Unveiling the actual earnings of YouTube creators in 2025

Do you know how much a YouTube channel actually earns? The truth is that there is no single answer — everything depends on the size of the audience, niche explored, engagement rate, and, most importantly, the mix of monetization strategies adopted.

The reality of the numbers: how much each channel level earns

Earnings vary considerably depending on the project’s stage of development:

Channels in the initial phase (up to 10,000 followers)
These projects typically generate between R$ 100 and R$ 500 monthly through AdSense. However, more daring creators can significantly increase this figure by exploring affiliate programs, digital product sales, and small paid collaborations.

Established channels (50,000 to 500,000 followers)
At this level, earnings range from R$ 2,000 to R$ 5,000 per month. Diversification is key — combining Google AdSense, SuperChat during live streams, Channel Club, and sponsored partnerships.

Channels in a prominent position (1 million+ followers)
They start generating over R$ 20,000 monthly, often surpassing R$ 100,000 when incorporating robust advertising contracts and sponsored content production.

Top creators (tens of millions of subscribers)
They earn between R$ 200,000 and R$ 3 million monthly, with fluctuations influenced by the thematic segment and volume of active campaigns.

The initial requirements: when monetization begins

Before any earnings are released, YouTube imposes specific criteria:

• Be 18 years or older
• Accumulate 1,000 followers
• Reach 4,000 hours of watch time on long videos OR 10 million views on Shorts
• Be part of the Platform’s Partner Program
• Keep the channel compliant with policies

Payment is activated when the balance reaches US$ 100.

The multiple sources of revenue available

A YouTube channel does not survive on a single source. The most profitable diversify:

Advertising through Google AdSense
The most traditional mechanism. Compensation is calculated based on CPC, CPM, and RPM, with the creator receiving 55% of the generated revenue.

YouTube integrated store
Connect a virtual store to sell physical products, digital items, or merchandise. Requires 500 subscribers and participation in the Partner Program.

Affiliate programs
One of the most profitable strategies for beginner channels. Commissions can reach up to 80% depending on the product.

SuperChat and Super Stickers
During live streams, viewers pay to highlight messages in the broadcast.

Channel Club (Clube de Canais)
Fans subscribe for amounts ranging from R$ 1.99 to R$ 2,699.99. The creator retains 70%.

Direct contributions
Through the “Valeu Demais” button, followers send spontaneous donations.

YouTube Premium
A share of premium subscriptions is redistributed among creators based on consumption.

The numbers by viewership range

For those looking to project earnings, these are the global benchmarks:

• Per individual view: approximately US$ 0.018
• For every 1,000 views (CPM): US$ 0.25 to US$ 4.50
• At 20,000 views: between US$ 36 and US$ 60

It’s worth remembering that these values fluctuate depending on the audience’s geographic location, seasonality, and content segment.

Starting versus success: a typical YouTuber trajectory

An initial creator often earns less than R$ 500 with pure AdSense. Accelerated growth depends less on absolute subscriber numbers and more on actual engagement rate.

As the channel expands, other sources come into play: first sponsored partnerships arrive around 10,000 followers, affiliates start earning more, and Channel Club becomes relevant above 50,000.

Structure and dedication: how to turn a channel into a solid business

Making genuine money on YouTube goes beyond posting occasional videos. It requires:

• Consistent editorial planning
• Equipment with adequate technical quality (camera, microphone, lighting, editing software)
• Optimized thumbnails and strategic titles
• Regular publishing frequency
• Deep understanding of the target audience

Creators who treat their channel as a business — not a hobby — can scale from hundreds to thousands of reais. And yes, it is entirely feasible to achieve millionaire profitability with strategic dedication and adaptation to trends.