A video is the new content style of this era. Our attention span is getting shorter, we are running out of our focus level but the hunger for knowledge, learning etc. is not leaving us. Videos keep two of our five senses occupied and need lesser time to get the point across. YouTube has catered to our changing needs just right. Right from learning how to make tasty food at home to understanding international politics, watching the iconic scenes from classic movies to simple advice with regards to teenage relationships. YouTube is the answer.

Videos are not just limited to shooting and viewing but the money involved is Huge!. People who have a YouTube channel are actually making money out of it. Here are some steps to follow:

• Be regular with posting your content

If you want to be a full-time Youtuber, it is important to start acting like one, that means you need to post your content regularly – very very regularly. Decide upon the fixed days in a week on which you will post your content and make sure you post at least 2-3 videos a week as this helps in building your audience and ensures steady stream of views

• M for Monetization

Every Youtuber wants to make money from their YouTube channel, which calls for “monetization” of your channel. This feature allows YouTube to display ads in or on your video and you acknowledge that your video has no unmentioned copyright issues. This can be activated, by going to the ‘channel setting tab’ and clicking on the option of ‘Monetize with Ads’. And if your content is good, then YouTube will send you a private message offering you the chance to “Apply for revenue sharing for Your Video”. So, remember, make haste while the sun shines

• Make “AdSense” your new love!

The most important step after you have enabled your content for monetization is to SET UP A GOOGLE ADSENSE ACCOUNT as it helps you in collecting your revenue. How it works, is that YouTube will pay for per ad click and per view. This works well for you when your video gets more and more views because this leads to more potential of ad clicks and this further leads to more revenue. Although AdSense can be downloaded for free, the revenue can only be received if you have a bank or PayPal account and a valid, physical mailing address.

• Affiliate Links

Affiliate links are another very popular way to monetize your channel. If you run say a beauty and fashion channel and you are constantly recommending products, affiliate links are a must-have. When you use an affiliate link if someone buys something using the link you will get a small portion of the proceeds from the product. So be sure to sign up for an affiliate program this year and use the links in your subscription box.

• Sell your own merchandise

Selling merchandise like coffee cups, T-shirts, bags etc.  via your YouTube channel has a benefit beyond revenue. It is an amazing way to develop a relationship with you and your fans as they literally “buy into” what you’re doing. It increases your exposure by putting your online brand and personality out there into the offline world

• Work with Brands as an Influencer or Affiliate

The popularity of the influencer marketing to drive brand awareness is on a roll! Brands are looking to spend their typically large advertising budgets on influencers who’ve already won the loyalty of their audiences. This creates a massive opportunity for you as a creator if you can negotiate the right deals.

Some influencer marketplaces offer you free products, while others are known for having big brands that are willing to pay more. Capitalize on the opportunities that best suit your needs, but list yourself in as many places as you can to ensure maximum visibility for your channel.