YouTube Shorts have exploded in popularity, offering creators a fast-paced way to reach millions. But did you know these bite-sized videos can also be a source of real income? Whether you’re a student, freelancer, or aspiring influencer, here’s how to turn your shorts into cash.
Let’s break down how you can make money from YouTube Shorts — step by step.
What Are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are short, vertical videos (under 60 seconds) designed for mobile users. They’re like TikTok or Instagram Reels but on YouTube.
They get millions of views easily if your content is engaging. The more views you get, the more ways you have to monetize.
6 Proven Ways to Make Money from YouTube Shorts
1. YouTube Shorts Ad Revenue Sharing
Since 2023, YouTube has introduced ad revenue sharing for Shorts. Here’s how it works:
- Ads play between Shorts in the feed
- Revenue is pooled and split among creators
- You get 45% of the revenue based on your share of views
📌 Eligibility:
- 1,000 subscribers
- 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days
- Join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
2. Affiliate Marketing
Even if you’re not monetized, you can still add affiliate links in your video descriptions and pinned comments.
You can promote:
- Tech gadgets (via Daraz, Amazon)
- Trading apps (Deriv, Quotex, Binomo)
- E-learning courses
- Mobile apps
3. Brand Sponsorships
Once you get consistent views or subscribers, small brands or startups may pay you to feature their product or service.
Even a small Shorts channel with 5k–10k subs can get deals in niches like:
- Tech
- Fashion
- Productivity tools
- Mobile accessories
4. Promote Your Own Digital Products
If you create:
- E-books
- Resume templates
- Courses
- Printables
5. Drive Traffic to Long-Form Content
Use Shorts to promote your main YouTube channel or blog:
- Hook viewers with a teaser
- Link to full videos or blog posts
- Boost watch time and grow subscribers
This strategy helps you monetize long-form videos, which pay more per view.
6. YouTube Fan Funding
Even if you’re not eligible for ad revenue yet, you can still earn through fan support:
- Super Thanks: Viewers tip you directly on Shorts ($2–$50)
- Channel Memberships: Offer exclusive perks for monthly fees
- Super Stickers & Super Chat: Great for live Shorts or streams
Available with just 500 subscribers and 3 million Shorts views in 90 days
Best Types of YouTube Shorts to Make (Without Face or Voice)
You don’t want to show your face? No problem. These formats work great:
- Motivational Quotes + Background Music
- AI-generated Story Videos
- Movie/Podcast Clips (with fair use edits)
- Product Reviews or Tech Facts
- Screen recordings (apps, websites, tutorials)
- Gaming Clips
- Funny Skits or Memes (Text-to-Speech)
Tools to Create YouTube Shorts
- CapCut (Free editing + templates)
- Canva (For text and graphics)
- Pictory / InVideo (AI video creation)
- ElevenLabs + ChatGPT (AI voice + script)
- Snaptik / SnapSave (For watermark-free clips from TikTok)
Tips for Going Viral on Shorts
- Post consistently (3–5 Shorts/week)
- Use trending sounds and hashtags
- Keep videos engaging and under 60 seconds
- Add clear calls to action
- Avoid copyrighted music unless licensed
Final Words:
YouTube Shorts is one of the best online earning methods in Pakistan right now — especially for beginners with no investment.
So grab your phone, hit record, and let your creativity earn for you—one Short at a time.