How to Earn Money from YouTube Shorts

Short videos are common in the fast-paced world of today. Quick, bite-sized content is popular on platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok. YouTube is also not falling behind. YouTube Shorts, the platform’s response to short-form videos, is rapidly gaining popularity. The exciting part is that YouTube Shorts can actually earn you money. You read correctly!

We’ll define more about how to make money from YouTube Shorts in this post, even if you’ve never done it before. No jargon or fancy words—just straightforward, easy-to-follow instructions.

What are YouTube Shorts?

Let’s first clarify what YouTube Shorts are before getting into the money-making portion. Videos that are 60 seconds or less and vertical are called shorts. They are effortless to make and are optimized for mobile viewers. A high-end camera or studio is not necessary. It’s a smart idea to use just your smartphone.

Similar to the social media site Ti people browse Shorts, and if your content is engaging, it may gain a lot of attention. More views, more followers, and more earning opportunities result from that.

Why Should You Care About Earning from YouTube Shorts?

Then you may believe that the competition is too fierce or that it is too late. The problem is that Shorts is still being heavily promoted on YouTube. Even a new creator has the potential to receive thousands or even millions of views because the algorithm promotes them.

More views translate into more revenue opportunities.

Additionally, short videos can be produced more quickly than long-form videos, which require hours to shoot and edit. As a result, you can upload more frequently and experiment with different content formats to determine what suits you best.

Who Can Earn from YouTube Shorts?

To earn directly from YouTube Shorts, you need to meet some requirements. The main way is through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Here’s what you need:

At least 1,000 subscribers
Either:
- 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days, OR
- 4,000 watch hours from long-form videos in the last 12 months

Once you’re in the program, you can start making money through ads, memberships, and more.

But don’t worry—if you’re not eligible for YPP yet, there are still ways to earn. We’ll cover those below.

Different Ways to Make Money from YouTube Shorts

Now let’s get down to business: how to make money from YouTube Shorts. Depending on where you are in your creative journey, you can try a variety of approaches.

1. YouTube Shorts Fund (No Monetization Needed)

To compensate creators for well-liked content, YouTube established the Shorts Fund. Even if you are not a member of the Partner Program, YouTube may give you a bonus if your short videos receive a lot of views and interaction.

Each month, YouTube reaches out to thousands of creators with offers between $100 and $10,000. All you need is:

Unique content (no reuploads or watermarks)
Follow YouTube’s community guidelines
Be located in an eligible country

This is perfect for beginners who don’t yet qualify for ad revenue.

2. Ads on Shorts (Monetized Channels Only)

Your shorts can begin generating ad revenue as soon as you sign up for the YouTube Partner Program. A new method for dividing ad revenue from Shorts with creators was introduced by YouTube.

Here’s how it works:

Ads are placed between Shorts in the Shorts feed.
Revenue from these ads is collected into a pool.
That pool is shared with creators based on how many views their Shorts get.

So the more popular your videos, the bigger your share of the ad money.

3. Affiliate Marketing in Shorts

You can still earn money by promoting products in your shorts even if you are not eligible for YPP. We refer to this as affiliate marketing.

Here’s how it works:

Join an affiliate program (like Amazon Associates or ClickBank)
Find a product to promote
Create a short video about that product
Add your affiliate link in the video description or pinned comment

When someone clicks and buys, you earn a commission.

Example: Let’s say you make a Short reviewing a cool kitchen gadget. If someone buys it through your link, you earn a percentage of the sale.

4. Sponsored Content

Brands are always looking for creators to promote their products, and Shorts are a great way to do that. If your content is engaging and you have a good following, companies may pay you to mention their product or service.

You don’t need millions of followers. Even micro-influencers (1,000–10,000 subscribers) can get deals if they have high engagement.

Tips to attract sponsors:

Stay in a specific niche (like tech, beauty, food, etc.)
Keep your Shorts high-quality and consistent
Add your business email to your channel “About” section

Tips to Grow Fast and Start Earning Sooner

So now you know how to earn money from YouTube Shorts. But none of that matters if your videos don’t get seen. Here are some tips to grow your channel faster:

1. Hook Viewers in the First 2 Seconds

The start of your Short is everything. If it’s boring, people will scroll away. Use a question, surprise, or visual pop to grab attention fast.

2. Post Consistently

The more you post, the faster you learn what works. Try to upload at least 3-5 Shorts per week to build momentum.

Like TikTok, YouTube Shorts supports trending audio. Using popular music or hashtags can boost your discoverability.

4. Focus on One Niche

Stick to one topic to build a loyal audience. If one day you post cooking and the next day it’s gaming, you might confuse your viewers.

5. Check Analytics and Improve

Use YouTube Studio to see what’s working. Look at watch time, likes, and comments to adjust your strategy.

Final Thoughts

Making money from YouTube Shorts is not just a dream—it’s real, and it’s happening every day. Whether you’re aiming for the YouTube Partner Program, using affiliate marketing, or getting into brand deals, there’s a method for everyone.

Start small, stay consistent, and always learn from your audience. The best part? You don’t need a lot of money or fancy gear—just your phone, creativity, and the drive to succeed.

FAQs

1. Can I make money from YouTube Shorts without 1,000 subscribers?

Yes! You can earn through the YouTube Shorts Fund or affiliate marketing even without hitting 1,000 subscribers.

2. How long should a YouTube Short be?

A Short must be 60 seconds or less. You can create a single 60-second video or combine several clips.

3. Do Shorts need thumbnails?

No, YouTube doesn’t show thumbnails in the Shorts feed, but they do appear on your channel page.

4. Can I use music in my Shorts?

Yes, YouTube provides a music library with tracks you can legally use in your Shorts.

5. How much can I earn from Shorts?

It varies. Creators have earned from $100 to $10,000 per month from the Shorts Fund, while others make money through ads, sponsors, or affiliate links.