YouTube
Shorts are bite-sized, vertical videos that you can scroll through easily. They
used to be a place for creators to try things out, get creative, and be a part
of the short video trend. But by 2025, they are some real businesses. It is
possible to earn money from the YouTube Shorts Monetization feature.
The
best part is that you don't need a million subscribers or expensive equipment
to earn money from your Shorts. You just need to be consistent, creative, and
have a little bit of know-how about something. So, let's discuss how
monetization of Shorts works and how you can start earning from those short yet
effective videos.
In
the years 2021–2022, YouTube tried a Shorts Fund to reward people who made
videos that became popular. It worked, but it didn't feel like a real way to
make money. More like a lottery. As of right now, YouTube has fully added
Shorts to the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). You can now make money from ads on
your Shorts just like you can on your longer videos.
Let’s
dive in:
1. YouTube puts ads in the
Shorts feed between the videos.
2. The money from those
ads is put into a big pool that everyone can use.
3. YouTube takes some of
your payment for things like music licenses (if you used a popular song).
4. Based on the number of
views, the rest of the money is split among the creators.
5. Every month, 45% of the
total pool is given to the creators.
Actually,
you don't get paid for ads that are directly on your Short. Instead, you get a
cut of the feed's ad income based on how many times your Shorts are seen.
In
order to get paid, you need to be a YouTube Partner. There are two ways to get
there:
·
1,000
subscribers
·
4,000
public watch hours in the last 12 months (from standard videos)
·
1,000
subscribers
·
10
million public Shorts views in the last 90 days
You
can make money from everything on your channel, including Shorts, long-form
videos, Super Thanks, and more if you follow either road. If you post both
short and long videos, you can make more money and grow your page in more than
one way.
Let's
get real; that's why you're here, right? Shorts make less money per view than
longer videos, simply due to the fact that they are brief and do not have ads
on the video. Don't dismiss them, because when a Short blows up, it BLOWS UP.
On average, creators can make around $0.02 to $0.06 per 1,000 views on Shorts
in 2025. That might not sound like much. until you realize that successful
Shorts can receive millions of views.
Some
napkin math:
·
5
million views = ~$200
·
10
million views = ~$400–$600
·
20+
million views? Now we’re talking decent monthly income
And
that’s just from ad revenue. There’s more.
Intelligent
content creators want more than just ad dollars. Here's how they're making
extra cash:
Yes,
it's here at last. Fans can now tip creators directly on Shorts. It's fast,
easy, and a fun way for fans to support their favorite creators.
Short
videos are perfect for brand placements. It may be a health brand, skincare
product, or phone application, but brands need to be seen by people who scroll
quickly. If you have niche viewership and regular views, you can pitch ideas or
request ideas.
Post
a link in the video description or in the comments, and you'll earn cash as
individuals buy what you promote. Think of Amazon products, software, or your
own products.
Your
Shorts can lead viewers to your longer videos, email list, or merch store. This
strategy allows you to make money in various ways and build a stronger brand.
Ready
to make this work for you? Here are five real-world strategies creators are
using to make money faster:
The
first 2-second count. Use a question, surprising graphic, or intriguing sound
to grab their attention and make them stop scrolling.
Posting
3 to 5 Shorts weekly (or daily if possible) satisfies the algorithm and
maintains the interest of your audience.
Comment
responses drive engagement and visibility. And it makes your viewers feel
listened to—and they come back for more.
The
more specific your content, the more effectively it will reach the right
audience and be attractive to sponsors. Think of "budget skincare
tips" rather than simply "beauty."
Do
you have TikToks or Reels? Repurpose
them for YouTube Shorts. Simply remove watermarks and adjust them to YouTube's
aesthetic.
Not
necessarily. The 10 million Shorts views required to qualify for the Partner
Programs come from all of your Shorts across 90 days.
You
can, but YouTube will share some of your money with music rights holders. When
you use original audio, you keep more of the profits.
They
are not the same. Shorts make you gain followers quicker and get popular
sooner, but longer videos have the potential to earn more money per view. Most creators do both.
It
usually takes a few weeks. YouTube reviews your channel manually, so be
patient—and continue posting.
Yes,
you can, but if they are still receiving hits (and pulling in revenue), you may
wish to leave them alone.