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The Real Question: How Does Getting Paid by YouTube Actually Work?

Myke Educate
Myke Educate
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Getting Paid by YouTube: What You Need to Know

A person holding cash with a YouTube logo in the background


The Real Question: How Does Getting Paid by YouTube Actually Work?

Everyone wonders it.
You start a channel. You upload videos. You see ads pop up.
But how do those ads actually turn into money in your bank?

Here’s the short answer: companies pay Google/YouTube to show ads, YouTube puts those ads on your videos, and you get a cut.

It sounds simple. But the way you get paid by YouTube is all about understanding a few key terms, some rules, and the reality of monetisation.

The Breakdown: Ads, CPM, and RPM

Let’s cut through the jargon.

  • CPM (Cost Per Mille): How much advertisers pay per 1,000 ad impressions. If a brand spends £10 CPM, that means they’re paying £10 for every 1,000 people who see their ad.

  • RPM (Revenue Per Mille): How much YOU actually get per 1,000 views. This is after YouTube takes its cut. Spoiler: YouTube takes around 45%.

Example:
If your CPM is £10, your RPM might be closer to £5.

Now, here’s the kicker: RPM isn’t fixed. It depends on your content, your audience, and even the time of year. Finance videos? Higher RPM. Funny cat compilations? Usually lower.

So, when we talk about getting paid by YouTube, it’s less about luck and more about what niche you’re in.


When You Don’t Get Paid

Here’s the brutal truth:

  • Demonetisation happens. Maybe your video violates ad guidelines. Maybe it’s flagged as not “advertiser-friendly.” That means zero ads = zero revenue.

  • Revenue thresholds exist. You don’t just get a tenner in your account every time it’s earned. You need at least £60 (or $100) before Google pays you.

  • Ads aren’t guaranteed. Not every view equals an ad. Sometimes users have ad blockers. Sometimes no relevant ads are available.

So, while it feels like you’re rolling in cash once you turn on ads, the reality is a bit harsher.

How Do Payments Actually Work?

Here’s the system:

  1. You create content.

  2. Ads run.

  3. Your AdSense account collects earnings.

  4. When you cross the threshold (£60), YouTube/Google processes payment.

  5. Money lands in your bank.

Payments usually happen monthly, not weekly. Google processes them around the 21st of each month, and you’ll typically see funds hit your account within a few days.

Back in the day, cheques were mailed. Today, it’s almost always direct deposit.

Other Ways to Get Paid by YouTube (Beyond Ads)

If you rely only on ads, you’ll probably be disappointed.
The real money comes from stacking other streams:

  • Channel memberships: Fans pay monthly to support you.

  • Super Chats & Stickers: Live stream? Viewers can pay to highlight their comments.

  • YouTube Premium revenue: When Premium members watch your videos, you get a slice.

  • Affiliate links: Recommend products in your video description and earn commissions.

  • Sponsorships: Brands pay you directly to feature their product.

This is why big creators don’t care too much about demonetisation—they’ve built income beyond ads.


Tips to Increase What You Earn

Want to squeeze more out of getting paid by YouTube?
Here’s what works:

  • Pick the right niche. Finance, business, and tech channels generally pay more than gaming or pranks.

  • Focus on watch time. Longer videos = more ads. More ads = more money.

  • Get global viewers. Audiences in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia usually bring higher CPMs.

  • Stay advertiser-friendly. Don’t get demonetised for silly reasons.

  • Use multiple income streams. Don’t rely just on ads—layer in memberships, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

It’s not about luck—it’s about strategy.

FAQs About Getting Paid by YouTube

Q: Do I need a certain number of subscribers to make money?
Yes. You need at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months to join the YouTube Partner Program.

Q: Can I get paid without ads?
Yes. You can still earn from memberships, Super Chats, affiliate links, and sponsorships.

Q: How often will I get paid?
Monthly, once you cross the £60 ($100) threshold.

Q: What happens if I don’t hit the £60 threshold?
Your earnings roll over to the next month until you do.

Q: Does YouTube take a cut?
Yes. They keep about 45% of ad revenue. You keep 55%.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, getting paid by YouTube isn’t magic. It’s a business.
Ads bring in some money, but the smartest creators go beyond ads.

If you want this to work, focus on:

  • Building a loyal audience.

  • Creating binge-worthy content.

  • Layering multiple income streams.

That’s how creators go from pennies to pounds.

And if anyone asks, yes—getting paid by YouTube is possible, but only if you play it smart.

Myke Educate
Myke Educate Tech tips, wellness advice, affiliate marketing, backlinks, blogging tips, business tips, e-commerce, mobile tips, PC tips, SEO, and website tips. facebook twitter youtube instagram telegram

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