How to Start a YouTube Channel and Make Money: Starting a YouTube channel is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to make money online today. Many people want to start, but they delay because they believe it is too late or the platform is already saturated. The truth is this: you can still grow fast and make real income if you start the right way.

How to Start a YouTube Channel and Make Money (2025 Beginner Guide)

In this guide, you will learn how to start a YouTube channel and make money, even if you are a complete beginner, shy, or using only your smartphone. This guide is well-researched, simple to follow, and designed to give you a strong foundation.

Table of Contents

Why YouTube Is Still One of the Best Places to Make Money

YouTube has over 2.7 billion monthly users, according to Google’s official data
(source: https://blog.youtube/press/).
It remains the world’s biggest video platform, and more Nigerians and Africans now use YouTube for learning, tech updates, product reviews, and entertainment.

Tools like YouTube Studio, Google Analytics, and the YouTube Partner Program have made earning easier than ever. You also do not need expensive equipment to begin.

How to Start a YouTube Channel and Make Money: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose a Profitable Niche

Choosing the right niche determines how fast you grow, how easy it is to create content, and how quickly you get monetized.

A profitable niche is one where:

People actively search for content
You can create content consistently
There are monetization opportunities
Competition is manageable

Evergreen Niches That Perform Well

Tech tutorials
How-to videos
Personal finance
Affiliate product reviews
Smartphone tips
Blogging and online business
Educational content
Motivational videos

According to YouTube’s Culture & Trends Report
(https://research.google/), “how-to” tutorials are among the most-watched content types worldwide.

2. Create a Google Account and Set Up Your Channel

Visit:
https://www.youtube.com/create

Set up your channel name. You can use:

Your personal name
A brand name
A niche-based name

Good names are short, simple, and easy to remember.

Examples:
TechMoney360, DailyProfit Tips, SmartPhone Hacks NG.

3. Plan Your Content Strategy

Your channel will grow faster if you have a content plan instead of uploading random videos.

Use the 3-Category Content Strategy:

A. Search-Based Content

Videos people are already searching for.
Examples:

How to make money on YouTube without showing your face
How to fix slow Android phone

B. Value-Based Content

Videos that teach a skill or break down a concept.

C. Trend-Based Content

Videos related to what is trending at the moment.

This mix helps you grow steadily and get long-term views.

4. Script Your Videos

You do not need a full script.
Use this simple format:

Hook
Main explanation
Call to action

Short bullet-point scripts will reduce rambling and keep your videos engaging.

5. Record Your Video (Phone Is Enough)

You can start with:

Smartphone
Natural daylight
Quiet room

ThinkWithGoogle research
(https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/) shows audiences care more about content clarity than expensive cameras.

Beginner Recording Checklist:

Phone at eye level
Good lighting
Clear sound
Clean background

If you prefer faceless content, use screen recorders like:

OBS: https://obsproject.com/
Loom: https://www.loom.com/

6. Edit Your Videos

Editing helps you remove errors and improve video quality.

Free Editing Tools:

CapCut: https://www.capcut.com/
DaVinci Resolve: https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve

Basic Edits to Apply:

Remove mistakes
Add captions
Add simple transitions
Add soft background music

7. Create Attractive Thumbnails

Thumbnails determine whether people click your video.
Use:

Canva: https://www.canva.com/
Adobe Express: https://www.adobe.com/express/

Thumbnail Tips:

Use bold text
Use simple designs
Avoid too much text
Make it clear even on mobile

8. Upload and Optimize Your Video (SEO)

Use your focus keyphrase naturally.

YouTube SEO Checklist:

Title

Include your focus keyword:
How to Start a YouTube Channel and Make Money (Beginner Guide 2025)

Description

Add:

Summary
Keywords
Helpful outbound links
Timestamps

Hashtags

Use only three relevant hashtags.

9. How to Get Monetized on YouTube

According to Google’s official monetization rules:
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72851

Option 1: Long Videos

1,000 subscribers
4,000 watch hours in 12 months

Option 2: Shorts

1,000 subscribers
10 million Shorts views in 90 days

How You Make Money on YouTube (All Methods)

A. Google AdSense

You earn when viewers watch or click ads.

B. Affiliate Marketing

Promote products and earn commissions.
Examples:

Amazon Associates: https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/
Jumia Affiliate: https://www.jumia.com.ng/sp-affiliate/

C. Brand Deals

Companies pay for reviews and promotions.

D. Sell Digital Products

Platforms like Gumroad and Payhip allow you to sell ebooks, templates, and courses.

E. Channel Memberships

Your loyal fans pay monthly fees for exclusive content.

Comparison Table: Best Niches for Beginners

Niche	Difficulty Level	Monetization Speed	Example Content
Tech tutorials	Medium	Fast	Phone reviews, tech tips
How-to guides	Easy	Fast	Tutorials, problem solving
Personal finance	Medium	High	Saving, investing
Motivation	Easy	Medium	Quotes, voiceovers
Online business	Medium	High	Blogging, affiliate tips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting for perfect equipment
Uploading randomly
Ignoring SEO
Weak thumbnails
Inconsistent posting
Giving up too early

How to Grow Fast on YouTube (Beginner Growth Plan)

Weeks 1–2

Upload 2–3 videos per week
Use search-based topics
Share on WhatsApp and Facebook

Weeks 3–4

Improve thumbnails
Analyze viewer retention
Adjust your style

Month 2–3

Add affiliate links
Improve camera and audio quality
Study competitor channels

Consistency for 90 days will produce strong results.

Conclusion

Now you understand exactly how to start a YouTube channel and make money even as a complete beginner. You do not need a camera, studio, or professional editing experience. What you truly need is consistency, value, and a plan.

The best time to start your YouTube journey is today.