YouTube Shorts has quickly become one of the most powerful platforms for creators to earn money online. With millions of daily viewers and short, engaging videos, anyone can grow fast and start earning without needing long-form content. If you want to make money from YouTube Shorts, this guide will walk you through every effective method.
1. Join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
YouTube now allows creators to earn revenue from Shorts through the YouTube Partner Program. Once approved, you can earn money through:
- Shorts Feed Ads
- Ads displayed between videos
- YouTube Premium revenue
Requirements for Shorts Monetization
To join monetization using Shorts, you must have:
- 1,000 subscribers, and
- 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days
Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for YPP and start earning automatically.
2. Make Money Through the Shorts Bonus & Creator Rewards
YouTube often launches reward programs where creators receive monthly bonuses based on video performance. These bonuses are not guaranteed but can be a great extra income source if your Shorts go viral.
3. Affiliate Marketing with Shorts
One of the easiest ways to earn money is by promoting products through Shorts.
How it works:
- Join an affiliate program (Amazon, ClickBank, Digistore24, etc.)
- Create short videos showing or reviewing the product
- Add your affiliate link in the description
- Earn commissions on each sale
Even channels with low subscribers can make good money with affiliate marketing.
4. Brand Deals & Sponsorships
Brands love Shorts because they reach millions in seconds. If your Shorts gain views, companies may offer:
- Sponsored videos
- Paid product placements
- Brand collaborations
Even micro-creators (5k+ subscribers) can earn from sponsorships.
5. Sell Your Own Products or Services
If you have:
- A digital product (eBook, course, presets)
- A physical product (merch, gadgets)
- A skill (editing, coaching, fitness training)
You can promote it through Shorts and send viewers to your website or shop. This is one of the most profitable ways to earn long-term.
6. Drive Traffic to Other Platforms
Use Shorts to push viewers to:
- TikTok
- Your website
- Your online store
More followers on different platforms means more income opportunities.
7. Earn Through Fan Funding
YouTube has multiple features that allow fans to support you:
- Super Thanks
- Channel Memberships
- Super Chat (for livestream creators)
If your audience is engaged, fan funding can become a steady income source.
Tips to Grow Fast on YouTube Shorts
✔ Post consistently (3–5 Shorts per week)
✔ Use trending sounds and topics
✔ Keep videos between 7–12 seconds
✔ Hook viewers in the first 1–2 seconds
✔ Write strong, SEO-friendly descriptions and hashtags
✔ Add value: make content entertaining, educational, or emotional
Conclusion
Making money from YouTube Shorts is easier today than ever before. Whether you join the YouTube Partner Program, do affiliate marketing, attract sponsorships, or sell your own products, Shorts can become a powerful income stream. With creative content and consistent posting, anyone can build an audience and start earning.