How to Earn Money from YouTube Shorts in 2025 (Beginner’s Guide)

Ever scrolled through YouTube Shorts and thought, “Wait — are these creators actually getting paid for this?” The answer is yes. And now, you can too.

YouTube Shorts is no longer just for entertainment. In 2025, it has become a serious way for creators — even beginners — to make money online.

The best part? You don’t need a fancy camera or millions of views. With just your phone and a little creativity, you can start earning from YouTube Shorts today.

Let’s break it down.

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🎥 What Are YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts are vertical videos under 60 seconds. Think of them like TikToks or Instagram Reels — short, catchy, and made to go viral.

Since YouTube wants to compete with other short-form platforms, they’re pushing Shorts hard — giving creators more reach and now, more ways to make money.

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💸 How Do You Earn Money from YouTube Shorts?

Here are 5 legit ways to earn from YouTube Shorts in 2025:

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1. YouTube Partner Program (YPP) – Shorts Monetization

YouTube now allows Shorts creators to earn ad revenue through the Shorts ad revenue-sharing model.

📌 Requirements to Join:

1,000 subscribers

10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days

OR (for long-form videos) 4,000 watch hours in the last 12 months

Once approved:

You earn from ads shown between Shorts in the Shorts feed

Revenue is shared based on your view count and music usage

💡 Example: If your Shorts get 2 million views and your CPM is around $1.50, you could make around $2,000–$3,000+ per month, depending on engagement and location.

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2. Shorts Bonus (No Longer Active, but Replaced with Ad Sharing)

In the past, YouTube had the Shorts Fund, where creators earned bonuses between $100 to $10,000/month. That ended, but now it’s replaced with ad revenue share — more sustainable and fair.

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3. Affiliate Marketing in Shorts

You don’t have to rely on YouTube’s ads alone.

Many smart creators use affiliate links in their video descriptions. When a viewer clicks and buys something, you earn a commission.

🛍️ Popular affiliate products for Shorts:

Gadgets (tech channels)

Beauty products (makeup tutorials)

Digital tools (AI, money-making apps)

Online courses (finance, productivity)

💡 Example: Post a 30-second review of a trending product → include an affiliate link → earn commission every time someone buys.

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4. Sponsorships and Brand Deals

Once your Shorts get regular views, brands will reach out. Even if you have just 5K or 10K subscribers, you can land paid deals.

Sponsorships often pay more than YouTube ads — especially in niches like:

Personal finance

Tech

Fashion

Fitness

You can also pitch to brands directly using platforms like:

Famebit by YouTube

BrandConnect

Grapevine

Collabstr

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5. Promote Your Own Products or Services

If you sell anything — ebooks, merch, online classes, or coaching — Shorts is a perfect way to drive traffic fast.

Make a short video showing:

Your product in action

Testimonials or reviews

Tips related to your service

YouTube Shorts can bring huge traffic in just 24–48 hours if your content connects emotionally or solves a problem.

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📲 Tips to Grow Your YouTube Shorts Channel

Want more views = more money? Follow these simple tips:

✅ 1. Hook in the First 2 Seconds

Start with movement, text, or a surprising statement.

✅ 2. Use Trending Sounds

Go to YouTube’s Shorts Audio Library and pick trending music (but remember: using copyrighted songs affects revenue split).

✅ 3. Post Consistently

Aim for 1–2 Shorts every day if possible. The algorithm rewards active creators.

✅ 4. Use Relevant Hashtags

Try hashtags like:

#shorts

#ytshorts

#makemoneyonline

#[your niche]

✅ 5. Respond to Comments

Engaging with your viewers builds loyalty — and boosts your channel in the algorithm.

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📉 How Much Can You Earn from YouTube Shorts?

Here’s a rough breakdown based on creators’ reports:

Views Potential Income (Ad Revenue Only)

100,000 views $50 – $150

1 million views $500 – $2,000+

10 million views $2,000 – $10,000+

Note: Affiliate links and brand deals can multiply these numbers.

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🧠 Final Thoughts – Is YouTube Shorts Worth It?

Absolutely. In 2025, YouTube Shorts is one of the fastest ways to grow and earn on YouTube, even if you’re a beginner.

You don’t need a fancy setup — just your smartphone, creativity, and consistency.

So if you've been waiting to start your YouTube journey, now’s your time. Create short, helpful, or funny videos — and turn your scroll time into income.

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💬 Have You Posted a Short Yet?

Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried Shorts before, or if you’re just about to start. I’d love to support your first steps!