Welcome to Techgues. YouTube Shorts, the platform’s answer to short-form video content like TikTok and Instagram Reels, has become a powerful tool for creators to reach massive audiences and generate income. Launched in 2020, YouTube Shorts allows creators to produce vertical videos up to 60 seconds (or three minutes in some cases), optimized for mobile viewing. With over 50 billion daily views, Shorts offer a lucrative opportunity for content creators to monetize their creativity. This guide will walk you through how to make money online with YouTube Shorts in 2025, including eligibility requirements, monetization strategies, and tips to maximize your earnings.
What Are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are short, vertical videos (up to 60 seconds or three minutes for specific content) designed for quick and engaging consumption. Creators can utilize YouTube’s built-in tools, including multi-segment cameras, timers, and a music library, to craft compelling content directly within the YouTube app. Shorts appear in the Shorts Feed, a dedicated section where users scroll through videos, increasing discoverability. Unlike long-form YouTube videos, Shorts are designed to cater to short attention spans, making them ideal for creating viral content and achieving rapid audience growth.
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Can You Make Money with YouTube Shorts?
Yes, you can make money with YouTube Shorts! Since February 2023, YouTube has expanded its Partner Program (YPP) to include Shorts monetization, replacing the temporary YouTube Shorts Fund. Creators can earn through ad revenue sharing, fan funding, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and other revenue streams. However, monetization requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and strategic content creation to maximize earnings.
Step 1: Join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
The primary way to monetize YouTube Shorts is through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). To qualify for YPP and start earning ad revenue from Shorts, you need to meet one of these thresholds:
- 1,000 subscribers and 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days, OR
- 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 public watch hours on long-form videos in the previous 12 months.
Additional requirements include:
- Compliance with YouTube’s Community Guidelines, Terms of Service, and monetization policies.
- An active AdSense account linked to your channel.
- Content must be original, avoiding unedited clips, re-uploaded content, or watermarks from other platforms, such as TikTok.
- Your channel must be active, with uploads or Community posts within the last six months to maintain monetization eligibility.
How to Apply for YPP:
- Create a YouTube channel if you haven’t already done so.
- Upload Shorts or long-form content to meet the eligibility criteria.
- Go to YouTube Studio, navigate to the “Earn” tab, and apply for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
- Accept the Short’s Monetization Module to enable ad revenue sharing.
- Link or create an AdSense account to receive payments.
It typically takes YouTube about a month to review applications, though approval can be faster. If rejected, you can appeal within 21 days or reapply after 30 days, provided you meet the requirements.
How YouTube Shorts Monetization Works
YouTube Shorts monetization differs from long-form videos due to its unique ad format. Here’s how it works:
- Ad Revenue Sharing: YouTube pools revenue from ads displayed between Shorts in the Shorts Feed. This revenue, after covering music licensing costs, is allocated to the Creator Pool. Creators receive 45% of the revenue based on their share of total Shorts views in each country. For example, if your Shorts account accounts for 1% of total views, you receive 1% of the Creator Pool, retaining 45% of that amount.
- YouTube Premium Revenue: Creators earn a portion of YouTube Premium subscription revenue based on the time Premium subscribers spend watching their Shorts.
- Music Licensing Impact: If your Short uses music from YouTube’s library, revenue is split between creators and music publishers. Using no music means you retain the full 45% share, while using multiple tracks (e.g., two) may reduce your share to about 33%.
Earnings Potential: Earnings vary widely based on views, audience location, and music usage. On average, creators report earning $0.05–$0.30 per 1,000 views, also known as Revenue Per Mille (RPM). For example, a Short with 1 million views could earn $50–$300. Top creators with millions of views, such as Alan Chikin Chow, have earned millions, but consistent high viewership remains key.
Alternative Monetization Strategies
Beyond ad revenue, YouTube Shorts creators can diversify income streams to boost earnings. Here are seven proven methods:
- Super Thanks: Fans can send monetary “tips” ($2–$50) to support your Shorts. Enable this in YouTube Studio under the “Earn” tab and “Supers” section.
- Channel Memberships: Offer exclusive perks, such as members-only Shorts, badges, or early access, for a monthly fee. Requires 500 subscribers for Level 1 YPP access.
- Merchandise Sales: Sell branded products, such as t-shirts, mugs, or digital products (e.g., eBooks, courses), via platforms like Teespring or Fourthwall. Promote your merch in Short descriptions or Community posts.
- Affiliate Marketing: Earn commissions by promoting products or services with affiliate links in your Short descriptions. Programs like Amazon Influencer or CJ Affiliate are accessible without subscriber thresholds.
- Brand Sponsorships: Partner with brands to create sponsored Shorts. Even with a modest following, you can pitch to brands in your niche (e.g., tech, fitness, fashion). Bundle Shorts with other deliverables, such as community posts, for higher payouts.
- YouTube Shopping: Tag products in your Shorts to sell directly to viewers. Lower-tier YPP creators can promote their products, while those with 20,000 or more subscribers can promote third-party brands.
- Crowdfunding/Fan Funding: Utilize platforms like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee to offer exclusive content or perks in exchange for monthly donations. Promote these in your Shorts to encourage fan support.
Tips to Maximize Your YouTube Shorts Earnings
To turn YouTube Shorts into a sustainable income stream, focus on creating engaging content and building an audience. Here are actionable tips:
- Post Consistently: Upload Shorts regularly (daily, weekly, or bi-weekly) to keep your audience engaged and increase viewership. Consistency boosts your chances of going viral.
- Optimize for Discoverability: Use relevant keywords in your video titles, descriptions, and hashtags. Craft a catchy channel name and description that reflects your niche.
- Create High-Quality Content: Capture attention within the first three seconds with compelling visuals or engaging hooks. Use free editing tools like YouTube Create or InVideo AI to add transitions, text, and music.
- Leverage Trends: Incorporate trending music, challenges, or topics to increase discoverability. Check YouTube’s Shorts tab for inspiration.
- Engage Your Audience: Respond to comments and host Q&A sessions to build a loyal fan base, encouraging repeat views and fan funding.
- Repurpose Long-Form Content: Clip highlights from your long-form videos into Shorts to drive traffic to monetized content. For example, a car maintenance tutorial can be condensed into a 60-second tip.
- Use AI Tools: Tools like InVideo AI can help create faceless Shorts quickly, saving time while maintaining quality. For example, a Short on “5 Ways to Boost Productivity” can be generated in minutes with AI.
- Promote Across Platforms: Share your Shorts on social media or via email using tools like Mailchimp to drive traffic and engagement.
- Analyze Performance: Use YouTube Studio analytics to track views, engagement, and revenue. Experiment with different content types to see what resonates.
Challenges and Considerations
While YouTube Shorts offer significant earning potential, there are challenges:
- Low RPM: Ad revenue from Shorts is generally lower than long-form videos, requiring millions of views for substantial earnings.
- Content Restrictions: Non-original content (e.g., unedited clips, re-uploads) or Shorts with third-party watermarks are not eligible for monetization.
- Tax and Payment Delays: You may be required to pay taxes on your earnings, and AdSense payments can take some time to process. Plan your finances accordingly.
- Algorithm Dependence: Success relies on YouTube’s algorithm favoring your content, so stay updated on trends and guidelines.
Success Stories and Inspiration
Creators like Alan Chikin Chow and Horchata Soto have earned millions from Shorts by leveraging high viewership and diverse income streams. For example, vidIQ reported earning $5,200 from just five Shorts, while another creator made $41,000 per month using AI-generated faceless Shorts. These examples show that with creativity and strategy, Shorts can be a viable side hustle or full-time income source.
Getting Started
Ready to make money with YouTube Shorts? Follow these steps:
- Create a YouTube channel and start uploading Shorts.
- Focus on building a niche audience and meeting the YPP eligibility requirements.
- Apply for the YPP and enable the Short Monetization Module.
- Diversify your income with affiliate links, merchandise, and sponsorships.
- Experiment, analyze, and optimize your content for maximum engagement.
For more details on YPP requirements, visit YouTube’s official help page (https://support.google.com/youtube). To explore pricing for SuperGrok or x.com subscriptions, check.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make money with YouTube Shorts without 1,000 subscribers?
No, you need at least 1,000 subscribers and either 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days or 4,000 public watch hours on long-form videos in the previous 12 months to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) for ad revenue. However, you can earn through affiliate marketing, sponsorships, or merchandise without YPP eligibility.
How much money can I earn from YouTube Shorts?
Earnings vary based on views, audience location, and music usage. On average, creators earn $0.05 to $0.30 per 1,000 views (RPM). For example, 1 million views could yield between $50 and $300. Top creators with millions of views can earn thousands or more monthly by combining ad revenue with other income streams.
Do I need to use original content for Shorts monetization?
Yes, Shorts must be original and comply with YouTube’s Community Guidelines. Reuploaded content, unedited clips, or videos with third-party watermarks (e.g., TikTok) are ineligible for monetization.
How do ads work on YouTube Shorts?
Ads appear between Shorts in the Shorts Feed, not within the videos themselves. YouTube pools ad revenue, deducts music licensing costs, and allocates 45% of the revenue to creators based on their share of total Shorts views in each country.
Can I use music in my Shorts and still earn money?
Yes, but using music from YouTube’s library reduces your revenue share due to licensing fees. For example, using one song splits the revenue between you and the music publisher, while using multiple songs may reduce your share to approximately 33%. Using no music maximizes your 45% share.
Conclusion
YouTube Shorts provide an accessible and low-cost way to earn money online in 2025. By joining the YouTube Partner Program, diversifying revenue streams, and creating engaging content, you can turn your creativity into a profitable venture. Whether you are a new creator or a seasoned YouTuber, Shorts provide a dynamic platform to grow your audience and income. Start creating, stay consistent, and watch your Shorts pave the way to financial success!
