Hey y’all, welcome to the blog, or welcome back! If you’re new here, my name is Nicki. Today, I’m sharing exactly how much YouTube paid me as a small content creator. Let’s get right into it!
YouTube Monetization Requirements
Before we talk numbers, let’s quickly review what it takes to monetize on YouTube. To be eligible for monetization, you need:
- 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 watch hours within the past 12 months
I got monetized through long-form content, as I was already monetized before YouTube Shorts became a big deal. I started my YouTube journey in 2020, sharing my debt-free journey, and I eventually shifted into fashion and lifestyle content as my financial situation improved.
My YouTube Earnings
Now, let’s get into the numbers. For January 2025, my YouTube earnings were $145.91. I know that may not sound like much, but I wanted to share this to document my journey and see how my income grows (or doesn’t) over time.
Some people might think, “Why even bother sharing this small amount?” But for me, it’s about transparency and showing that even small earnings can add up over time. If I make around $100 per month, that’s an extra $1,200 per year that could go toward my emergency fund, investing, or paying off debt.
Why I’m Sharing My YouTube Income
I’m not trying to be an expert, a coach, or a guru. I simply want to document my journey and share what’s working for me. If someone—whether it’s a mom, a college student, or someone looking for extra cash—sees this and realizes they can make an extra $100 a month, then it’s worth sharing.
For example, my 21-year-old daughter might look at this and think, “Hmm, an extra $100 could help with gas or groceries.” It may not seem like much, but small amounts of money can make a difference in people’s lives.
How I Use My YouTube Earnings
For me, YouTube income is a stepping stone to financial goals. Here’s how I use my earnings:
- Paying off debt – Every little bit helps when working toward financial freedom. I use this debt tracker to track my progress.
- Building my emergency fund – Instead of pulling money from my paycheck, I can use YouTube earnings to grow my savings. I use this savings tracker to track my progress,
- Investing – Even $100 a month can be put toward an investment that grows over time.
If you’re a small creator just starting out, don’t get discouraged by small numbers. Every dollar you earn from YouTube is a step toward financial independence. I’ll continue to document my journey and share my progress, so stay tuned to see how my YouTube income evolves over time!
If you’re on your own content creation or debt-free journey, I’d love to hear about it—drop a comment below!
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