A full-time YouTuber pulling in 100,000 views per month probably makes anywhere between $500 to $1,500 from AdSense alone. But what if you could earn $3,500+ with the same amount of views?
YouTube has done some work to make that happen. There are plenty of ways to make money on YouTube far beyond ads. That includes both on-platform and off-platform revenue streams.
At MilX, we compiled a list of the highest-earning revenue streams that can double or even triple your YouTube income. All without adding hours of extra work.
Short-Form Videos A.k.a. Shorts
With $31 billion in ad revenue, long-form YouTube content still dominates. But there’s a shift happening really fast.
YouTube made its move lately, extending Shorts to 3 minutes and adding more features there. This signals that the stacks on Shorts are getting higher. According to Statista, Shorts are projected to hit 185 million U.S. viewers per month by 2026, with RPM climbing across multiple markets.
Creators are going into Short for a reason (several reasons, actually):
- No need for high-production edits. Just shoot, upload, and go.
- Clip highlights from your existing videos and keep them working for you.
- Shorts push you to new audiences quicker than traditional videos.
- The new integration features channel viewers to the main long-form content.
Some of our partners see up to 97% of their total revenue now comes from Shorts, but it all depends on many factors like content type, Shorts volume, editing, engagements, interest, virality, and the list goes on.
Shorts Don’t Pay Much, But They Pay Off
Long-form videos still dominate earnings, pulling in $1.25–$2.50 RPM, while Shorts sit at $0.01–$0.06 per 1,000 views.
But even though Shorts’ RPM is rising across markets, their real value isn’t in direct payouts—it’s in views and subscribers.
According to Shopify, 400 million Shorts are uploaded in the U.S. monthly.
The average 20–40 second Short pulls 1–1.5 million views, which might only mean $100 in ad revenue. But that’s not the metric that matters.
- Shorts push your content to way more people, way faster.
- New viewers convert into long-term fans.
- Shorts integration keeps your entire channel in rotation.
Right now, Shorts aren’t the endgame — they’re the gateway. More exposure means bigger paydays down the line. Play smart, and let Shorts work for your channel, not just your wallet.
Already earning on YouTube?
Then there is a way for you to access your funds any day and transfer them through 10+ payment methods in 40 currencies. Download the free MilX app for iOS or Android, choose your payment method, and benefit from the lowest fees for creators.
24/7 Live Streams
YouTube rewards consistency, and nothing is more consistent than a 24/7 live stream.
Streams started as a clever trick and now they are a serious traffic strategy with an 1100% revenue growth potential.
Examples are everywhere:
- Soothing music for kids runs all night, keeping viewers engaged.
- Motivational quotes for gym-goers play on repeat, building a loyal audience.
- Looped esports highlights attract fans looking for the best moments.
According to TechInformant, 24/7 streams generate an RPM of $3.60 per 1,000 views, outperforming Shorts and competing with long-form videos. With 28.5% of internet users watching live streams, the potential is huge.
A single 24/7 live stream can generate steady revenue, but scaling up is where it gets serious. Running four at once can double your earnings in a day. More streams mean more watch time, more ads, and more revenue on autopilot.
The way to dip your toes into these 24/7 streaming waters can be Gyre. It’s a tool for setting up live streams using the content you already have on YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, or Facebook. There’s even a free trial to see how the streams can play out for you.
One key note: Super Chats & Stickers only work when you're actively streaming, so live engagement = even more cash.
Live content works. Set it up, keep it running.
Channel Memberships
Think of channel memberships as a subscription inside a subscription.
This is the way for your biggest fans to support you with monthly payments while getting exclusive perks in return.
These perks can include Super Stickers, priority Super Chats, early access to videos, and exclusive content. You can set up multiple tiers, each with its own price and rewards.
Memberships start at $0.99, but keep in mind YouTube takes a 30% cut.
No-Work Membership Setup
Once Membership is set up, it's a simple, recurring revenue stream that requires very little ongoing work.
- Offer early access to videos you’re already creating. Share behind-the-scenes content or polls, keeping members engaged.
- Set up badges and emojis in minutes.
- Mention memberships at the end of videos or in pinned comments. A simple, occasional reminder does the job.
Your members will naturally promote your channel for you, helping you grow your community with minimal effort.
Cash out YouTube earnings in crypto?
More and more YouTube creators are switching to crypto. You can transfer your YouTube funds directly to your digital wallet in USDT, USDC, or BTC with MilX, bypassing banks.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways for YouTubers to make extra cash. Just drop affiliate links in your video descriptions or mention them in your content. Every time a viewer buys through your link, you earn a commission.
With 36.9% of affiliate marketers using YouTube, this is a huge opportunity for creators. Even with 1,000 subscribers, you can pull in $100–$300 per month from affiliate programs alone.
Some of the top programs include:
- Amazon Associates
- eBay Partner Network
- Etsy Affiliate Program
- Shopify Affiliate Program
- Clickbank
Commissions vary. Some pay 1–3% per sale, while others offer 10–20%. The bigger your audience and the smarter your strategy, the higher your earnings.
Brand Sponsorships
Once your audience grows, brands will pay you to feature their products—whether through shoutouts, product placements, or full partnerships.
Even smaller creators can make $50–$200 per mention, while established YouTubers charge $500–$2,000 per video by pitching brands directly.
Big names like Roberto Blake earn $10,000+ per month from sponsorships with 600K+ subscribers. The key is to proactively reach out and secure deals that fit your content.
More Platforms = More Chances to Get Sponsored
Brands now look for creators who can promote their products across multiple platforms, not just YouTube. Instagram and TikTok matter.
Even top YouTubers with 10M+ subscribers often have only 20K–50K Instagram followers. This isn’t a deal-breaker for them, but for smaller creators, it can mean the difference between landing a sponsorship or missing out.
Expanding your reach beyond YouTube makes you more valuable to brands and boosts your chances of securing high-paying deals.
Is It Possible to Land a Brand Deal as a Small YouTube Channel?
Brands are open to working with small creators, but the real challenge is making your value easy to see.
Many brands actively look for micro-influencers, but without a clear proposition, they will move on. The key is to showcase your stats, media kit, and services in a structured way.
Free tools like pin.top help you present audience data, list available sponsorship options, and make it easy for brands to place an order via pin.top link in bio. Mention your availability in video descriptions or directly in your content. The clearer your offer, the more sponsorships will come your way.
Need Extra Cash for Growth?
Unlock up to 6 months of your YouTube revenue upfront with MilX. This is your chance to reinvest in your channel today and see faster growth tomorrow. Download the free MilX app and see if your channel qualifies.
Dubbed Audio and Translated Channels
YouTube’s economy is simple. More views bring more revenue. One way to reach more people is to dub your videos.
YouTube reports that 15 percent of watch time comes from videos watched in a non-primary language. When the algorithm sees engagement on dubbed content, it starts recommending it to more viewers in that language. This also boosts the performance of other language tracks.
The Most Effective Way to Use Dubbed Audio
We recently analyzed a study from AIR, one of YouTube’s certified translation vendors. They tested different audio track strategies and found the most effective approach.
While dubbing content on a single channel works well, the biggest impact comes from using dubbed audio across multiple channels.
- AIR launched 10 translated versions of a channel for tens of creators
- 8 to 9 gained strong traction in new language regions
- 1 to 2 struggled
To optimize underperforming channels, they added translated audio tracks to the main channel. The results were immediate. Dubbed tracks started attracting an audience and even outperformed the original content.
Taking it a step further, they exchanged audio tracks between all channels, leading to a 45% increase in views.
MSN (Microsoft Network)
Who would have thought that one of Redmond tech giants, MSN (Microsoft Network), would enter the video distribution space?
Now a content platform with over 2 billion monthly users, it gives creators another way to reach a massive audience.
With YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram overflowing with content, MSN offers a less crowded space, easy integration, and solid revenue potential. It’s a great addition to any creator’s strategy.
Same-Same, But Different
Unlike YouTube, MSN brings the audience to YOU.
The platform basically embeds your content into tools that users already use, like Bing, Microsoft Edge, and the MSN App.
While YouTube requires creators to meet certain requirements (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours) before monetization becomes an option, MSN allows you to gain profit from day one.
Some creators sprung from making $400 a month on YouTube to $4,000 a month on MSN within several months.
Chinese Content Platforms: Bilibili, Youku, Douyin, iQiyi
Since 2009, YouTube has been blocked in China, due to strict internet regulations in the country.
But local Chinese platforms like Bilibili, Youku, and Douyin have grown, attracting hundreds of millions of users who quickly adopt trends and make niche content go viral.
For a Western creator who wants to break free from a crowded YouTube space and probe one of the world’s largest digital markets, Chinese platforms like Tencent or iQiyi are the way to go.
- Hyper-targeted audience.
- Gifts, memberships, and brand deals with local businesses.
- High chances of going viral.
- Chinese brands seek Western creators.
- Shorts are super-popular in China.
- Many platforms favor Western creators.
- An average CPM is $0,41.
AdSense Is Only the Beginning
It’s only natural to be willing to earn more with your content.
The blood, sweat, and tears that you put into brainstorming ideas, shooting the material, editing, and distributing have to be rewarded.
Qualifying for AdSense and making your first $500-1000 is a commendable milestone. But if deep inside you feel you can—and should!—make more, there’s a whole world of revenue streams both on YouTube and beyond.
More Ways to Get Paid as a YouTuber with MilX
Even when you have a single revenue stream, managing your YouTube earnings is already complicated enough. Unlike businesses that can move funds freely, YouTubers often wait weeks for payouts, with limited options for withdrawals and high banking fees. MilX removes these barriers.
Faster Access to Your YouTube Earnings
YouTube pays out once a month, which can be restrictive when you need immediate cash. MilX lets you access your earnings daily, based on what appears in your YouTube analytics. No more waiting until the end of the month—your funds are available when you need them.
If you need a larger upfront amount, MilX unlocks up to six months of your future earnings. This allows you to invest in content, hire a team, or cover unexpected expenses without delays.
Choose How You Get Paid
Traditional YouTube payments are limited to local bank transfers, often leading to high fees and currency conversion losses. MilX gives you more options:
- 10+ payment methods including bank transfers, PayPal, and crypto.
- 40+ supported currencies, including USD, EUR, and GBP.
- Direct payouts in USDT, BTC, and USDC to skip banking delays and fees.
Get Started with MilX
MilX gives you immediate access to your earnings, multiple payment options, and extra cash when you need it. Download the MilX app today and take charge of your YouTube income.