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If you’ve ever dreamed of making money online but felt overwhelmed by the options, you’re not alone. The good news? There’s now a simpler, faster way to start — and it’s called YouTube Shorts.
Launched as YouTube’s answer to TikTok and Instagram Reels, Shorts are short-form videos (under 60 seconds) that can reach millions of viewers in hours — and they’re easier to create than traditional YouTube videos. The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or a big following to start. In fact, many creators in Pakistan and around the world are already earning real income from Shorts, just by posting consistently and following a smart content strategy.
YouTube has made Shorts monetization more accessible than ever, offering creators a range of income streams like ad revenue sharing, fan funding, affiliate promotions, and even product sales. Whether you're a student, a freelancer, or just someone with a creative spark, YouTube Shorts could be your next big opportunity.
But how exactly does it work? What are the requirements to get paid? And how do you turn short videos into real money?
Let’s dive in — because your journey to earning money with YouTube Shorts starts today.
YouTube Shorts are vertical, short-form videos — 60 seconds or less — designed for mobile viewing. They appear in a dedicated Shorts feed and are meant to be fast, fun, and easy to consume. Think of them as YouTube’s version of TikTok or Instagram Reels.
But what sets Shorts apart is that they’re now a powerful earning tool. You don’t need to create long, heavily edited content anymore. Just a smartphone, a good idea, and a little consistency — and you can potentially reach millions of viewers, even with zero subscribers to start.
With over 2.5 billion monthly active users, YouTube’s reach is massive. And now, the platform rewards creators for uploading Shorts through several monetization programs — all you need is to know how to unlock them.
There are multiple ways to earn from Shorts, and YouTube continues to expand monetization options. Here's what you can tap into:
This is the main gateway to making money from Shorts. Once you're accepted, you become eligible to earn ad revenue from the Shorts Feed.
To qualify, you need:
1,000 subscribers
Either:
10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days or
4,000 public watch hours from long-form videos in the past 12 months
Once in YPP, you’ll earn a portion of ad revenue from the Shorts Feed. YouTube pools all ad revenue from Shorts, deducts music licensing costs, and shares the rest based on view counts.
You can enable features like:
Super Thanks (viewers donate on your Shorts)
Super Chat & Super Stickers (on livestreams)
Channel Memberships
In eligible regions, creators can link to products inside their Shorts — and earn from each sale.
If you grow a niche audience, brands may pay you directly for short-form promotions.
YouTube Shorts isn’t just about going viral — it’s about building a mini-business around short, powerful content.
Ready to turn your short videos into real income? Here’s a simple, beginner-friendly roadmap to help you start earning with YouTube Shorts.
To earn directly from YouTube, you must first qualify for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Here's what you need:
1,000 subscribers
AND one of the following:
10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days, OR
4,000 public watch hours on long-form videos in the past 12 months
Tip: If you’re focused only on Shorts, aim for the 10M views target. Keep posting high-engagement content consistently to get there.
Use YouTube Studio > Monetization tab to track your progress in real-time.
It shows both subscriber count and views/watch time toward eligibility.
Once you hit the criteria:
Go to YouTube Studio
Click “Earn” from the sidebar
Click “Apply”
Set up or connect a Google AdSense account
Agree to all monetization terms
Important: Approval may take a few days. Make sure your channel doesn’t have any copyright or community strikes.
After approval:
Turn on monetization for your Shorts
Enable Super Thanks, Super Chat, and Memberships (optional but valuable)
Link your bank account via AdSense for payments
Pro Tip: Also enable YouTube Shopping if available — great for product links and affiliate sales directly inside Shorts.
Besides YouTube’s built-in monetization, smart creators make money through:
Promote tools, products, or services and earn a commission. (e.g., Daraz, Savyour, Amazon)
If your Shorts go viral or target a niche, brands might offer paid promos.
Use platforms like Teespring or local print-on-demand stores to sell shirts, mugs, or digital goods.
Encourage viewers to support you with Super Thanks or Buy Me a Coffee.
By following these steps, even complete beginners can start earning in just a few weeks. Consistency is key — the more quality Shorts you post, the faster you'll hit those monetization goals.
Earning money from YouTube Shorts isn’t just about hitting a view milestone once — it’s about building a system that works for you long-term. Here are practical, beginner-friendly tips to help you grow your channel faster and maximize earnings.
Going viral isn’t luck — it’s strategy. Here’s what works:
Your opening must instantly grab attention. Try:
A bold question (“Did you know…?”)
An unexpected visual or sound
Big text overlays that build curiosity
Think about what your viewers get from your video:
Value: A quick tip, hack, or tutorial
Emotion: Humor, surprise, awe, motivation
Cut out any “dead space” — keep the video moving every 1–2 seconds. Use:
Quick transitions
Jump cuts
Zoom effects or text overlays
Jump on music and topic trends using YouTube’s “Shorts Inspiration” tool, but add a twist that connects with your niche.
Going broad might get you views, but focused content builds loyal followers and income. Pick a profitable niche like:
Personal Finance
Tech/Gadgets
Beauty/Fashion
Gaming
Motivation/Quotes
Digital Skills (e.g., Canva tips, ChatGPT, coding)
Pro Tip: Local niches (like "freelancing tips in Pakistan" or “budget travel in Lahore”) often perform better due to lower competition.
The YouTube algorithm favors channels that:
Upload frequently (ideally 3–5 Shorts/week)
Keep consistent themes and styles
Encourage comments & engagement
Experiment, but generally:
Evenings (7–9 PM local time)
Weekends perform better for entertainment content
Use YouTube Studio to:
See which Shorts get the most views, likes, and retention
Spot patterns in thumbnails, titles, and hooks
Improve your next videos based on data
Watch your “Average View Duration” and “Audience Retention” — those are key signals for going viral.
For each successful Short:
Pin an affiliate link in the description or comments
Repurpose it to Instagram Reels, TikTok, or Facebook
Create a “Part 2” or related series for more watch time
In short? Focus on value + consistency + smart strategy, and your YouTube Shorts can become a steady income stream — not just a viral one-hit wonder.
To qualify for ad revenue from Shorts, you need 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days and 1,000 subscribers. However, brand deals, affiliate links, and fan support can earn you money even before reaching those numbers.
Yes! Creators in Pakistan can fully access YouTube Partner Program features, including Shorts monetization, AdSense payments, and fan funding. Just make sure your channel complies with YouTube’s policies.
Earnings vary based on region, engagement, and ad types. On average, creators report $0.01 to $0.06 per 1,000 views from Shorts ad revenue. However, affiliate links, sponsorships, and merchandise can significantly increase total earnings.
You can’t earn ad revenue without joining YPP, but you can still:
Use affiliate links
Promote your own products
Partner with brands directly
Collect fan donations (e.g., through third-party tools)
Making money with YouTube Shorts may sound like a dream — but it’s more achievable than ever, especially for beginners. Whether you're a student, freelancer, or side hustler, Shorts offer a low-barrier entry into the creator economy.
Let’s quickly recap what you’ve learned:
YouTube Shorts are short, vertical videos under 60 seconds that can go viral fast.
You can start earning through the YouTube Partner Program once you hit 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views in 90 days.
Monetization options include ad revenue, affiliate marketing, brand deals, fan funding, and more.
With the right content strategy, niche focus, and consistent uploads, your Shorts can grow both your audience and your income.
Even if you're based in Pakistan, all monetization tools are available — and you can be paid in PKR through AdSense.
The most important thing? Start now. Don’t wait to be perfect. Your first Shorts might not go viral, but every video you post brings you one step closer to your goals.
If you've been thinking about starting a YouTube channel — this is your sign. Grab your phone, shoot a 30-second video in your niche, upload it as a Short, and begin your monetization journey today.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments or share this guide with a friend who's ready to earn online.
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