How to make money on YouTube besides ads: Alternative methods for creators

YouTube is one of the most popular platforms not only for sharing content, but also for earning money. But do you have higher goals than just making money from YouTube advertisements and want something more? From sponsorships and selling your own merch to licensing content and creating online courses, there are many ways to diversify your income and build a strong community of fans. This article will show you how to make the most of YouTube's potential and make money effectively outside of classic ads.

Sponsorship partnerships and brand deals

Sponsorships and brand deals are actually classic collaborations with brands that pay a YouTuber to promote their product or service in a video. You can implement this cooperation in your video in several ways - it can be an integrated advertisement within the video plot, an opening or closing mention, or an entire video dedicated to a sponsored topic. In this way, the brand naturally fits into the content and appeals to the target audience. 

As with collaborations on Instagram, so too on YouTube, it is crucial that the brand fits naturally into the content and that it affects the viewers trustworthy. Authenticity and transparency are important, including in the labeling of collaborations. And what are the advantages and disadvantages of such collaborations?

The advantage is definitely a higher earning potential than with classic YouTube advertising. Building long-term relationships with brands is great because it leads to long-term partnerships that are also more trustworthy to viewers. A disadvantage can be, for example, the requirements of brands to process promotions, which can be time-consuming.

Patreon, Buy Me and Coffee or HeroHero

You must have noticed the boom around the HeroHero platform and know how it works. Patreon works on a similar principle, with the difference that creators can set different membership levels for viewers. Such platforms provide viewers with exclusive content, pre-published content, personal interaction or Q&A (questions and answers), behind-the-scenes footage or exclusive merch. 

Advantages of platforms like HeroHero and Patreon are regular income, as viewers pay monthly, and direct and closer contact with fans, which strengthens relationships. The disadvantage can be the difficulty of keeping subscribers because they will expect regular exclusive content from you. 

The last platform we will mention is Buy Me a Coffee, where viewers can "buy coffee" from creators. They are one-time or regular contributions with the option of choosing the amount of the contribution.

,,Platforms like Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee and HeroHero are great choice for creators who have a clear idea of what they want to offer their viewers. The key is to create exclusive content that is valuable and interesting to fans, but doesn't change the core experience for viewers who choose not to support the channel through membership. Avoid unnecessarily frustrating viewers by restricting content that was previously freely available.

Exclusive content should be seen more as a bonus for those who want to support creation at a higher level, not as an obligation for everyone. This is an extended revenue stream, so it's important to think carefully about what you can offer, while setting a reasonable membership price to make it attractive and manageable for fans."

Merchandising

One of the most popular ways for YouTubers to diversify their income is selling their own products. This way, a fan can buy or get a product that is associated with their favorite creator and at the same time, brand awareness increases. 

Merchandising includes clothing, accessories or creative products such as graphics, stickers or books. If you have decided to start selling your own products, you have two options - to have it all under your own direction, or to use a merchandising platform. The first option will give you complete control over quality, production and design, but it is considerably time and financially demanding. The second option will make your work easier and you can focus on content production, but expect that the platform will take some % of the profit.

Superchats and YouTube membership

If, as a creator, you want to keep all your content on one platform, YouTube Membership is the right choice for you. Superchats and YouTube memberships are especially popular with streamers and creators who have a strong community willing to support their content. Superchat is a feature available during a live broadcast on YouTube that allows viewers to make a financial contribution to highlight their messages. In this way, fans catch the creator's attention during the stream and can ask him questions or express support. 

YouTube membership works similarly to the mentioned Patreon or HeroHero, i.e. on a regular fee, for which the viewer gets either an exclusive or preferred content, special emoticons and others. Regular interaction with fans and building trust is important for effective use of Superchats and YouTube membership.

Online courses and consultations 

If you are an experienced YouTuber who has expertise and experience, selling your online courses or consultations is a great way to monetize your knowledge. In this way, you can not only generate income, but also build trust with your viewers. 

To begin with, it is important to clarify in which area you have knowledge that is valuable to your target group. Don't make a course just to be. For example, if you run a fitness channel, you can create a beginner or advanced exercise course.

By creating an online course that is sold repeatedly, you will receive passive income without the need to constantly create new content. Promote your courses directly in YouTube videos and add links. You can start by offering some free lessons to build trust, and don't forget to share positive reviews and stories from your previous clients.

,,Selling online courses and consultations is an excellent option for experienced YouTubers who are interested in monetizing their knowledge and skills. However, a thoughtful approach is important - the key is to offer really valuable content that meets the needs of your target group. I recommend avoiding creating courses just for profit; focus on topics of real benefit."

Content Licensing

Content Licensing is also a profitable way to make money on YouTube, apart from classic ads. This method includes selling or licensing the use of your original videos, music, graphics or other multimedia content to advertising agencies or online platforms. Licensing can be one-time or long-term with recurring payments.

Advantages of content licensing is obtaining passive income and increasing reach if your content appears in other media or advertising. Disadvantages of this way of making extra money can include legal complications, as securing the rights to your content can be difficult, and getting interest in your products can also be difficult. 

Making money on YouTube is no longer just about ads - it's about creating value and close connection with your supporting audience. Whether you opt for sponsorship partnerships, product sales, video licensing, or offering online courses, each of these methods can bring you additional opportunities for growth and profit. Want to learn more about how to create effectively on YouTube? Follow our other articles!