April 28, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Make Money on YouTube in 2026: Every Way to Monetize a Channel
Vladimir Sivenkov · Official RHEI representative 
If you have a YouTube channel, sooner or later the question arises:
how do you start earning and increase your income?
In 2026 YouTube isn’t only about ads.
It is a full income system.
In this article you will learn:
- all the current ways to earn
- when to connect monetization
- how to increase your channel’s income
Important for 2027. From February 1, 2027 YouTube’s thresholds change: for new channels, joining the Partner Program will require 8,000 watch hours instead of 4,000, and earning from Shorts will require 10M views in 90 days. Details: YouTube Partner Program From February 1, 2027.
When a Channel Starts Bringing in Money
It’s important to understand:
income doesn’t appear from the first video
Usually:
- first money → from 10–50 thousand views, though there are exceptions, depending on the strategy.
- stable income → from systematic content
How to Make Money on YouTube With 100 Subscribers: 7 Strategies
The Main Ways to Earn on YouTube
1. Advertising (AdSense)
This is YouTube’s basic monetization, and it can be connected without AdSense.
How it works:
- you are paid for ad views
- it depends on the topic
Pros:
- a simple start
- automatic income
Cons:
- low income at the start
- depends on views
Conclusion:
AdSense is the foundation, but not the main income.
2. Affiliate Programs
How it works:
- you recommend a product
- you get a percentage
Examples:
- services
- training
- products
Plus:
you can earn even with a small channel
Read: Affiliate Programs and Brands: How Offers Will Come to You
3. Brand Advertising
When it comes:
- from 10–50k views on a single video (not Shorts)
- with a clear audience
Income:
can be 5–10 times higher than AdSense
This is one of the main sources of income
4. MCN (Media Networks)
What it is:
connecting to the partner network RHEI
What it gives:
- additional monetization from UGC content and from advertising deals, if the channel is suitable.
- support
- content protection
relevant with stable views
5. Your Own Products
The strongest source
These are:
- consultations
- courses
- services
this is where most creators make their main income
Read the article: YouTube as an Element of a Personal Brand and Expertise
Why Most People Have No Income
The main reasons:
-
no stable views
-
no system
-
no strategy
-
no understanding of the audience
-
growth first → money later
How to Increase Your YouTube Income
1. Increase Views
→ more traffic = more money
2. Improve the Content
→ higher retention → more traffic = more money
3. Add New Sources
→ not only AdSense = more money
Read more in the article: YouTube Channel Strategy: A Step-by-Step 6-Month Growth Plan
The Fastest Path to Income
There are 2 options:
On Your Own
- long
- many mistakes
With a Review and a Strategy
- faster
- clearer
- higher income
If you want to speed up:
Get a review of your channel:
You will get:
- a monetization plan
- growth points
- specific actions
I work with a limited number of channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn without a big channel?
Yes, through affiliate programs and services.
How much can I earn?
It depends on the niche and the system.
What matters more: views or audience?
It depends on your audience. A target, financially solvent audience is always smaller than the audience of the whole YouTube channel.
Conclusion
YouTube is:
- not just video
- but an income system
If you want not just to film but to earn:
Estimate your channel’s approximate income with the free YouTube earnings calculator.
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