By MERLCY LONEl – Digital Marketing Consultant | YouTube Monetization Specialist
When I launched my first YouTube channel in 2018, I had no idea it would generate over $4,200/month within 18 months—all from consistent uploads, niche targeting, and of course, monetization through Google AdSense. If you're wondering how to start a YouTube account and earn money, you're in the right place.
These step-by-step guide, will help you know exactly how to:
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Set up a professional YouTube channel
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Qualify for YouTube monetization
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Connect your AdSense account
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Start earning passive income legally and ethically
📺 What Is YouTube Monetization Through AdSense?
YouTube monetization allows creators to earn money by displaying ads on their videos. The Google AdSense program pays you based on ad views, clicks, and audience engagement.
💡 Tip: You will not be Monetize instantly, though having the right content it is absolutely achievable.
📝 Step-by-Step: How to Start a YouTube Channel
✅ Step 1: Create a Google Account
If you don’t already have one:
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Go to Google Account Sign-Up
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Use your full name and a secure password
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The account will be used for all your Google products payments and linked to both YouTube and AdSense.
✅ Step 2: Create a YouTube Channel
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Visit youtube.com
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When at YouTube, press on the profile icon, and you will see “Create a Channel” if you don’t still have one.
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Customize with:
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Channel Name
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Logo/Profile Picture
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Banner Art
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About Section with relevant keywords
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Links to social profiles or website
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🎯 Best Tip: You can choose a popular niche name (e.g., “health care ” for product reviews). It improves branding and SEO.
✅ Step 3: Upload Your First Video
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Keep it short (under 5 mins is fine for a start)
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Use HD quality (720p or 1080p)
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Add custom thumbnails and SEO-optimized titles
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Include relevant tags and descriptions
💰 How to Monetize with AdSense
✅ Step 4: Now you can start by joining YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
To qualify, your channel must meet the following eligibility requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Subscribers | 1,000+ |
| Watch Hours | 4,000+ in the past 12 months |
| Community Guidelines | No violations or strikes |
| 2-Step Verification | Must be enabled on your Google account |
| AdSense Account | Must be linked (we’ll cover this next) |
🔗 Source: YouTube Partner Program Requirements
✅ Step 5: Create and Link Your Google AdSense Account
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Go to YouTube Studio
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Click Monetization in the left menu
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Follow the prompts to:
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Accept YPP terms
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Set up AdSense (use your existing Google account)
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Submit your application
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Wait for YouTube to review your channel (takes days to weeks)
✅ Step 6: Turn on Monetization for Videos
Once approved:
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Visit YouTube Studio
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Open Content > Video Details
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Under Monetization, toggle ON
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Choose ad formats (skippable, display, mid-roll, etc.)
📌 You can also enable Super Chats, Memberships, and Merchandise Shelf after reaching more milestones.
📊 Real-World Examples: From Hobby to Income
Case Study 1: Amanda (Educational Niche)
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Created animated math tutorials for middle school
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Hit 1,000 subs in 4 months
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Now earns ~$800/month through AdSense + channel memberships
Case Study 2: Jamal (Gadget Reviews)
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Uploaded weekly unboxing and comparison videos
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Used affiliate links and AdSense
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Grew to $2,000/month revenue in 10 months
Case Study 3: Fatima (Cooking Channel)
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Focused on regional recipes in Urdu
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Videos went viral on Facebook and YouTube
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Achieved monetization in 6 months with over 6,000 subs
📌 Comparison: Monetization Options for YouTubers
| Monetization Method | Requires AdSense? | Revenue Potential | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Ads (AdSense) | ✅ Yes | Moderate to High | General content creators |
| Affiliate Marketing | ❌ No | High | Product review/tutorial niches |
| Channel Memberships | ✅ Yes | Medium | Engaged audiences |
| Merch & Sponsorships | ❌ No | High | Lifestyle, fitness, entertainment |
🔒 Tips to Stay Compliant & AdSense-Friendly
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Follow all YouTube Community Guidelines
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Avoid clickbait titles and misleading thumbnails
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Don't reuse copyrighted content without permission
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Disclose paid promotions or sponsorships
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Review AdSense Program Policies
✅ Trust Tip: You should not buy subscribers or watch hours these will not help at all, When YouTube’s algorithm detects invalid engagement and subscribers they can permanetly close your channel or stop you from running ads
🙌 Final Thoughts: Earning from YouTube Is Real — With the Right Strategy
Starting a YouTube channel and making money with AdSense isn’t an overnight success story. But with consistency, authenticity, and the right monetization strategy, you can build a sustainable income stream from your content.
Whether you’re passionate about education, tech, cooking, or even daily vlogs, there's a space — and an audience — waiting for your voice.
💬 Got Questions About YouTube Monetization?
Drop a comment below — I reply to every thoughtful question!
📩 Or subscribe to our free newsletter for weekly content tips, monetization strategies, and SEO guides that actually work.
Author Bio:
MERCY LONELis a certified digital marketer, AdSense consultant, and YouTube channel growth strategist. With over 5 years of experience helping creators scale their revenue, john has been featured in online business podcasts, webinars, and top marketing blogs.
🔔 Ready to Launch Your Channel?
Start today — set up your account, upload your first video, and let your journey begin. You don’t need fancy gear. Make sure your Audioble , let your content add value or quality content, and a little bit of SEO keywords .
➡️ Comment below if you want a free checklist or audit of your channel setup — no spam, just value.