing to pay for niche exposure – especially if your viewers are engaged and loyal.
How I Did It
I reached out to a few smaller companies that aligned with my channel’s content. They were thrilled to partner with a smaller creator like me because they knew my audience was exactly the type of people they were trying to reach. They paid me to mention their products in my videos, and I also earned a commission through affiliate links when viewers made purchases.
What You Can Do
Don’t be afraid to reach out to companies in your niche. You don’t need to have millions of subscribers to land a brand deal. Brands are often more interested in your engagement rate than your total number of followers. Start small, and you’ll be surprised by how many companies are open to collaborating with you.
Ko-Fi Donations – Let Your Audience Support You
One of the most unexpected ways I made money on YouTube before monetization was through Ko-Fi donations. Ko-Fi is a platform where creators can receive small donations from their audience as a way to support the content they love.
How I Did It
I set up a Ko-Fi page and mentioned it briefly at the end of my videos. I explained that if my content had helped viewers, they could “buy me a coffee” as a way to show appreciation. It wasn’t a huge revenue stream, but I was pleasantly surprised by how many viewers were willing to contribute. Those small donations added up quickly, getting me closer to that $200 goal.
What You Can Do
Set up a Ko-Fi or Patreon page and let your audience know it exists. You don’t have to push hard – just mention it casually at the end of your videos. You’ll be surprised by how many loyal viewers are willing to support you financially.
The Power of Multiple Streams of Income
The key takeaway here is that I didn’t rely on one single method to make money before I was monetized. Instead, I combined several different strategies – affiliate marketing, selling digital products, brand deals, and Ko-Fi donations – to create multiple income streams. This not only helped me reach that $200 milestone but also ensured I wasn’t putting all my eggs in one basket.
If you’re working hard to grow your YouTube channel, don’t wait until you’re eligible for monetization to start earning. There are plenty of opportunities to make money long before you hit those milestones. Start with one or two of these strategies, see what works for you, and scale from there.
Affiliate Links – Your Secret Weapon
As you can see, affiliate marketing played a huge role in my early success. So if you’re not already using affiliate links in your content, you’re missing out on a massive opportunity to make money before monetization. Make sure you’re signing up for affiliate programs, integrating those links into your videos and blog posts, and providing value to your audience. You don’t have to wait for YouTube ads to start earning – the money’s already out there.
