How to Make Money on YouTube in 2025 - A Beginners Guide

Creating a successful channel is more than just uploading random videos. If you’re reading this, you already know that. You want to be the successful YouTuber who drives a Ferrari, gives away money, and chills on an island while still making money. It sounds like a dream, but trust me—it’s POSSIBLE. But, if you’re wondering how to create a YouTube channel that actually works and how to make money on YouTube, you’re in the right place.

The first step to making money on YouTube is to create a channel. Sounds obvious. But if you haven’t done it yet, don’t waste time—get started while I guide you through how to do it.

Go to YouTube Accounts Page, choose Add/Manage your channels and click on “Create a Channel”.

Channel Name

The channel name is the first thing viewers see on your channel. Keep it memorable. I know your struggle. It’s hard to pick one. Isn’t it?

We have a saviour called ChatGPT! The go-to tool for all your YouTube content ideas.

Go to ChatGPT and use this prompt:

I’m creating a new YouTube channel, and I’d love some help brainstorming a catchy channel name! Here’s some information to guide your suggestions:

1. The main topics or themes my channel will focus on are: [your topic]
2. My target audience and what’s unique about them: [your target audience]
3. The style or personality I want my channel to have (like funny, educational, relaxed): [your style]
4. Any specific keywords or phrases I’d like in the name: [keywords]
5. I prefer [short/long] names: [short/long]
6. Words or ideas I’d want to avoid: [words to avoid]

With these details, please suggest some relevant and creative channel name ideas that match my vision!

Handle

Now go to YouTube Studio and under “Customization”, you can add a handle to your channel. This is your channel’s ID card.

Note: If you change your mind, you can change your handle once every fortnight.

Description

The description is your first opportunity to woo viewers. Explain 3 things:

• Who you are
• What kind of awesome content do you offer
• Why they should stick around for more

As simple as that!

Do you need an example? Here you go. This is a description of a gaming YouTube channel called “Stealth Attacks”

“Hey, welcome to StealthAttack! If sneaking through shadows, pulling off silent takedowns, and making enemies disappear before they even know you’re there gets you hyped, you’re in the right place. This channel is all about the coolest stealth moves in gaming – those moments where you feel like a ghost in the night, leaving no trace but your mark.

Why stick around? Because every clip here brings you closer to becoming the ultimate stealth player, with gameplay that’ll have you on the edge of your seat and maybe even picking up a few tricks yourself. So, if you’re into the thrill of the unseen and the art of the silent strike, hit subscribe and join the StealthAttack crew. Let’s make some noise… quietly.”

Video Watermark

Is it necessary? No. Is it going to help? Yes. It makes your videos recognizable. Just a part of a branding exercise.

Size Limit: 150x150

Home Tab Setup

It’s like a storefront window. Make sure it shows off your best stuff.

MrBeast’s Home Tab

This spot is perfect for the channel trailer, providing a clear introduction to what the channel offers. He cleverly used this prime location to feature one of his top-performing videos recently, giving new viewers an excellent taste of his content.

The "For You" section showcases personalised engaging content to new viewers, boosting both his discoverability and viewer retention.

The "Popular Videos" section highlights his most engaging content, drawing in new viewers and re-engaging existing ones.

By integrating his other channels into the home tab of his main MrBeast channel, Jimmy Donaldson makes it easier for viewers to discover and navigate to his diverse content portfolio, including gaming, reactions, and philanthropy, enhancing cross-channel engagement.

Feature Eligibility

YouTube has devised a three-tier feature system for its creators, labelled as:

Standard Features

This is your basic toolkit when you first set up your channel. You can:

• Upload videos
• Create playlists
• Add collaborators to playlists
• Add new videos to existing playlists

Intermediate Features

As your channel begins to take shape, YouTube hands you the keys to a bit more functionality. You can:

• Upload videos longer than 15 minutes
• Add custom thumbnails
• Live Stream

Note: The basic requirements for these features are standard features and phone number verification.

Advanced Features

To access advanced features, creators typically need to verify their identity, either through providing ID or video verification or by demonstrating significant channel history. These features include

• Appealing content ID claims
• Create more live streams daily
• Upload more videos daily
• Create more shorts daily
• Embed live streams
• External links in the video description
• Test and compare different thumbnails
• Eligible to apply for monetisation

Now you know how to create a YouTube channel from scratch. Now guess what?

Fan Funded Money

Fan-funded monetization is your viewers throwing money at you because they love what you do. And let's be honest, who wouldn't want that?

Super Thanks

Fans can donate money directly to your videos.

Super Chat & Super Stickers

These are used during live streams to highlight viewer messages or reactions.

So, how do you make money from Super Chat and Super Stickers? Viewers pay to have their messages stand out, which means more engagement for you and extra cash in your pocket.

Channel Membership

Allow fans to subscribe monthly for exclusive content, like badges, custom emojis, and members-only videos.

It doesn’t matter how big your channel is—if you have loyal fans, they’ll love the chance to support you and get special perks. Set up multiple membership levels to give fans different options, from shout-outs to exclusive live streams.

Pro Tip: Remember to promote it in your videos!

So, what’s the eligibility criteria?

Looks achievable, right? This could actually be the perfect starting point for anyone looking up how to make money on YouTube.

Brand Funded Money

Brand funding is like getting sponsored by popular brands.

Brands pay you to talk about their stuff, and it’s a great way to earn revenue.

Brand Collaboration & Sponsorships

Check out this video by Amanda Castillo, a US-based influencer, as she shares her daily life as a marketing specialist. Notice how she features different products throughout her day.

The video description has three different coupon codes for multiple products.

YouTubers often earn way more from brand collaborations than from the YouTube Partner Program. Why? Because it's straightforward. Partner directly with brands and get paid to promote their products. The real money isn't just in views, it's in the relationships you build.

Let’s dive into another example. You know Ali Abdaal, right? The guy who’s mastered the art of productivity.

The Rize app sponsored his video, and he highlighted their features in return. A win-win situation. That’s what sponsorship is all about.

YouTube Partner Program

The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) lets you make money directly from ads shown on your videos. Once you're eligible, YouTube places ads on your content, and you earn a share of the revenue. Here's what you need to qualify:

Getting to your first 1,000 subscribers can feel like a major milestone—and it is!

It's all about building a recognizable brand, keeping your content consistent, and making sure people remember you.

Create a Memorable Brand Identity

Building a memorable brand identity is all about making sure people recognize and remember your channel at a glance. Your brand identity includes things like your logo, banner, and overall look and feel. A strong brand can set you apart in the crowded YouTube space, making viewers more likely to subscribe and keep coming back for more.

YouTube Channel Logo

A strong logo can make your channel instantly recognizable. It’s important to keep it simple yet effective. Consider the logos that stand out to you. If you are a beginner and wondering how to create a new YouTube channel, a smart first step is to look at what’s worked for successful YouTubers.

When you think of channels like MrBeast, T-Series, and 5-Minute Crafts, their logos likely come to mind. These are some of the most subscribed YouTube channels.

If you want to create an impactful and memorable logo for your own channel, follow the Do’s and Don’ts outlined below.

3 Do's of Designing a Logo for YouTube

Research your Target Audience

These are the top gaming channels on YouTube. The gaming category is one of the top YouTube channel ideas without showing your face. Do you notice the similarity in their logos, particularly the use of red and black? Viewers of gaming channels tend to prefer vibrant colors.

Each category has a distinct pattern influenced by the target audience's interests. Identify these patterns and incorporate them into your channel logo.

Logo Adaptability

Make sure your channel looks good on all kinds of devices since they come in different sizes. Having a high-quality logo is key so it pops in both dark and light modes.

Plus, your colour scheme should match your branding and the overall theme of your channel.

Unique Symbols or Icons

Your logo needs to be unique. To pull that off, think of original designs or symbols that really stand out.

3 Dont's of Designing a Logo for YouTube

Don't Overload Details

A simple logo looks clean and effective. Packing too much information into your YouTube channel logo won't help.

Don't Overlook Negative Space

Use blank space to create a balanced look. Negative space can make your logo more refined and professional, helping it stand out without overwhelming the viewer.

Don't Imitate Other Channel's Logos

Your channel's identity should be unique. It’s tempting to draw inspiration from popular channels, but copying their look can make you forgettable.

YouTube Banner

Your YouTube banner is a snapshot of your channel’s personality. It gives viewers an instant sense of your style and theme.

With a quick glance, visitors know what your content is all about, helping them decide if they want to stay and explore more.

3 Do's of Designing a Banner for YouTube

Include your upload schedule

Let viewers know when to expect new content. Set your upload schedule before diving into research on how to start a YouTube channel. It’s that crucial.

A visible schedule builds anticipation and boosts engagement.

Optimize for different devices

YouTube banners aren’t responsive, but we’ve got a solution that works.

Use the pink rectangle in the reference image to keep your key info centered. This way, even when the banner is cropped on mobile, all the important details stay visible for your viewers, making sure nothing crucial gets cut off.

Showcase your content

A travel channel might show iconic places or a globe, while a gaming channel could have a controller or cool game graphics.

Adding a few words like “Tech Reviews” or “Fitness Tips” makes your focus even clearer.

3 Dont's of Designing a Banner for YouTube

Don't overcrowd with text

Avoid clutter. A simple, clean banner grabs attention faster and is easier to understand at a glance.

Don't forget to update regularly

Frequent banner updates show your audience that you’re active and engaged.

They’re also a great way to communicate changes in your theme, schedule, or content focus, keeping viewers in the loop with what’s happening on your channel.

Don't violate copyrights or trademark laws

You’ll put in tons of effort to make money on YouTube. Don’t risk losing your channel over a small mistake. Use only original or properly licensed visuals. Copyright issues can lead to legal complications and take down your channel.

Building a strong brand presence is all about having a style that sticks. Let’s look at Dan Koe, GaryVee, and Neil Patel. Each has a unique vibe that’s easy to recognize.

Dan Koe has a minimalist, sleek approach. His branding leans toward clean lines, simple fonts, and often uses neutral colors. This style gives his channel a calm, focused feel that reflects his content on personal growth and productivity.

GaryVee is almost the opposite. His branding is loud and energetic. He uses bold fonts, high-contrast colors, and sometimes edgy graphics that match his high-energy, no-nonsense style.

Neil Patel takes a more professional approach. His branding uses a polished colour palette, often sticking to shites, oranges, and blues, with a clean, modern font.

Other social media platforms can be a powerful tool to drive traffic and help make money on YouTube to your YouTube channel. MKBHD and GaryVee show how it’s done.

MKBHD shares his latest YouTube video link on Twitter, giving followers a quick preview and inviting them to watch the full review on his channel.

GaryVee chops up his YouTube videos into short reels for Instagram. This way, he’s able to reach more people while keeping things interesting across platforms. It’s called content distribution. It gives viewers a quick taste of the full video and it works great for getting engagement everywhere.

You can easily turn long videos into short clips with Vmaker. Just upload your full-length video, and Vmaker instantly creates bite-sized clips that are ready to share.

The effort you put into engaging with your audience is far more important than the work you put in to start a YouTube channel. Replies to comments can make a huge difference in building a YouTube community. When creators respond, viewers feel seen and valued, leading to more interaction and loyalty.

For example, Austin Evans (5M Subscribers), despite his large tech-focused audience, takes the time to reply to his viewers, making his channel feel more personal.

Venessa (6M Subscribers) also interacts with her dedicated followers, building bonds by addressing questions and feedback directly.

Hitting 4,000 watch hours on YouTube can be quicker than it sounds. If you are figuring out how to make money on YouTube, this is the second milestone to hit. Make content that keeps people interested, keep a regular upload schedule, and use titles that grab attention.

When viewers stick around and move from one video to the next, that watch-hour goal starts looking a lot more reachable.

Make Your Videos Pop

Use Dynamic B-Rolls for Visual Variety

B-rolls bring variety to your videos, breaking up the main shots and keeping things interesting for viewers. Extra clips like close-ups, reaction shots, or a bit of background scenery add depth and make the story more engaging.

They’re great for filling in gaps, emphasizing moments, or just making the whole video feel more dynamic.

Add Subtitles to Broaden Accessibility

Adding Subtitles go beyond just adding words on the screen. They make your videos accessible to a wider audience.

People watching on mute, those with hearing challenges, or viewers from different language backgrounds can all follow along with ease.

Set the Mood with Background music

Background music shapes the mood and atmosphere of your video, making each scene more captivating.

It adds energy, depth, or calm, depending on the tone you want to set.

Create Seamless Flow with Transitions

Transitions bring a smooth flow to your video, letting scenes connect naturally and keeping the pace engaging.

They turn what could be sharp, sudden cuts into fluid movement, giving your content a refined feel.

A well-edited video turns basic footage into polished, engaging content on YouTube, which is essential when learning how to start a YouTube channel that truly stands out. Elements like B-rolls, subtitles, background music, and smooth transitions add a professional touch. That’s where a solid YouTube video editor like Vmaker comes in, automating everything from intros to outros to give you ready-to-publish videos that stand out effortlessly.

YouTube-Friendly Title for Maximum Discovery

A great title is key to getting your video seen. YouTube-friendly titles help with both grabbing attention and showing up in search results.

By using keywords and a bit of intrigue, you’re giving people a reason to click and watch.

Ask Engaging Questions

Questions in titles are an easy way to pull people in.

Use Numbers to Capture Attention

Titles with numbers are super effective because they’re direct and easy to grasp. When people see a title like “How to make high-quality Videos in 54 min, 19 sec, 20 milliseconds” they know exactly what to expect.

Numbers promise viewers a structured video with valuable insights, making them more likely to click.

Spark Interest with Curiosity

Curiosity-based titles are great for grabbing attention.

Phrases like “You’ll Never Guess…” or “The Surprising Key to…” make viewers want to know what’s inside, creating a little mystery that gets clicks.

Use Power Words for Impact

Words like “ultimate,” “essential,” or “mind-blowing” add energy to your title.

They make the content sound exciting and stand out in a crowded feed, drawing in viewers looking for something impactful.

YouTube Search Engine Friendly Description

Use Relevant Keywords

The right keywords help your video get noticed. Adding them to your description tells YouTube what your video covers, so it shows up in the searches that matter.

Research around the words or phrases your audience might type into the search bar, and work them naturally into your description.

Break It Down with Chapters

Chapters let viewers skip straight to the parts they’re most interested in, making the viewing experience smoother.

This keeps people engaged, as they can find what they need faster, and it also signals to YouTube that your content keeps viewers around. More engagement can mean better rankings.

Add Targeted Hashtags

Hashtags are a simple way to get more eyes on your video. By adding a few relevant hashtags at the end of your description, you connect with viewers searching for similar topics.

Just pick a few strong ones to keep it focused.

Steal the YouTube Tags

Check out the tags that popular videos in your niche are using, and borrow the ones that make sense for your video.

This can help your video appear as a suggestion next to trending content, which can bring in more views from audiences interested in your topic.

Create a Chain of Videos

Give your viewers a reason to stay on your channel by linking videos in a natural flow. By creating a “video chain,” you’re not only helping viewers discover more of your content but also enhancing your strategy for how to make money on YouTube by keeping your viewers engaged with more of your content.

Hook Them with End Screens

End screens are like your final pitch. When the video wraps up, these screens can point viewers to another video, playlist, or subscribe button.

It’s a simple way to say, “Don’t go yet—there’s more to see!”

Keep Curiosity Alive with Cards

Cards are handy little pop-ups that suggest more content mid-video.

They’re a subtle nudge that keeps viewers exploring, offering them a related video or playlist just when they’re most interested.

Create Binge-Worthy Playlists

Themed playlists give viewers a way to dive into a topic they’re excited about.

By grouping similar videos, you’re encouraging viewers to binge-watch, making it easy for them to get lost in your content without needing to search.

Getting millions of views on YouTube Shorts isn’t just luck. It’s all about knowing what works and using it to your advantage. Here’s how to set your Shorts up for success.

Turn Your Long Videos into Shorts

Why start from scratch when you’ve already got great content? Pull the best moments from your long-form videos and make them into Shorts.

It’s a quick way to create new content and lets more people see what you’re about.

Captions and Transitions that work

Captions are a must, especially for viewers watching without sound. They grab attention and make it easy to follow along.

Smooth transitions also keep things interesting, making your Shorts feel engaging and easy to watch all the way through.

Participate in Trending Challenges

Trending challenges are a shortcut to getting noticed. When you jump into a trend, your content is more likely to show up in searches, and viewers are already looking for it.

Find a challenge that fits your style, add your own twist, and watch the view climb.

Share BTS & Create Personal Connect

Everyone knows what BTS is.

No, not this one!

Behind-the-scenes. They gives your audience a peek into your world. Whether it’s showing your process or just sharing a fun moment, BTS creates a personal connection.

Viewers love feeling like they’re part of your journey, and it keeps them coming back for more.

Warning: Side effects May Include Fame and Fortune

To wrap up this guide, let’s be real. Learning how to start a YouTube channel and make it successful isn’t an overnight thing. But it’s worth every bit of effort. Consistency and connection are the name of the game. With smart strategies, catchy titles, sharp editing, and engaging with your viewers, you’re laying down the groundwork for something truly rewarding.

Use YouTube’s tools to your advantage, automate what you can, and always put your audience first. The journey might test your patience, but the results? Totally worth it!

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