What I Learned From My First Year on YouTube: The Truth About Earnings

Starting a YouTube channel is often seen as a dream come true. But behind the polished videos and viral content lies a reality that many don’t talk about—how much can you really make in your first year? I want to share my journey with full transparency, including the good, the challenging, and the unexpected results.

My YouTube Journey: From Zero to Monetization

I began my YouTube adventure in 2020, right when the pandemic was shifting how people connected and created. Like many others, I had more free time on my hands and decided to dive into something I’d always wanted to try—creating content. After experimenting with streaming, I posted my first tutorial on speeding up Xbox downloads. It garnered 8,000 views, and for someone used to just a handful of Twitch viewers, that was a huge win.

The road to YouTube monetization isn’t easy. To apply for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), you need 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the last 365 days. Achieving these milestones took time, but by July 2021, I was finally accepted into the program and was able to run ads on my videos. My first paycheck? A modest $6.59. But that small amount meant a lot to me. It showed that the dream was possible.

The Big Reveal: My First-Year Earnings

From July 26, 2021, to July 26, 2022, I made a total of $4,180.06 in ad revenue. While that may seem like a lot to some, it didn’t come without effort. I want to break down how I earned this money so you can get a better sense of what’s realistic for someone just starting out.

1. Ad Revenue: The bulk of my earnings came from ads shown on my videos, which is the most common revenue source for YouTubers.
2. YouTube Shorts: YouTube introduced monetization for Shorts in February 2023. Since I started monetizing in July 2021, this didn’t apply to my first year, but I’m excited to see how this new revenue stream will affect earnings moving forward.
   

Though I didn’t get rich in the first year, what stood out was the potential. Seeing that first $6.59 was like a signpost saying, “You’re on the right path.” The journey isn’t just about the money; it’s about the community you build and the skills you develop along the way.

What You Should Know Before You Start

• Don’t expect overnight success: The reality is that building a successful YouTube channel takes time, consistency, and dedication.
• Focus on creating valuable content: Whether it’s tutorials, reviews, or entertainment, find a niche that resonates with you and your audience.
• Learn as you go: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. From SEO to video editing, be prepared to learn constantly.
  

If you’re considering starting a YouTube channel, I hope my experience helps you set realistic expectations. Yes, the first year can be tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you want to get started yourself, check out my YouTube Starter Bundle for templates and resources that can help you get your channel off the ground.

Are you curious about how much I made in my second year on YouTube? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll be happy to share!