How to Get Monetized on YouTube Without 1000 Subscribers

If you've ever thought about starting a YouTube channel, you'll know that monetizing fast can be the difference between a weekend hobby and a lifechanging venture.

In this guide, I'll tell you exactly how you can monetize your YouTube channel without 1,000 subscribers, and without joining the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

First up, let's take a look at the YPP and the recent changes. 👇

The YouTube Partner Program (Latest Rules)

There were some changes made to the YPP in 2023 that not only let us monetize before 1,000 subscribers, but monetize faster using YouTube Shorts and other methods.

The image below shows the new requirements which can been found in the Earn section of theYouTube Studiodashboard.

If that doesn't make much sense, allow me to translate it for you.

To be eligible for early monetization before 1000 subs, you must:

1. 1. Have 500 or more subscribers
2. 2. Have posted 3 or more videos in the last 90 days
3. 3. And have 3,000 public watch hours OR 3 million shorts views in the last 90 days

Remember, the 3,000 watch hours are accumulated on long-form videos only (not Shorts).

When these new requirements are met, they allow creators to monetize YouTube videos using other methods outside of the ad-sense program, including:

• Memberships: Allows you to give exclusive content and perks to your audience as paying members. Viewers can join from your video and channel pages directly, and you'll receive 70% of the profit!

• Supers: Another way you can monetize early is with Supers. These include super chats, super stickers, and super thanks. Supers are a great way for streamers and gamers to start earning much sooner!

• Shopping: This feature allows you to connect a shop to your YouTube channel without 1,000 subscribers or a Google adsense account. Promote products and merchandise on your channel.

To monetize your YouTube channel with adsense, you'll still need to hit the requirements below.

You're probably familiar with these already, but if not, I'll explain. To be eligible for YouTube monetization through adsense, you must meet the following:

1. 1. Have 1,000 subscribers
2. 2. Have 4,000 public watch hours in the last 365 days OR 10 million shorts views in the last 90 days

So there you have it.

Those are the ways you can make money through the official YouTube channels in 2024.

But.. what if there were other ways to monetize YouTube?

How to Get Monetized on YouTube With NO Subscribers?

Waiting to hit 1,000 subscribers to join the YouTube Partner Program can feel like watching paint dry.

But here's the thing: you don't need to wait to start making money from your YouTube channel. I'm going to show you exactly how to monetize YouTube today, even if you're just getting started.

Read on if you want to learn exactly how you can monetize YouTube today, using 10 lesser known tactics. If you want to get started creating content now, check out Createthat, the content creator's best friend.

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is hands down the easiest way to start making money from your YouTube videos right now. You don't need a massive audience - you just need to create high quality content that helps people make buying decisions.

Remember all those times you've heard YouTubers say "click the link in the description"? Most of those are affiliate links, and you can start using them too. The best part? Most companies have affiliate programs - just check the footer of their website and look for "affiliates" or "partners."

2. UGC Content Creation

User-generated content (UGC) is actually exploding right now on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and you don't need a huge following to get started. Brands are desperately looking for creators who can make authentic, engaging content - and they're willing to pay for it.

Think about it: your small YouTube channel might actually be an advantage here. Brands want that authentic, personal touch that bigger creators sometimes lose. Start by creating sample content for brands you love, and use that as your portfolio to land paid gigs.

3. Email Newsletter

While everyone's obsessing over their subscriber count in YouTube Studio, smart creators are building email lists. This is one of the most overlooked ways to monetize a YouTube channel without hitting the magic 1,000 subscribers mark.

Create content around your passion, and guide viewers to your newsletter where you can build deeper relationships. Once you've got an engaged email list, you've got multiple monetization options - from sponsored newsletters to selling your own products.

The added bonus is you can also let your email subscribers know when you drop new YouTube content! It's a win win.

4. Sponsorships

Think sponsorships are just for big creators? Think again. While you might not land NordVPN right away, there are countless smaller companies looking to sponsor YouTube videos from creators with engaged audiences.

The key here is to focus on your niche. A small but dedicated audience can be incredibly valuable to the right sponsor. Focus on engagement rather than numbers when pitching to potential sponsors.

It's similar to UGC, but sponsorships are more suitable for long-form content creators.

5. Create an Online Course

You don't need to be the world's greatest expert to create valuable online courses. You just need to be a few steps ahead of your target audience. What skills do you have that others want to learn? What problems can you help solve?

Creating high quality content for your YouTube channel naturally positions you as an authority, making it easier to sell your course, even without a massive following.

6. The Blog Funnel

Want to supercharge those affiliate marketing efforts from earlier? Start a blog alongside your YouTube channel. This is a powerful one-two punch that most creators miss.

Your YouTube videos drive traffic to your blog, where you can capture emails and create in-depth content that ranks in search engines.

Creating a loop of YouTube to Blog to Email and back to YouTube can be incredibly powerful for growth. Don't underestimate it.

7. Strategic Merch

You might think merch only works for huge channels, but here's the secret: if you've got a strong brand or you're in a super specific niche, merch can work from day one.

The key is creating good products your audience actually wants, not just slapping your logo on a t-shirt.

8. Content Repurposing

Got great long-form YouTube videos? Turn them into multiple pieces of content for other platforms. This isn't just about reaching more people, it's about creating multiple revenue streams from the same content.

Instead of the one-and-done approach, you can maximize the value of your work by chopping it into smaller bite sized pieces for a completely different audience.

It's another growth hack that can lead to earlier monetization opportunities.

9. Coaching and Consulting

Your YouTube channel is the perfect portfolio for landing coaching or consulting clients. Even without 1,000 subscribers, demonstrating your expertise through video content can help you land high-paying clients who want your personal attention.

Similar to course creation, the beauty of the internet is that you don't have to be the world's leading expert in your niche... just be a few steps ahead of your audience.

10. Community Building

Building a community might not make you rich overnight, but it's one of the most sustainable ways to monetize your channel. And no-one can take it away from you.

Start a Discord server, create a Patreon, or build a membership site. The key is providing value that goes beyond your regular YouTube videos.

Tips to Monetize Faster with YouTube Shorts

Monetizing with YouTube shorts is one of the easiest new ways to grow your channel and get monetized on YouTube faster.

I'll mention the rules for monetizing with adsense using YouTube Shorts again here for ease of reading:

1. 1. 1,000 subscribers
2. 2. Have over 10 million YouTube shorts views in the last 90 days

To be honest, the 1,000 subscribers milestone is SERIOUSLY easy to hit with shorts. All you need is one decent Short with 1 million views or more, and I guarantee you'll hit 1k subs quick!

I personally grew my channel to over 10k subs with just 2 viral podcast clips from the Shawn Ryan Show.

Tips for monetizing faster with YouTube Shorts:

• Hook viewers in the first second: Literally count "one Mississippi" and ask yourself if someone would keep watching. The YouTube shorts algorithm is brutal with retention, and this directly impacts how fast you'll get monetized on YouTube. Use trending techniques like green screening.
• Create "series" content: instead of random shorts, make memorable series like "5 days of testing..." or "What I learned from analyzing 100 viral shorts." Series help you monetize YouTube shorts faster since viewers actively seek out the next part. If you find something that works, lean on it!
• Use pattern interrupts: Every 1-2 seconds. This means switching camera angles, adding text overlays, or using transitions. I've found this single tip can close to double watch time on the short form content I tried it with
• Batch create your shorts: Record 10-15 shorts in one sitting with the same outfit. This helps build a consistent look and following and ultimately hit that crucial 10M views requirement for YouTube monetization and adsense much faster
• Write your hooks in this format: "How to [desired outcome] without [common obstacle]" - I've tested hundreds of hook styles and this consistently performs really well
• Create response shorts: Make content around trending videos in your niche, but do it fast (within 12 hours). The algorithm loves this content type and it's an underused way to monetize YouTube Shorts

You should also try and every short with a clear CTA to watch your long-form content (if you have any.) This is crucial because it helps you build real subscribers who'll watch your regular videos, not just short-form viewers

Wrapping Up 👋

Don't let the YouTube Partner Program requirements hold you back from monetizing your channel. While creating high quality content should always be your priority, these strategies can help you start generating revenue while you build toward those bigger goals.

Remember, the best approach is usually to combine several of these methods. Start with one or two that feel most natural for your content style and audience, then expand as you grow.

Ready to start monetizing your YouTube channel? Pick one strategy from this list and take action today. Your future self will thank you for not waiting until you hit 1,000 subscribers to start making money from your content.