Software and app tutorials with screen recording
Narrated explainers and documentaries
Cooking or crafting with hands-only shots
Relaxing or ambient videos (original footage and sound)
Gaming without facecam
YouTube reviews channels for reused or repetitive content, so add original commentary, editing and value rather than reposting others' clips. A good microphone matters more than a camera. See our faceless ways to make money online and voiceover guide.
Step 4: Add Income Streams Beyond Ads
Many creators earn more from these than from ad revenue:
Sponsorships: brands pay for mentions or dedicated videos. Disclose them clearly, as the FTC requires.
Affiliate links: recommend tools and products you use. See affiliate marketing for beginners.
Your own products: guides, templates, courses and presets. See how to create digital products.
Services: consulting, coaching or freelance work for viewers.
Memberships and Super Thanks once you're in YPP.
These don't require YPP, so you can earn before you qualify for ads.
How to Make Money on Twitch
Twitch focuses on live streaming, mostly gaming but also art, music and "Just Chatting." Streamers earn once they reach Affiliate or Partner status through:
Twitch shows your progress toward Affiliate in the Achievements section of your Creator Dashboard; check there for current requirements, which have changed over time. Many streamers also upload highlights to YouTube to reach new viewers.
YouTube vs Twitch
| YouTube | Twitch |
|---|
Format | Recorded videos and Shorts, plus live | Mostly live streaming |
Discovery | Search and recommendations | Browsing live categories |
Long-term earning | Videos can earn for years | Income tied to live hours |
Best for | Tutorials, reviews, education | Gaming, interactive content |
Equipment to Start
You don't need a studio. A practical starter setup:
Your phone camera or a basic webcam
A microphone: viewers forgive average video but not bad audio
Lighting: a window or an inexpensive ring or panel light
Free editing software to start; upgrade when editing becomes your bottleneck
Screen recording software for tutorials
A 90-Day Plan for a New Channel
Month 1: Choose your niche, research 30 video ideas people search for, and publish one video a week.
Month 2: Study your analytics (click-through rate and audience retention), improve titles and thumbnails, and add Shorts that point to your long videos.
Month 3: Add affiliate links to relevant videos, create one simple digital product or service, and keep publishing on schedule.
Review which videos bring subscribers and make more like them.
Video Ideas That Work in Most Niches
"How to [do task] for beginners"
"[Product A] vs [Product B]: which should you buy?"
"Mistakes to avoid when [doing task]"
"I tried [method] for 30 days" (only if you really did)
"Best [tools] for [audience] on a budget"
"Answering your questions about [topic]"
Mistakes New Creators Make
Picking a niche they'll be bored of in a month
Inconsistent uploads
Weak titles and thumbnails
Using copyrighted music or clips
Waiting for ad revenue instead of adding affiliate links and products early
Frequently Asked Questions
How many subscribers do you need to get paid on YouTube?
To earn ad revenue through the Partner Program, you need 1,000 subscribers plus either 4,000 watch hours in 12 months or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days.
Can you make money on YouTube without showing your face?
Yes. Tutorials, narrated explainers, hands-only videos and gaming without a facecam are common faceless formats. Add original value to avoid reused-content issues.
How long does it take to make money on YouTube?
It varies widely. Many channels take months or longer to reach Partner Program thresholds. Affiliate links and your own products can start earning sooner.
Is Twitch or YouTube better for making money?
YouTube suits searchable, evergreen videos that keep earning; Twitch suits live, interactive content. Many creators use both.
The Bottom Line
YouTube pays when you consistently make videos a specific audience searches for, and add income streams that don't depend on ads. Pick a niche, upload on a schedule, and build toward the Partner Program while earning from affiliates and products. For short-form video income, see how to make money on TikTok.
