Monetizing YouTube Videos Before Being Monetized: A Comprehensive Guide

Many creators on YouTube wonder if they can monetize their older videos before they get approval for monetization through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). The answer is a resounding yes, and you can earn money from these videos through various strategies. This guide will walk you through the process and offer valuable tips for monetizing your content.

Understanding Affiliate Marketing and Its Potential

One of the most potent ways to monetize your YouTube videos is by using affiliate marketing. This involves creating content about products or services you believe in, and adding affiliate links to these videos. Even if your channel hasn’t been approved for monetization yet, you can start promoting and earning money from your videos. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Join Affiliate Programs

There are numerous affiliate programs available, and you can join several without needing pre-approval. Some notable ones include Amazon Associates, ShareASale, ClickBank, and CJ Affiliate. These platforms provide you with unique affiliate links that you can embed in your video descriptions. Here are some helpful tips for selecting the right program:

Ensure the program aligns with your niche. Look for programs with generous commission rates. Verify the authenticity and reliability of the program. Evaluate the program’s support and customer service.

Step 2: Create Relevant Video Content

The key to effective affiliate marketing on YouTube is creating useful and engaging content that genuinely helps your audience. This could include:

Product reviews and comparisons. How-to guides and tutorials. Free download and software installation videos. DIY projects and tech reviews.

When creating these videos, always disclose that you have an affiliate link. Transparency builds trust and encourages conversions. Also, consider using stronger calls-to-action (CTAs) in your video:

“Click the link below to check out this product!” “Subscribe to my channel for more free content!” “Join the affiliate program and start earning while you help others!”

Monetizing Your Videos Directly Through YouTube

YouTube also offers direct monetization options that you can activate. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Verify Your Account

The first step is to verify your YouTube account, as this is required for monetization. You can do this by:

Verifying your phone number or email address. Proving your age and accepting the YouTube monetization policy. Agreeing to the YouTube terms of service and payment policy.

Step 2: Access Monetization Settings

Once your account is verified, you can access the monetization settings in your YouTube Studio:

Go to your YouTube Studio dashboard. Click on the “Content” section at the top. Use the filters to find videos that are not yet monetized. Click the “Monetize” button next to the video you want to enable monetization for.

By doing this, you can earn revenue from ads placed on your video content.

Step 3: Enable Monetization for All Content

The goal of monetization is to make all of your content revenue-earning by having ads displayed on them. You can enable monetization for all your videos in a few simple steps:

Go to your YouTube Studio dashboard. Click on the “Monetization” tab at the top. Activate the “Enable monetization” feature. Apply the ads to your videos and start earning revenue.

Monetizing Older Videos Before Approval

Even if your old videos haven't been approved for monetization, you can still earn money from them using affiliate marketing. Here’s how:

Create new videos that feature the affiliate links for those older videos. Incorporate CTAs encouraging viewers to watch the older videos and use the affiliate links. Wait for YouTube to review and approve the affiliate links and then enable monetization for those videos.

Additional Tips for Success

To maximize your earnings from monetization, consider the following tips:

Consistently create and publish high-quality content. Engage with your audience and build a community. Monitor your analytics to understand what’s working and what’s not. Adapt your content strategy based on audience feedback and engagement. Consider using multiple revenue streams, such as sponsorships and merchandise.

Conclusion

By understanding the nuances of YouTube monetization and using affiliate marketing effectively, you can earn money from your videos even before they get approved for monetization. Remember to always disclose your affiliate links, create engaging content, and continuously optimize your strategy to maximize your earnings. Happy monetizing!