How to Make Money by Creating YouTube Videos

Author: Nick Wharton / Source: Wise Bread

If you’ve ever lost an afternoon to watching videos on YouTube, you know how easy it is to find videos on just about anything you can imagine. This wildly successful video platform has revolutionized the way people consume media, and has provided people who have no previous media connections the opportunity to make money by creating and uploading their own content.

Sure, you’ve probably heard of YouTube megastars who have vast numbers of subscribers and are making millions of dollars each year through their channels. But did you know that there are also people out there who aren’t well-known, but are still making a solid living via YouTube? (See also: 5 Social Media Stars Who Earn Way More Than You)

Though it’s unlikely you’ll make it into the upper echelons of YouTube superstardom, it’s good to have an idea of just how lucrative this platform can be. In 2016, YouTube’s top 10 earners all made over $5 million. The top earner, controversial Swedish online gamer and prankster, PewDiePie, single-handedly raked in over $15 million. Here’s how you, too, can earn money by creating YouTube videos.

1. Choose a niche

This is possibly the single most important step to making money from YouTube videos because it’s going to determine your audience. It will have a huge bearing on your earnings as it’s your audience who will ultimately attract paying advertisers. It’s essential that you pick a niche that’s narrow enough for you to be able to make an impact in. A small niche is easier to target and monetize, and they’re more likely to be engaged. Yet, you want a niche that’s popular enough that lots of people search for it.

The best place to start when you’re trying to find your niche is with your own interests and pastimes. If you’re not passionate about the subject you choose, then you’ll soon lose interest and it will come across to your audience in your videos. Choosing something that you’re knowledgeable about and have a real interest in will make creating videos far easier and more enjoyable for you.

Popular niches that some of the most successful YouTubers are active in include gaming, comedy, beauty and fashion, pets and animals, and music. Keep in mind that it’s possible to pick a niche within a niche — so, rather than starting a general fitness channel, you could make videos on weight loss through running for beginners. It’s still about running, but your audience is far more targeted within that subject. The more well-defined your niche, the better. (See also: 5 Surprising Ways Social Media Stars Make Money)