Starting a YouTube channel is easy. You grab a camera or your phone, hit record, and upload your video. But turning that YouTube channel into a money-making machine? That’s a whole different story.
I know this firsthand because I didn’t just make one YouTube channel and fail. I made six. Each time, I did something wrong, abandoned the channel, and started a new one. It wasn’t until my seventh attempt that I finally found success, growing my channel to over 10,000 subscribers in just 12 months.
In this article, I will share the hard lessons I’ve learned along the way—and the truth about what it really takes to make money on YouTube.
Mistakes I Made Early On
When I first started, I had no idea what I was doing. Like many others, I watched countless YouTube tutorials, many of which offered unhelpful advice. Some suggested quick fixes or shortcuts to success. You’ll hear things like, “Use AI to create videos and make X amount of money in X days.” But the reality is much different.
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I’ve seen it myself in YouTube communities. For example, in a Facebook group for YouTubers that I’m a part of, someone once reached out to me for advice. They had only three videos on their channel—all using low-quality AI voiceovers. Worse, their channel was focused on financial advice. Imagine getting serious financial tips from a robotic-sounding AI voice. It just doesn’t work.
After reviewing their channel, I told them that if they couldn’t show their face or speak on camera, they should focus on faceless content that doesn’t rely entirely on AI. I shared an example of one of my old channels, where I made simple craft tutorials using just my phone. No voiceover was needed; I simply recorded my hands making paper crafts. The videos did well—some even hit 15,000 views.
Their response? They asked if they could just download a stock video from the internet and post it on their channel.
This is where so many new creators go wrong. They think YouTube is an easy way to make money without putting in any effort.
The Harsh Reality of YouTube
If you’re looking to make a quick buck on YouTube, I have news for you: YouTube is not easy money.
You can’t just grab someone else’s video, post it on your channel, and expect to get rich. If you do, one of two things will happen:
- You’ll get a copyright strike, and your channel will be terminated.
- You’ll build up your channel, only to be rejected for monetization when you apply.
In other words, you’ll end up frustrated and empty-handed.
The truth is, YouTube is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires time, patience, and effort. You’ll need to create original content, learn the ins and outs of YouTube’s algorithm, and constantly work to improve your videos. It’s not enough to just hit record once and expect your channel to take off.
What You Actually Need to Succeed
Here’s the good news: you don’t need fancy equipment or tons of experience to start a successful YouTube channel. All you really need is your smartphone and a willingness to learn.
For instance, on my DIY craft channel, I recorded every video with a basic smartphone. The quality wasn’t great—some of my videos were so blurry that they barely reached 720p. But even with that, one of my videos hit 15,000 views. The key? Consistency and improvement.
YouTube has a learning curve, and the more you create, the better you’ll get. When I look back at some of my earlier videos, I cringe at how bad they were. But that’s part of the process. You’ll start off rough, but with time, you’ll get better, and so will your videos.
Beware of Quick Fixes
One of the biggest traps for new YouTubers is the allure of quick fixes. There are a lot of channels out there promoting the idea that you can start a YouTube channel without making any videos—using AI, stock footage, or other people’s content.
Let me be clear: this won’t work.
YouTube values original content. If you rely entirely on AI or use someone else’s videos, you’ll have a tough time getting monetized. Even if you do manage to build a channel this way, it’s not a sustainable way to make money. You’ll either get flagged for copyright violations, or YouTube will reject your monetization application because your content isn’t truly yours.
What You Should Focus On
If you’re serious about building a profitable YouTube channel, here’s what you should focus on:
- Original Content: You don’t need high-end equipment, but you do need to create your own videos. Even if it’s simple, make sure the content is yours.
- Consistency: Upload regularly. Whether it’s once a week or twice a month, stick to a schedule. The more videos you have, the more chances you have to grow.
- Improvement: You won’t be perfect from the start. That’s okay. Keep learning and improving with each video you create.
- Effort: Be prepared to put in the work. YouTube isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes time to build an audience and start making money.
Conclusion
Making money on YouTube isn’t easy, but it’s possible if you’re willing to put in the effort. Avoid the shortcuts, stay away from bad advice, and focus on creating quality content that is truly your own. If you’re consistent and committed, you can grow your channel—and eventually, turn it into a profitable venture.
Remember: YouTube is a marathon. Start now, keep going, and you’ll get there.
Thank you for reading! If you found this post helpful, feel free to share it with others who are starting their YouTube journey. See you in the next one!
