How much money does a YouTuber actually earn? Complete analysis of earnings in 2025

If you’ve always wanted to know exactly how much money a YouTuber can raise monthly, the truth is there is no single answer. Revenue depends on multiple factors: size of the subscriber base, chosen niche, engagement rate, geographic location of the audience, and, most importantly, how many different monetization sources the creator explores simultaneously.

The numbers that matter: how much money YouTubers earn per tier

Beginners (less than 10,000 subscribers)

Creators in the initial stage typically earn between R$ 100 and R$ 500 per month solely from AdSense. This modest figure grows significantly when they start diversifying: sales through affiliate marketing, product recommendations, SuperChat during live streams, and their first sponsorship deals. Real growth doesn’t come from the volume of subscribers but from the ability to generate authentic engagement.

Developing creators (50,000 to 500,000 subscribers)

In this intermediate range, how much money a YouTuber can earn jumps to R$ 2,000 to R$ 5,000 per month. The combination of AdSense, SuperChat, Channel Memberships, and paid collaborations makes this phase financially viable as a supplementary or primary income source.

Established channels (over 1 million subscribers)

Creators with a large follower base regularly surpass R$ 20,000 monthly, often reaching R$ 100,000 when they include large advertising contracts and sponsored videos by brands.

Top-tier creators (tens of millions of followers)

Platform giants earn between R$ 200,000 and R$ 3 million monthly, depending on content type and volume of commercial campaigns closed.

Where does this money come from? The seven main ways of monetization

Ads via Google AdSense

The classic revenue source on YouTube works through three metrics: CPC (cost per click), CPM (cost per thousand impressions), and RPM (revenue per thousand effective views). The system guarantees content creators 55% of the total ad revenue. Globally, creators earn on average US$ 0.018 per individual view, while CPM varies from US$ 0.25 to US$ 4.50 depending on region and niche.

Integrated store via YouTube Shopping

Creators with 500 subscribers and active participation in the Partner Program can connect their online stores and sell physical products, digital items, and exclusive merchandise. Content for children and channels with a history of violations are ineligible.

Commissions from affiliate marketing

One of the most profitable strategies for small and medium channels, offering commissions that reach up to 80% of the product price, depending on the category and retailer.

SuperChat and Super Stickers during live streams

Viewers pay directly to highlight messages in live broadcasts, creating a secondary income source based on interaction.

Subscriptions via Channel Memberships

Fans can subscribe to plans ranging from R$ 1.99 to R$ 2,699.99, with the creator retaining 70% of this subscription revenue.

Direct contributions via “Valeu Demais”

Followers send voluntary donations in traditional videos and Shorts, functioning as digital tips.

YouTube Premium Revenue Share

Part of the value of Premium subscriptions is distributed among creators based on the watch time of their content.

What is needed to start this journey?

Technically, equipment can be simple: a smartphone camera works, but a quality microphone is mandatory. Editing software like Premiere, Vegas, CapCut, or DaVinci completes the setup. Basic lighting and a clear content strategy with optimized thumbnails make a difference.

On the platform, the initial requirement is to create a Google account and a channel. But to truly monetize, you need: be 18+, accumulate 1,000 subscribers, reach 4,000 hours of watch time on long videos OR 10 million views on Shorts, and keep the channel in good standing. Payment is released when the accumulated revenue reaches US$ 100.

How much specific money per volume of views?

To better quantify, the average global metrics are: US$ 36 to US$ 60 for 20,000 views, approximately US$ 0.018 per individual view. These figures vary quite a bit depending on the audience’s location, content niche, and engagement quality.

Turning a channel into a revenue machine

The secret isn’t in publishing content randomly, but in thinking like a professional business manager. An organized editorial calendar, consistent maintenance of technical quality, and aggressive exploration of all available monetization sources are the three pillars of success.

For those starting out, forget immediate gains. What matters is the growth trajectory. With strategic persistence, a channel that begins modestly can evolve into a profitable—and potentially millionaire—operation. The journey requires dedication, but the numbers prove it’s entirely feasible.