So I am able to monetize with ads but because of the fact that most of my filming takes place on National Forest land, I can't monetize. The US Forest Service requires commercial-use permits (even for YT ads) that cost $150.00 per person, per day - obviously, it would cost me more than I'd profit from based on the smaller amount I'd make at this current point. Plus you wait months before getting approved for a permit. National Park Service is different, low impact commercial filming can happen for free (for now) but National Forests and National Parks are under different government parents therefore the same rules do not apply. One is DOI, one is UDSA.
So anyways, I rely on the following for monetization:
- Super chats during LIVE - as long as its from my home, I can monetize
- Review videos filmed on my property (I have woods so I can do them there)
- Merch (t-shirts, hoodies, masks) - I own my brand so I can monetize it (I've trademarked it)
- Stickers and postcards
- Patreon
- And now I am a hiking guide (had to get liability insurance and a permit)
My tips to you, register as a business. I'm an LLC. Get a different bank account, business checks something like that - pending where you live of course. If in America, get an EIN# with IRS.
I also charge $100+ for virtual and in-person speaking.
I do compensated collaborations. I've made nearly $2,000 on just one. Focus on NPOs that are larger for that.
Of course, this is if you've put the work into making yourself into an authority in your niche.
You get what you pay for - in this case, that's work!
Running a YT channel as a business is definitely a full time job.