Interested in content creation? Keep reading! Here are 7 profitable ways to make money as a content creator!
If you use social media or watch YouTube, chances are you’ve interacted with or followed content creators. Some of these creators publish the income they earn from their videos and posts, which is always very interesting. One creator I follow shares what it’s like to work in retail and says that he’s able to pay for his car each month because he earns extra money from his TikTok videos.
Content creation isn’t for everyone, but if you have an idea that you can share and enjoy using social media, it can become a profitable source of income. Whether you’re recording a quick TikTok video, writing a long blog post, chatting with your followers on Instagram, or posting Reels from your kitchen table, content creation has become one of the most flexible ways to make extra money from home.
However, getting started and actually making money can be confusing at times. So, let’s discuss some real profitable ways to make money as a content creator if you choose to go down this path.
1. Start a blog and monetize it
Before there was social media and video content, there were blogs. Although blogging has changed over the years, people still read written content, and I believe that as a content creator, blogging is still a great way to make money. When starting a blog, you need to decide whether it’s your main topic or your niche. Think about what your interests are, who you want to help, and what your area of expertise is. Try to choose something that you won’t get tired of talking about for hours.
From there, you need to consistently create unique and engaging content and promote it to grow your readership. A larger audience helps, but you don’t need many pageviews to start monetizing. You can monetize your blog using advertising through Google AdSense (or other reputable advertising networks), affiliate programs, advertising, digital content (products you create for your readers), and more.
Like many of the other options on this list, making money with a blog takes time and consistency, so you shouldn’t expect immediate results, but all your efforts will pay off over time.
2. Launch a YouTube channel
If you want to create video content, start by launching a YouTube channel. Do your research to narrow down your niche and decide on the style you want to use for your videos, whether it’s a more personalized vlog, narration, or just talking to the camera.
Speaking of cameras, you’ll need to invest in some basic equipment to get started. If you don’t want to invest in a camera right away, you can use your smartphone, but you may want to consider purchasing a microphone for better sound quality.
To be successful on YouTube, you need to consistently post videos and improve the quality of your videos. The YouTube Partner Program allows creators to earn money from ads if they have at least 1,000 subscribers and their YouTube Shorts reach 4,000 hours (for long-form videos) or 10 million views within 90 days.
You can also monetize your YouTube channel through private sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and product sales and promotions. Also keep in mind that some bloggers and podcasters create YouTube videos to repurpose their content and establish an additional source of income.
3. Create a TikTok video
This is one of the most popular ways to become a content creator today. TikTok specializes in showing users engaging short-form videos and reels that are either entertaining or educational. There are many topics to choose from when creating content on this platform. But users also value authenticity and trends very much, so they want to be themselves and feel comfortable sharing their personal experiences and perspectives.
TikTok offers many ways to make money once you gain followers and increase engagement with your content. Not only can you promote your affiliate products and use TikTok to market and sell your products and services, but you can also get paid just by getting people to watch your videos. The TikTok Creator Rewards Program pays eligible creators for their content based on video performance (views and engagement).
To qualify for the TikTok Creator Rewards Program, you must be at least 18 years old, reside in an eligible country, and have at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the past 30 days.
4. Creating Instagram content
Instagram is another popular social media platform for content creation, but many say it’s harder to make money here than on TikTok. I think we need to change our strategy. Many successful Instagram content creators use the platform as a place to gather leads and build trust and brand awareness.
They then funnel those followers into affiliates, lead magnets, or products, and may even partner with brands to create sponsored content campaigns. Instagram also has a subscription feature where followers can view more exclusive content by paying a monthly fee. We also have an invite-only program where users 18 and older can earn rewards for engaging with Reels.
However, to succeed on Instagram, you need to be consistent with your content creation, pay attention to trends to increase engagement, and implement strategies to increase views using algorithms. All of this requires time, effort, and patience.
5. Become a UGC creator (user-generated content creation)
UGC creators are people who create videos, photos, and reviews that brands can use on their social media platforms. Unlike influencers, you don’t need a huge following. However, you need to be social media savvy and create high-quality content that showcases your products in a real and relatable way.
Brands love UGC because it increases credibility and audience engagement. So they’re often willing to pay a flat fee for short clips, product demos, customer-style reviews, or ad-supported videos. Build a niche that showcases your expertise, post examples on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, and you’ll quickly attract companies looking for creators who “get” your vibe.
For example, let’s say you love skincare and like to photograph simple routines. A small skin care company might contact you (or pitch you) and ask for three 20-30 second TikTok style videos. Perhaps one will show you unpacking the product, one will show you using it, and one will show you the “before and after”. This is a flexible and creative method that many people use to build their first real income online.
6. Sales of digital products and templates
Selling digital products can be a great way to monetize the content you’re creating, especially if you’re not already making money from Reels, TikTok, or ad revenue. If you can build a following and provide a lot of value to your audience, you can create digital products and templates that help solve their problems.
Let’s say you want to create content for homeschooling moms. Create a homeschool-themed digital planner or printable worksheet guide that your audience can purchase. You can also create and sell online courses to promote to subscribers and viewers, or create digital products using Canva and Photoshop. Some creators create products such as t-shirts and mugs, which they can promote on their social media channels and earn money from.
7. Host a podcast
Podcasting is an underrated but powerful way to connect with your audience. When people hear your voice every week, it builds loyalty and trust, which can lead to higher engagement, more subscribers, and more revenue in the long run. Create short or long episodes, interview guests, or share personal stories that tie into your overall brand.
Monetization options are wide open here, including advertising, brand sponsorships, affiliate recommendations, premium content, exclusive content, and even bonus episodes through subscription services like Patreon. You can also cross-promote digital products, blog posts, and YouTube content within your show. Podcasting is a great way to stand out on crowded social media platforms while building a deeper connection with your audience and fans.
To start, you need a good microphone to get good sound quality. You may also need to hire a professional podcast editor or invest in editing software. You’ll also need to host your podcast somewhere, and there are tools that can help you with this for a small fee. Many of these tools automatically publish your podcast episodes across multiple platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Overview: Make money as a content creator
Content creation isn’t just for people with huge followings. More people are monetizing their content creation on a daily basis, and that’s a good thing. The key is to choose the platform, niche, and strategy that works best for you. Start small and create something simple. Next, pay attention to trends and what your audience is saying and reacting to.
The more you participate, the more confident you will become and the easier it will be to decide which monetization options make sense for you. Content creators can earn anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand a month. Whether you’re looking to make a little more money or dream of turning content creation into a full-time job, there’s always room to get started.
