Can You Still Make Money on YouTube in 2025? Here’s What Changed

YouTube is continuously changing, and for aspiring creators who previously found the thresholds daunting, the new update finally opens doors to new possibilities. The platform has lowered entry barriers, thus making it easier to start earning from your videos and shorts.

To make things simpler for you, we’ll break down the latest monetization requirements and explore their impact on creators. We’ll also discuss some strategies to help you make the most of these exciting changes.

Let’s take a look at the journey ahead of you. Your path to financial success.

What’s new? 

• Subscriber Milestone: 500 Subscribers Remember when you needed 1,000 subscribers to start cashing in? Well, YouTube just lowered that requirement! Now, all you need is 500 loyal viewers, and you can start monetizing your channel. 
• Upload Consistency: 3 Public Videos in 90 Days You don’t need many viewers, but you do have to remain consistent. If you want to qualify for monetization, you need at least three valid public uploads within 90 days. It’s YouTube’s way of keeping creators active and engaged. So, keep those videos coming, and don’t let your subscribers forget about you!
• Watch Time: 3,000 Hours in the Past YearAnother metric you’ll have to consider is the time spent watching your content. Previously, creators needed 4,000 watch hours, but YouTube has trimmed that down to 3,000 hours. So if you manage to create binge-worthy content, you’ll be racking up views (and revenue) in no time!
• Shorts Views: 3 Million Views in 90 Days Short-form content is all the rage right now, and YouTube is making it easier to profit from Shorts. The requirement has dropped from 10 million to 3 million valid public views in 90 days. Perfect for creators who can pack a punch in under 60 seconds!

These requirements open up monetization options through donations, subscriptions, shopping, etc. Full monetization and Premium options are available after reaching 1,000 subscribers and achieving 4 000 watch hours for videos or 10 million valid public views of your shorts. 

By lowering these hurdles, YouTube is rolling out the welcome mat for up-and-coming creators. Whether you’re an aspiring vlogger, a budding educator, or the next viral sensation, these changes make it easier to monetize your content and start earning.

Your Roadmap to Starting a YouTube Channel

With all these updates, we won’t be surprised if you decide to start your own YouTube channel right away. Good news, we’ve got just the guide to help you start. 

1. Pick Your Niche

Not sure what to make videos about? Think about topics that you love AND that people actually search for. Bonus points if advertisers love that too! Some high-paying niches include crypto, tech reviews, auto repair, and VPNs. But the golden rule is, anything can be YouTube gold, as long as it sparks interest in viewers!

2. Investigate Like a Detective

Before jumping in, do a little snooping.

• Check out what people are asking on forums like Reddit & Facebook regarding topics that interest you.
• See what’s trending using tools like Answer The Public or Find My Audience.
• Stalk popular creators in your niche (in a totally non-creepy way).

3. Choose Your Video Style

Different video styles work for different audiences!

• Love teaching? Try how-to tutorials or whiteboard videos.
• Want engagement? Go for Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions or listicles.
• Camera-shy? Explore faceless video formats. You don’t need to show your face to be a YouTube star!

4. Look at Your Options

Making money on YouTube isn’t just about ads. Get strategic!

• Affiliate marketing (Amazon, Twitch, Audible — there are tons of them!).
• Sponsored content & brand deals.
• Merch sales (who doesn’t love rocking their favorite creator’s hoodie?).

5. Plan Your Content Like a Pro

Having a game plan makes all the difference: 

• Use TubeBuddy to find trending keywords. 
• Keep your uploads consistent. 
• Share content on Instagram, TikTok, and other social platforms. 
• Post when your audience is most active — timing matters!

6. Get Your Gear 

No need to break the bank: start simple! Your phone camera works just fine. But do grab a decent microphone for better audio. Also, keep in mind that good lighting makes ALL the difference. Use tools like Fliki for easy editing & AI voiceovers!

7. Set Up Your Channel 

When you have everything under control, it’s time to get into action. Sign in with your Gmail account. 

• Click “Create a New Channel.” 
• Customize it with logos, descriptions & links. 
• Add a killer channel trailer to hook new subscribers!

8. Upload Like a Boss 

Before hitting that upload button, optimize your video: 

• Make eye-catching thumbnails. 
• Write a clear, catchy title. 
• Use tags & keywords to boost searchability. 
• Upload using YouTube Studio—easy peasy!

9. Spread the Word 

More views = more revenue! Promote your videos: 

• Share links in Reddit & Facebook groups (without spamming!). 
• Tell your friends, family, and followers. 
• Use YouTube Shorts to gain organic traction FAST.

10. Track Your Progress

Numbers don’t lie! Use YouTube Analytics to see what’s working: 

• Check watch time, engagement, and click-through rates. 
• Learn what keeps viewers hooked (or makes them leave!). 
• Adjust your content strategy accordingly.

Using Doitong to your advantage

A channel is, no doubt, time-consuming. But YouTube Shorts are indeed a great addition and promotional tool for your channel. Luckily, you can save a ton of time by utilizing Doitong to create them. AI-powered shorts with voiceover or animation can help lead viewers directly to your full-scale videos. 

All you need to do is load your prompt and wait for the result to show up. The best part — you can automate the process by connecting your channel directly to the app. 

YouTube is still the perfect way to announce your interests to the world and even to make a profit. And even though it’s become easier now, approaching your own YouTube channel is not that easy. But with the right tools on your side, you can bring quality that rivals professional production and start bringing in the views in no time.