Can an individual make money on YouTube with short videos? Yes, it is absolutely possible to make money on YouTube with short videos, particularly with the rise of YouTube Shorts. This feature allows creators to produce engaging, bite-sized content that can quickly capture viewers’ attention. As audiences increasingly favor quick, digestible formats, Shorts offer unique opportunities for monetization. 

Ways To Make Money on YouTube with Short Videos 

Here are several ways to make money on YouTube with short videos:

1. YouTube Shorts Fund

• YouTube has established a dedicated Shorts Fund to reward creators for their engaging short videos. Eligible creators can receive bonuses ranging from $100 to $10,000 based on the performance and viewership of their Shorts.

2. Ad Revenue through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)

• As of 2023, YouTube allows creators to monetize Shorts through the YouTube Partner Program. Once you meet the eligibility criteria of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, or 10 million views on Shorts in the last 90 days, you can earn ad revenue from ads displayed between your Shorts.

3. Brand Partnerships and Sponsorships

• If your short videos gain traction, brands may approach you for sponsorship opportunities. This could involve featuring their products or creating content around their brand, which can be financially rewarding depending on your audience size and engagement.

4. Affiliate Marketing

• Incorporate affiliate links in your video descriptions to promote products relevant to your Shorts. When viewers purchase through these links, you earn a commission, providing an additional revenue stream.

5. Merchandise Sales

• Leverage your Shorts to promote your own merchandise, such as branded clothing or accessories. Use creative and engaging methods in your videos to highlight your products and encourage viewers to make purchases.

6. Cross-Promotion of Long-Form Content

• Use your Shorts to drive traffic to your longer videos or main channel. By creating engaging Shorts that lead viewers to more extensive content, you can grow your overall channel, which can increase ad revenue from those longer videos.

By utilizing these strategies, you can effectively monetize your YouTube Shorts while building an engaged audience and increasing your income potential.

Popular Channels and Creators that Make Money on YouTube with Short Videos 

Here are some popular creators and channels that successfully make money on YouTube with short videos and have been doing so for long now, particularly through the YouTube Shorts feature:

1. Zach King

• Overview: Zach King is a well-known filmmaker and illusionist who gained fame for his “magic” short videos. His creative editing and imaginative storytelling have captivated millions of viewers.
• Monetization: Zach King utilizes YouTube Shorts to showcase his visual effects and magic tricks, earning income through ad revenue, brand deals, and sponsorships. His unique content often goes viral, attracting new subscribers and increasing his overall earnings.

2. Khaby Lame

• Overview: Khaby Lame is famous for his humorous reaction videos that simplify overly complicated life hacks. His silent, expressive style has resonated with audiences worldwide, leading to explosive growth on social media platforms, including YouTube.
• Monetization: Khaby’s Shorts capitalize on viral trends, allowing him to earn revenue from ads and lucrative brand partnerships. His massive following enables him to negotiate substantial sponsorship deals.

3. Dude Perfect

• Overview: Dude Perfect is a sports and entertainment group known for their trick shots and comedy videos. They create both long-form content and Shorts that feature quick challenges and impressive feats.
• Monetization: The group generates revenue through ad income from their Shorts, sponsorships from brands, and merchandise sales. Their engaging content attracts a wide audience, further enhancing their revenue streams.

4. Charli D’Amelio

• Overview: Charli D’Amelio initially gained fame on TikTok but has successfully expanded her reach to YouTube, where she creates various short videos, including dance challenges and personal vlogs.
• Monetization: Charli earns money through ad revenue on her Shorts, brand partnerships, and promotions, capitalizing on her massive following and influence.

5. Tasty

• Overview: Tasty, known for its quick recipe videos, has also embraced YouTube Shorts to share bite-sized cooking tips and tutorials. Their content is visually appealing and easily digestible, making it perfect for short formats.
• Monetization: Tasty generates income through ads, sponsorships, and partnerships with food brands. Their engaging and shareable content helps attract a wide audience.

6. Liza Koshy

• Overview: Liza Koshy is a comedian and actress known for her quirky humor and relatable skits. She uses Shorts to showcase her comedic talent in quick, engaging formats.
• Monetization: Liza earns revenue through ad income from her Shorts, brand collaborations, and other entertainment ventures, leveraging her popularity across multiple platforms.

7. 5-Minute Crafts

• Overview: 5-Minute Crafts is a DIY channel that features quick and easy life hacks and crafting tutorials. Their Shorts highlight various tips and tricks in a concise format, making them easily shareable.
• Monetization: The channel monetizes its content through ad revenue and brand partnerships, reaching a broad audience interested in practical solutions and DIY projects.

8. JennaMarbles (formerly)

• Overview: Although Jenna Marbles is no longer active on YouTube, her channel featured a range of short and humorous content that attracted millions. Her comedic style and relatable scenarios contributed to her success.
• Monetization: While she was active, Jenna made money through ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales, setting a precedent for how creators can monetize short content.

9. Misha

• Overview: Misha creates short, humorous skits and memes, often based on everyday scenarios. Her relatable content resonates with a wide audience, leading to viral success.
• Monetization: Misha earns income through ad revenue on her Shorts and potential brand collaborations, thanks to her growing popularity.

10. NikkieTutorials

• Overview: NikkieTutorials is a beauty influencer known for her makeup tutorials. She uses Shorts to share quick beauty tips and transformations, appealing to both her existing fans and new viewers.
• Monetization: Nikkie earns money through ad revenue, brand partnerships, and her own beauty line, leveraging her expertise and popularity in the beauty community.

These creators and channels have successfully monetized their YouTube presence through short videos by employing a variety of strategies, including ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. Their ability to create engaging, shareable content has helped them build large audiences and generate substantial income through YouTube Shorts.