How to Make Money on YouTube Without Adsense in 2024

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Monetizing your YouTube channel with AdSense is often seen as the traditional route, but it’s not always the most effective or reliable way to generate income.

The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) offers AdSense as a way to earn revenue from ads placed on your videos. However, many creators discover that their earnings from AdSense are limited for a variety of reasons.

In this guide, we’ll break down why AdSense might not be your best or only option, and explore several other ways to make money from your content on YouTube.

These methods allow you to diversify your income streams and build a more sustainable, long-term revenue model.

While AdSense can be a solid way to generate income, it has limitations that can hinder your potential earnings.

There are several reasons why you may not earn much—or anything at all—from AdSense:

Copyright Strikes and Claims: If your video contains copyrighted content, even if it’s used unintentionally, you could lose ad revenue to the content’s rightful owner. YouTube’s Content ID system is very strict, and claims can lead to your videos being demonetized entirely.

Low CPM/RPM Rates: CPM (cost per thousand impressions) and RPM (revenue per thousand views) rates can vary significantly depending on your niche and audience location. For example, gaming or entertainment channels often have lower CPM rates compared to business or finance-related content. If your niche isn’t advertiser-friendly, you’ll earn less.

Non-Monetizable Content: YouTube has strict guidelines on what can and cannot be monetized. Content that discusses sensitive or controversial topics may not be eligible for monetization, limiting your ad revenue. Additionally, YouTube’s algorithm may demonetize videos that it deems inappropriate, even if they technically follow community guidelines.

Ad Blockers: Many viewers use ad blockers, which prevent ads from being shown, and as a result, you miss out on potential ad revenue. This is especially common on desktop browsers, where ad blockers are widely used.

If AdSense isn’t cutting it, you’re not alone. Many creators have diversified their income streams to earn more from their YouTube channels.

Here are several effective ways you can make money on YouTube without relying on AdSense:

1. Sponsorships and Brand Deals

One of the most lucrative ways to make money on YouTube is through sponsorships and brand deals.

Brands are always looking to partner with influencers to reach new audiences, and YouTube creators are prime candidates for these collaborations.

Instead of relying on ads, you can promote a brand’s product or service directly within your content.

Why it Works: Brands will pay you based on the size and engagement level of your audience. Even creators with smaller followings can secure sponsorships if their audience is highly engaged and fits the brand's target demographic.

How to Get Started: You can either reach out to brands directly or use platforms like Grapevine Logic or FameBit to connect with companies that are actively looking for influencers. Once you secure a deal, the brand will pay you for either reviewing or promoting their product in your video.

Example: Popular YouTuber MKBHD partners with tech companies to review gadgets and other technology products, often earning more through sponsorships than through AdSense.

2. Affiliate Marketing

Another effective way to make money is through affiliate marketing.

This strategy involves promoting a product or service in your videos and earning a commission when viewers click on your affiliate link and make a purchase.

How It Works: Sign up for an affiliate program like Amazon Associates, Wise, or ClickBank. You’ll receive a unique affiliate link that tracks purchases made through your referral. When your viewers buy something through the link, you earn a percentage of the sale.

Why It’s Effective: Affiliate marketing works especially well if you have a loyal audience that trusts your recommendations. You can create product reviews, unboxings, or tutorials and include affiliate links in the video description.

Example: YouTuber Tatianna James earns a significant portion of her income through affiliate marketing by promoting tools and products that align with her audience's interests.

3. Selling Merchandise

Creating and selling your own merchandise can be another great way to make money.

Merchandise like T-shirts, mugs, or custom designs related to your channel’s brand can help you earn money while also strengthening your connection with your audience.

How to Get Started: Use platforms like Teespring, Shopify, or Spreadshop to create and sell your merchandise. These platforms handle production and shipping, so you can focus on creating great designs.

Why It Works: Merchandise lets your most loyal fans support you directly, and it builds a deeper connection between you and your audience. Plus, it’s an easy way to generate additional revenue without needing millions of views.

Example: Creators like PewDiePie have made millions by selling branded merch to their fanbase.

4. Create a Membership Program

Offering a membership program through platforms like YouTube Channel Memberships or Buy Me a Coffee allows your audience to pay for exclusive perks, such as extra content, early access to videos, or members-only live streams.

Why It’s Valuable: Membership programs create recurring revenue by charging your fans a monthly fee in exchange for exclusive benefits. It’s a great way to reward your most loyal fans while generating a steady stream of income.

How to Start: Set up a membership program directly through YouTube or on a third-party platform like Ko-fi or Buy Me a Coffee.

5. Direct Support With Patreon

Patreon is a popular platform that allows creators to receive direct financial support from their audience.

By offering tiered subscription levels, you can give your patrons access to exclusive content, behind-the-scenes footage, or personalized shoutouts.

Why Patreon is Effective: Patreon allows you to build a more intimate relationship with your audience. Unlike AdSense, where revenue fluctuates, Patreon provides a stable and predictable income.

Example: Kurzgesagt, a popular YouTube channel, uses Patreon to offer fans additional perks like access to exclusive research notes and early video releases.

6. Repurpose Content With Revid AI

One of the easiest ways to multiply your revenue streams is by repurposing your YouTube content into videos for other platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Facebook.

Using Revid AI, you can quickly convert long-form videos into short-form content optimized for these platforms, allowing you to reach a broader audience and generate more revenue.

Why It’s Effective: Repurposing content lets you maximize the value of each video. Instead of creating new videos from scratch for every platform, you can use Revid AI’s YouTube to Shorts Converter or TikTok Video Generator to create engaging clips with minimal effort.

Example: You could turn a detailed product review into multiple bite-sized TikTok videos or Instagram Reels, driving more traffic to your YouTube channel or affiliate links.

7. License Your Content

If you produce high-quality, original content, you can license your videos to third-party companies, media outlets, or brands.

This is particularly useful if your videos capture newsworthy events, viral moments, or unique footage.

How It Works: Platforms like ViralHog and Jukin Media specialize in licensing viral videos to news agencies, TV shows, or other media outlets. You receive a portion of the licensing fees every time your video is used by one of their partners.

Example: Viral videos featuring unique stunts, cute animals, or even breaking news are often licensed for use in TV shows, news broadcasts, and online publications.

Diversify Your Income for Success

While AdSense can be a valuable income stream, relying on it alone may not be the best strategy for long-term success.

By diversifying your revenue streams—whether through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, selling merchandise, or repurposing content—you can build a more sustainable and profitable career on YouTube.

Take control of your earnings by exploring these methods, and see how leveraging tools like Revid AI can help you repurpose content, save time, and expand your reach across multiple platforms.