
If you're looking to make money on YouTube, you're in the right place. Gaming videos are a top earner, with some channels raking in millions from ad revenue and sponsorships.
According to our analysis, the top-grossing YouTube channels are primarily gaming channels, with PewDiePie and Markiplier leading the pack. These channels have built massive followings and have leveraged their influence to secure lucrative sponsorships and merchandise deals.
However, gaming isn't the only lucrative niche. Beauty and fashion channels also do extremely well, with many creators earning upwards of $100,000 per month from ad revenue and sponsored content.
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Most Profitable Video Types
Review videos are a top earner on YouTube, with a CPM of $10 to $20 and the potential to earn significant money with affiliate links or referral links. They work well in niches like tech and web design.
Unboxing and review videos are another lucrative type, generating a lot of views and attracting ads from product brands and related sectors. Creators often share affiliate links to the products they unbox, earning commissions on purchases made through those links.
How-to videos can also lead to high AdSense earnings, especially in niches like finance and investing, where viewers are likely to be interested in saving, investing, and managing money.
Tech and gaming content are also highly profitable, with top channels like Unbox Therapy, MKBHD, Linus Tech Tips, PewDiePie, Ninja, and Markiplier earning significant revenue from ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
15 Most Profitable
The 15 Most Profitable Niches on YouTube can be broken down into several categories, each with its own unique characteristics and earning potential.
Making money online is the top niche, with a CPM of $13.52. This is because it appeals to a wealthier audience seeking advice on how to make money.
If you're interested in creating review videos, you'll want to focus on niches like tech and gadgets, which can earn up to $10 to $20 CPM.
Finance and investing is another lucrative niche, with CPMs ranging from $12 to $25. This is because it attracts viewers interested in saving, investing, and managing money.
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Unboxing and review videos are also highly profitable, especially in industries like tech, toys, and beauty products.
Here are the top 15 most profitable niches on YouTube:
These niches are not only profitable but also have a large audience, making them ideal for creators looking to monetize their content.
ASMR
ASMR is a popular video type that people flock to on YouTube to relax and relieve stress. People search for 'ASMR' on Google every day between 9-11pm, which shows just how consistent their viewing habits are.
ASMR videos have become a daily routine for many, with companies willing to pay a CPM of $7 to $15 to advertise to this audience. This is a reliable and regular income stream for content creators.
ASMR videos are strangely satisfying, as shown in the example of ASMR SOAP's hour-long compilation of cracking plasticine.
Content Types
If you want to make money on YouTube, it's essential to create the right type of content. B2B content like software reviews and marketing strategies can command high CPMs of $15 to $30, making them a big money spinner.
To reach the highest CPMs, focus on B2B content that'll make viewers money, such as teaching them how to create their own website or get started in ecommerce. This will attract enterprising viewers to your channel.
Review videos are another type of content that can generate significant revenue. They're a type of video that you should create to make the most amount of money on YouTube.
How-to videos and informational videos are also lucrative options, as they provide valuable information to viewers. They can be broken down into more detail to help you understand their potential.
Gaming content is a highly monetizable genre, attracting a broad audience and leading to high viewer engagement. This type of content can generate revenue from ad revenue, donations, Super Chats, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Here are the top three types of videos to make money on YouTube:
- Review videos
- How-to videos
- Informational videos
These video types are tried and true, and by creating them, you'll be well on your way to making money on YouTube.
Choose a High-Niche and See Your Earnings Soar

Choosing a high-niche on YouTube can make a huge impact on your earnings. Brands want to tap into your audience and are willing to pay a wide range of CPMs to appear alongside your videos.
Content that appeals to wealthier viewers, like luxury travel or high-end jewelry, is often targeted by advertisers with larger budgets, making them more profitable.
To maximize your earnings, focus on video ideas that attract high-paying advertisers willing to pay money to reach their target audience. This could include niches like luxury travel or high-end jewelry.
Ad revenue isn't the only way to earn from your channel, but identifying a niche that attracts high-paying advertisers can help you turn your passion into a sustainable income source.
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Revenue and Earnings
To earn money on YouTube, you need to understand how Ad Revenue works. Advertisers pay Google to advertise on YouTube, and YouTubers get paid a certain amount per 1,000 ad views (CPM or Cost Per Mille). This means you'll be paid $12 to $25 per 1,000 views for niche topics like finance and investing.

To qualify for Google AdSense or "monetize your channel", you must meet some requirements to become eligible for the YouTube Partner Program, which includes having more than 1,000 channel subscribers and accumulating at least 4,000 watch hours from all your videos in the last 12 months.
Here are the top 5 most profitable YouTube niches based on average CPM:
Lower Cost per Mille: A Surprising Path to Earning More
A lower CPM might actually earn you more, believe it or not. This is because niches with high CPMs often have a much smaller audience size, which can limit your earnings.
Think of it like a luxury real estate creator in Norway with a CPM of $20, but a tiny audience. On the other hand, a globe-trotting travel creator with a lower CPM of $10 can reach a much larger audience and earn more ad revenue.
The type of content you create will have a huge impact on your YouTube earnings. Brands want to tap into your audience and are willing to pay a wide range of CPMs to appear alongside your videos.

If you want to earn big on YouTube, focus on video ideas that attract high-paying advertisers willing to pay money to reach their target audience.
Here are some of the most profitable niches on YouTube, ranked by average CPM:
These niches typically attract viewers interested in saving, investing, and managing money, which is exactly the audience banks and investment platforms want to reach.
Educational
Educational content is a lucrative niche on YouTube, with a wide range of topics covered, from teaching people how to use software to offering step-by-step guides on DIY projects. Educational channels often have a high level of viewer retention and can command premium ad rates because advertisers know they are reaching an engaged audience.
The average CPM for educational content is around $9.89, making it a profitable niche for YouTubers. This is evident in the case of Sele Training, which has an average CPM of $9.89.
Educational YouTubers often earn money through ad revenue, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and online courses. For example, CrashCourse gives in-depth hour-long lectures on various subjects, including tuberculosis, and earns revenue from ads and sponsorships.

Here's a breakdown of the average revenue and CPM for educational YouTubers:
| YouTuber | Views | Revenue ($)
According to the data, the average CPM for Sele Training's educational videos is $9.89.
Educational content is a broad niche, covering topics such as finance, investing, and lifestyle, which can attract a specific demographic and command higher ad rates.
Specific Industries
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is big business, with a huge potential audience of repeat viewers. Companies like fitness equipment manufacturers, health supplement suppliers, and activewear clothing brands are willing to pay a CPM of around $7 to $15 to appear next to workouts, fitness routines, and healthy eating tutorials.
Fitness channels can attract these brands by sharing content like pilates and weight lifting workouts, as seen in Blogilates' video sharing a pilates and weight lifting workout. This type of content is highly engaging and can attract a large audience, making it a lucrative opportunity for brands to partner with.
Health and Fitness

The health and fitness industry is a lucrative sector with numerous brands willing to sponsor creators or partner with them for product placements. Companies like gym equipment brands, supplement companies, and sportswear brands frequently sponsor health and fitness YouTubers.
Health and fitness content has gained immense popularity, especially as more people look for ways to stay healthy and fit at home. Channels that focus on workout routines, diet plans, weight loss tips, and mental wellness can attract viewers who are looking for guidance and motivation.
Ad revenue is a significant source of income for health and fitness YouTubers. Health and fitness videos attract ads from brands in the wellness, nutrition, and fitness sectors, which tend to have higher ad rates.
YouTubers can also earn commissions on sales through affiliate marketing by promoting fitness gear, supplements, and healthy lifestyle products. This is a popular strategy among health and fitness creators.
The average CPM for the bodybuilding and fitness niche is around $1.60, based on data from top channels like MattDoesFitness and Browney. This is significantly lower than the $7 to $15 CPM for health and fitness content in general.
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Here are some top channels in the health and fitness niche, along with their average earnings and CPM:
Some popular health and fitness channels include Chloe Ting, Jeff Nippard, and Blogilates, which have gained massive followings and revenue through their engaging content and strategic partnerships.
Tech & Gadgets
Tech & Gadgets is a lucrative niche on YouTube, with top creators earning significant revenue from their content. Tech videos, especially those reviewing the latest gadgets and electronics, attract a large and engaged audience who are interested in purchasing new tech products.
Reviews and unboxing videos from tech creators can expect to attract CPMs in the region of $10 to $20. This can be a significant source of income, especially if the creator has a large following.
Many tech YouTubers include affiliate links to the products they review, earning a commission when viewers make a purchase through those links. This can add up quickly, especially if the creator is reviewing high-ticket items.

Top tech channels like Unbox Therapy, MKBHD, and Linus Tech Tips have built massive followings and earn significant revenue from their content. In fact, Unbox Therapy has become one of the most popular tech channels on YouTube.
Here are some key stats from the Tech & Gadgets niche:
The average CPM for the Tech & Gadgets niche is $2.39, making it a competitive and lucrative space for creators.
Make Money Online
The Make Money Online niche on YouTube is a popular one, with YouTubers like Roberto Blake and Gillian Perkins sharing their expertise with millions of viewers.
Roberto Blake's channel has seen significant growth, with his video reaching 1,000,000 views and earning him $7,396.51. His other video with 133,600 views generated $3,028.93.
Gillian Perkins' channel has also seen success, with some of her videos reaching 1,400,000 views and earning her $6,300.24. Her video with 439,400 views generated $5,453.97.
The average CPM for the Make Money Online niche is 13.52, according to the data from YouTubers like ODi Productions and Caffeinated Blogger.
Here are some specific CPMs for the Make Money Online niche:
Video Games

The video game industry on YouTube is a thriving market, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch gameplay, reviews, and live streams. Gaming YouTubers often build large, loyal communities around their channels, leading to high viewer engagement and multiple revenue streams.
Gaming content on YouTube is highly monetizable, with a broad audience including both young and adult viewers, making it appealing to advertisers. Ad revenue is a significant source of income for gaming YouTubers.
Many gaming YouTubers earn money through fan donations, especially during live streams. Super Chats allow viewers to pay for their messages to be highlighted during live chats. Sponsorships from gaming brands and software companies are also common.
YouTubers often share affiliate links to games, gaming consoles, or gaming accessories, earning a commission when viewers make purchases. This can be a lucrative way for YouTubers to monetize their content.
Here's a breakdown of the revenue earned by some gaming YouTubers:
Lifestyle and Entertainment

The Lifestyle and Entertainment niches on YouTube are incredibly popular, with a huge chunk of daily views coming from entertaining videos and pop culture content. A CPM (cost per mille) of around $6 to $12 is possible in these niches, although it's smaller than other niches.
You can make money in the Lifestyle niche by creating content around your personal life, experiences, and thoughts, which can attract loyal subscribers and lucrative sponsorship deals. For example, vloggers like Shelby Church and Amanda Monroe have seen significant revenue from their views, with average CPMs of $8.13 and $5.19 respectively.
The Lifestyle and Entertainment niches have varying revenue potential, as seen in the table below. For example, Amanda Monroe's revenue increased from $2,409.23 to $5,080.79 as her views grew from 464,200 to 798,300.
Beauty and Fashion
Beauty and fashion content on YouTube is a high-earner, attracting a large number of viewers, especially women, who are eager to learn new beauty techniques and trends.

Beauty and fashion videos can attract high-paying ads from brands in the cosmetics, skincare, and fashion industries, making ad revenue a significant source of income for YouTubers.
Many beauty influencers make significant income through affiliate marketing by linking to products in their video descriptions.
Major brands like Sephora, L’Oréal, and Fashion Nova frequently collaborate with beauty and fashion YouTubers to showcase their products, offering lucrative sponsorship deals.
Some beauty YouTubers launch their own makeup or clothing lines, creating another income stream.
Here are some top beauty and fashion channels to check out:
- James Charles
- NikkieTutorials
- Zoella
Vlogs
Vlogs have become a staple in the world of lifestyle and entertainment, and it's easy to see why. They offer a unique way for creators to share their personal lives with their audience, fostering a deep connection that can lead to loyal subscribers and lucrative sponsorship deals.
Vlogs often have a wide appeal, making them attractive to advertisers targeting a broad demographic. This is because they can cover a range of topics, from travel and daily life to family activities.
One of the key benefits of vlogs is their ability to attract sponsorship deals. Brands often work with vloggers to promote products in a more natural and personal way, as the audience is invested in the creator's lifestyle.
Here are some ways vloggers can monetize their content:
- Ad Revenue: Vlogs often have a wide appeal, making them attractive to advertisers targeting a broad demographic.
- Sponsorships: Brands often work with vloggers to promote products in a more natural and personal way, as the audience is invested in the creator's lifestyle.
- Merchandise: Many vloggers launch their own branded merchandise, which can generate significant income.
- Fan Donations: Some vloggers also earn money through platforms like Patreon, where loyal fans can support them with monthly donations in exchange for exclusive content.
Entertainment
Entertainment is a lucrative niche on YouTube, with a CPM of around $6 to $12, although this is smaller compared to other niches.
You can create content that reviews the latest movies, TV shows, and music, or share your opinions on celebrity gossip.
There are many opportunities for creating unique content, such as having movie stars take part in lie detector tests, as seen in Vanity Fair's innovative format.
The sheer size of the audience in the entertainment niche means there are no limits to what you can earn, making it a promising area to explore.
Lifestyle
YouTubers in the lifestyle niche can earn a decent income, but it varies greatly depending on their audience size and engagement. For instance, Shelby Church's video with 371,100 views generated $3,015.51 in revenue.
Amanda Monroe's videos seem to perform better, with her video having 619,900 views earning $3,990.80. This suggests that a larger audience can lead to higher earnings.
The average CPM (cost per thousand views) for lifestyle YouTubers is 3.47, which is significantly lower than other niches like beauty and fashion. This means that lifestyle creators need to have a larger audience to generate the same revenue as creators in other niches.
Here's a breakdown of the revenue and CPM for some lifestyle YouTubers:
It's worth noting that even with a smaller audience, some lifestyle creators can still earn a decent income through sponsorships and affiliate marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make $1000 a month on YouTube?
Yes, you can make $1000 a month on YouTube, but it typically requires 150,000 to 200,000 monthly video views and a revenue per 1000 views (RPM) of $3 to $5. Reaching this milestone requires a well-planned strategy and a strong understanding of YouTube's monetization policies.
Sources
- https://www.tubebuddy.com/blog/profitable-youtube-niches/
- https://uppbeat.io/blog/youtube/most-profitable-youtube-niches
- https://tuberanker.com/blog/what-type-of-youtube-videos-make-the-most-money
- https://www.cineglams.com/2024/12/most-profitable-video-types-youtube.html
- https://stashvine.com/most-profitable-youtube-niches/
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