How To Make Money With YouTube in Kenya( Complete Guide 2023)

From humorous to educational, Kenyans are turning their passions into paychecks through YouTube. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, foodie, or beauty guru, YouTube provides a platform for you to share your creativity with the world and, yes, make money doing it. With the right strategies and dedication, earning a respectable income is possible, all while doing what you love. In this article, we'll walk you through a comprehensive guide on how to make money with YouTube in Kenya.

Joining the YouTube Partner Program

The first and most obvious way to earn on YouTube is through ads. The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is your ticket to monetizing your channel through ad revenue.

To qualify for YPP, you must have at least 500 subscribers and 3,000 watch hours over the past year or 10 million valid public Shorts views within the past 90 days. You must also live in a region where YPP is available and agree to abide by YouTube's monetization policies.

To enable monetization, you'll need to go through the following steps:

• Sign in to the YouTube account you want to monetize.
• Click the icon for your account in the top right corner.
• Click YouTube Studio.
• In the left menu, select Other Features > Monetization.
• Read and agree to the YouTuber Partner Program terms and eligibility requirements.
• Create a new Google AdSense account or connect an existing one to your channel.
• Set your monetization preferences.

However, ad revenue is not the only way to earn from YouTube. It's often far from the most lucrative.

Selling Products or Merchandise

You can further monetize your YouTube channel by selling products or merchandise. Whether t-shirts, coffee mugs, or tote bags, merchandise brings in revenue and helps promote your brand offline.

Luckily, selling merchandise is easier than it may seem. You can hire freelance designers to create affordable designs tailored to your merchandise. You can even collaborate with print-on-demand providers who handle shipping, fulfillment, and customer support, making the process smoother.

Crowdfunding Your Next Creative Project

Sometimes, funding is all between you and your next big project. That's where crowdfunding comes in handy. By creating an appealing project idea and sharing it with your audience and the crowdfunding community, you can secure the funds needed to make your dream a reality.

Popular crowdfunding sites include Kickstarter and Indiegogo. However, set a realistic funding goal, as you'll only receive funds if your goal is met.

Fan Funding and Channel Memberships

Another popular way of monetizing your YouTube channel is through fan funding and channel memberships. If you consistently deliver quality content, your audience may be willing to support you continuously.

Options for fan funding include YouTube's Super Chat feature, which allows viewers to donate during live streams, and channel memberships that offer perks to members. Platforms like Patreon also make it easy for creators to receive recurring donations from their fans.

Licensing Your Content to the Media

If you create a viral video, you can license your content in exchange for money. News outlets, online news sites, and other creators might be interested in using your content and willing to pay for it.

Working with Brands as an Influencer

Brands are always looking for influencers who have won the trust of their audiences. As a YouTube influencer, you can work with companies that align with your content and audience. Brand collaborations can come in sponsored content, where you incorporate a brand's product or message into your videos or product placements and endorsements.

When collaborating with brands, it's crucial to maintain your authenticity. Remember, your audience follows you because they value your opinion. So, any brand collaboration must align with your beliefs and the expectations of your audience.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is another excellent way to monetize your YouTube channel. This involves promoting a company's products or services and earning a commission for every sale through your unique affiliate link.

Many brands and businesses have affiliate programs, so finding those that align with your content is worth researching. Remember to disclose affiliate links in your video descriptions to remain transparent with your audience.

Courses and Paid Content

If you have a particular skill or knowledge that your audience finds valuable, you could create a course or other paid content to offer them. You could host this content on your website or a platform such as Teachable or Udemy.

Paid content provides another revenue stream and helps you build a more direct relationship with your audience. It allows you to provide more detailed and targeted content without worrying about the usual constraints of YouTube's algorithm.

READ ALSO: How Much Money Does YouTube Pay in Kenya? An In-depth Analysis

Conclusion

Making money on YouTube in Kenya, or anywhere else, requires creativity, consistency, and patience. But with the right strategies, a clear understanding of your audience, and an unwavering commitment to providing value, it's possible to turn your YouTube channel into a profitable venture.

Remember, monetization is not an overnight success. Building an audience, creating engaging content, and establishing yourself in your niche takes time. But when done right, the benefits extend beyond financial gain to the satisfaction of sharing your passion with the world while making a living.

This comprehensive guide provides a foundation for making money with YouTube in Kenya. However, continuing learning, adapting, and improving is essential as you navigate your YouTube journey. Good luck!