How to Monetize a YouTube Channel with 1,000 Subscribers: A Complete Guide
Reaching 1,000 subscribers on YouTube is a major milestone—and for many creators, it's the first step toward turning a passion into a paycheck. If you're one of the many creators wondering how to monetize your channel once you hit that magic number, you're in the right place.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the different ways you can monetize your YouTube channel, how to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), and how to maximize your earnings even beyond ad revenue.
Table of Contents
-
Other Ways to Monetize with 1,000 Subscribers
-
Affiliate Marketing
-
Sponsored Content
-
Merchandising
-
Crowdfunding
-
<a name="1"></a>
1. Understanding YouTube’s Monetization Requirements
YouTube doesn’t allow just anyone to make money. Before you can start earning from ads, you must meet certain requirements to join the YouTube Partner Program.
You need:
-
1,000 subscribers
-
A linked AdSense account
-
To follow all of YouTube’s policies and guidelines
Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for monetization through YouTube Studio.
<a name="2"></a>
2. Joining the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
How to Apply:
-
Go to YouTube Studio
-
On the left menu, click "Monetization"
-
Click "Apply Now"
-
Connect your AdSense account
-
Wait for YouTube to review your channel (can take a few days to a few weeks)
What Happens After Approval?
Once approved, you can start making money through:
-
Ad revenue (display, overlay, skippable ads)
-
Channel memberships
-
Super Chat and Super Stickers (for livestreams)
-
YouTube Premium Revenue
However, keep in mind: just hitting 1,000 subscribers doesn't guarantee big income. The number of views, audience retention, content niche, and video length all affect your earnings.
<a name="3"></a>
3. Other Ways to Monetize with 1,000 Subscribers
While ad revenue is the most known form of YouTube income, it's not the only one. In fact, many small creators make more from alternative income streams than they do from YouTube ads.
1. Affiliate Marketing
If you review gadgets, you can link to those products on Amazon using an affiliate link. When someone buys, you get a cut.
Popular Affiliate Programs:
-
Amazon Associates
-
ShareASale
-
Impact
-
Digistore24
-
ClickBank
2. Sponsored Content
Even with 1,000 subscribers, brands may want to collaborate with you—especially if you have a niche audience.
Types of sponsorships:
-
Product reviews
-
Tutorials
-
Mentions in videos
-
Dedicated sponsored videos
When negotiating with sponsors, focus on:
-
Your engagement rate
-
Video views (especially average views per video)
-
Audience demographics
Pro Tip: Use platforms like FameBit (by YouTube), BrandConnect, or Heepsy to connect with sponsors.
3. Sell Merchandise
If your brand or channel has loyal fans, even a small number of followers might buy your merch.
You can sell:
-
T-shirts
-
Mugs
-
Stickers
-
Digital goods (e-books, presets, templates)
Platforms to use:
-
Teespring (now Spring)
-
Redbubble
-
Shopify
-
Etsy
Once approved for the YouTube Partner Program, you may be able to display your merch directly under your videos through the Merch Shelf feature.
4. Crowdfunding and Fan Support
You can ask your audience to support your content directly.
Platforms:
-
Patreon: Set up monthly memberships with perks (behind-the-scenes content, early access)
-
Buy Me a Coffee: Accept one-time donations
-
Ko-fi: Another creator support platform
If you do livestreams, you can use YouTube’s Super Chat feature to let fans pay to highlight their messages.
<a name="4"></a>
4. How Much Can You Make with 1,000 Subscribers?
This is the big question—and the answer depends.
Let’s break it down:
From YouTube Ads:
-
CPM (Cost Per Mille): How much advertisers pay per 1,000 views
-
RPM (Revenue Per Mille): What you actually earn per 1,000 views
CPMs vary by niche, audience location, and season. For example:
-
Finance/Investing: $10–$30 CPM
-
Tech: $5–$15 CPM
-
Gaming: $1–$5 CPM
With 1,000 subscribers, if you get 10,000 views/month and have an average RPM of $3, you'd make about:
$30/month
It’s not much—but it’s a start. More views = more income.
From Affiliate Marketing:
If just 5 people buy a $100 product through your link and you earn 10% commission, that’s:
$50 in affiliate income
With affiliate marketing, you can scale fast—even with fewer views—if your audience trusts your recommendations.
From Sponsorships:
Some smaller creators charge:
-
$50 to $500 per sponsored video
Again, it depends on:
-
Niche
-
Engagement
-
Video quality
<a name="5"></a>
5. Tips to Maximize Your Revenue
1. Make Evergreen Content
Videos that get views over time (like tutorials or reviews) can earn passive income long after they’re posted.
2. Improve Watch Time and Retention
More watch time = higher chance YouTube will recommend your video. This means:
-
Hook viewers in the first 10 seconds
-
Avoid long intros
-
Use storytelling and editing to keep viewers engaged
3. Optimize Your Titles and Thumbnails
More clicks = more views = more money. Use tools like TubeBuddy or vidIQ to test and improve CTR (click-through rate).
4. Focus on One Niche
If your channel covers too many topics, it’s harder to grow a loyal audience or attract sponsors. Find your lane and stick to it.
5. Use Calls to Action (CTAs)
Tell your viewers to:
-
Subscribe
-
Like the video
-
Click links in the description
Simple CTAs can significantly increase your affiliate or merch income.
<a name="6"></a>
6. Final Thoughts
Monetizing your YouTube channel with just 1,000 subscribers is absolutely possible, but it takes strategy and patience. Don’t rely solely on ad revenue—explore affiliate marketing, sponsorships, merch, and crowdfunding to boost your income.
Every successful YouTuber started somewhere. Whether you're making $5 or $500 a month, the key is to stay consistent, listen to your audience, and keep improving your content.
Your first 1,000 subscribers are just the beginning—what you do next is what truly matters.