How to Make Money on YouTube Without Making Videos ($500/hr)

If you love the idea of making money on YouTube, but not so much making videos, this one’s for you. Below are ten methods on how to make money on YouTube without making videos.

How to Make Money on YouTube Without Making Videos in 2024

1. Get Paid To Watch Videos

Surprisingly, you can get paid for something as simple as watching videos, a task many of us do daily for free. While you can’t get paid for watching YouTube videos on their platform, platforms like Swagbucks step in to fill that gap.

Swagbucks is a user-friendly site where you can earn points, known as SB, for activities including watching videos, playing games, and taking surveys. These points can then be exchanged for gift cards or cash, offering a flexible way to earn from the comfort of your home.

Getting Started

Starting your journey on Swagbucks is straightforward. First, sign up for a free account on their website, providing basic details like your email address. Once registered, navigate to the video section, where you’ll find a variety of content categories. Select videos that interest you, and begin earning SB points for each one you watch. The platform also offers a mobile app, making it convenient to earn points on the go.

What You’ll Earn

While watching videos on Swagbucks won’t replace a full-time income, it can provide a modest supplement to your earnings. Users typically earn around $0.01 to $0.02 per video, with the potential to make about $5 to $10 a month through consistent viewing.

The exact amount can vary based on the length and type of videos available, as well as the time you dedicate to watching them. For a more significant income, consider other activities offered on the site, such as completing surveys or shopping online.

2. Have AI Make Videos For You

Diving into the world of video content creation can be intimidating, but AI technology offers a groundbreaking solution. InVideo, for example, is a platform where AI takes the lead in crafting videos.

This means you can turn your ideas or stories into engaging content with minimal effort. Imagine using ChatGPT to brainstorm video topics or write scripts, and then having InVideo transform those scripts into visually captivating videos. It’s an efficient way to produce content, especially if you’re aiming for a faceless YouTube channel.

This AI-driven approach not only simplifies the creation process but also opens up a realm of possibilities for those interested in AI side hustles.

Getting Started

Embarking on your AI video creation journey with InVideo is straightforward. First, you’ll want to visit the InVideo website and sign up for an account. They offer various plans, including a free option that’s perfect for getting your feet wet.

Once you’re in, the platform guides you through selecting templates or starting from scratch to create your video. InVideo’s interface is user-friendly, allowing you to add visuals, music, and transitions to your video just by simply telling the AI what your want. The beauty of InVideo is its simplicity, making video production accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience level.

What You’ll Earn

Earnings from creating videos with AI, such as those made with InVideo, can vary widely based on several factors, including the niche you choose, the quality of your videos, and how you monetize them. For creators who opt to upload their AI-generated videos to platforms like YouTube, income can come from ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

Specifically, YouTube ad revenue can range significantly, with an average YouTuber earning between $3 and $10 per thousand video views. However, for a faceless YouTube channel that leverages unique and engaging content, this could potentially be higher.

3. Upload Your Music

If you’re musically inclined, uploading your music online is a fantastic way to share your talent and earn money. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube allow artists to monetize their creations through streaming royalties and ad revenue.

The process is pretty straightforward, thanks to distribution services like DistroKid or TuneCore. These services act as middlemen distributing your music to various online stores and streaming platforms for a fee or subscription.

Getting Started

To start, choose a music distribution service that aligns with your needs and budget. After signing up, you’ll upload your music tracks, artwork, and any relevant information about your songs or album. The distribution service will then send your music to the chosen platforms. It’s important to promote your music on social media and other channels to increase your streams and downloads, as visibility plays a huge role in your success.

What You’ll Earn

Earnings from music uploads can vary greatly depending on the platform, your distribution deal, and how much your music is played. On average, Spotify pays about $0.003 to $0.005 per stream, so the income can add up with enough listeners.

YouTube also offers ad revenue for videos featuring your music, which can increase your earnings potential. The key to maximizing your revenue is consistent content creation, engaging with your audience, and effectively promoting your music to increase streams and downloads.

4. Use AI To Make Reddit Stories

Harnessing the power of AI to bring Reddit stories to life offers a unique content creation avenue. Platforms like Speechify can turn written content into engaging spoken word audio, while tools like InVideo allow you to pair those narrations with captivating visuals.

This approach is especially effective with compelling content from subreddits like r/confessions, where the intrigue and human element can attract a wide audience. By using AI to narrate and visualize these stories, you create a new way for viewers to experience the raw emotion and twists of personal tales.

Getting Started

To begin, sift through Reddit to find stories that resonate with your intended audience. Use Speechify or a similar tool to convert these stories into audio narrations. Then, leverage InVideo to create a video, adding relevant stock footage and automatic captions to enhance the storytelling.

Both platforms are user-friendly, offering tutorials and templates to get you started. Remember, the key to success lies in selecting stories that have the potential to captivate and engage your audience, driving views and shares.

What You’ll Earn

Monetizing AI-generated Reddit story videos can be quite lucrative, especially if your content goes viral. YouTube ad revenue varies widely, but engaging content that keeps viewers hooked can earn significantly more through higher CPM rates.

Additionally, incorporating affiliate links or sponsorships related to the content can boost earnings. For creators who consistently produce high-quality, engaging videos, it’s possible to see earnings in the hundreds to thousands of dollars range, depending on the channel’s size and engagement rate.

5. Become a YouTube Consultant

If you’ve got a knack for growing YouTube channels, becoming a YouTube consultant could be your golden ticket. This role involves advising content creators on strategies to enhance their channel’s visibility, increase subscriber count, and boost video engagement.

Your expertise could cover a range of areas, from SEO optimization for videos to content strategy and branding advice. It’s a field where experience and proven results speak volumes, making it perfect for those who have successfully managed their own channels or helped others to grow theirs.

Getting Started

Kickstarting your career as a YouTube consultant begins with showcasing your expertise. Create a portfolio highlighting your successes with YouTube channels, including before-and-after metrics that demonstrate your impact.

Networking is also crucial, so consider offering free initial consultations to build your client base and reputation. Social media platforms and content creator forums are excellent places to start promoting your services. Remember, your ability to communicate and execute effective growth strategies will be key to your success.

What You’ll Earn

Your earnings as a YouTube consultant can vary widely based on your experience, the scope of the projects, and the clients you work with. Starting out, consultants might charge anywhere from $50 to $200 per hour, depending on the services offered.

As you gain more experience and notch up some big wins for your clients, you can significantly increase your rates. Top consultants in the field can earn upwards of $500 per hour or more. The key is to continuously refine your skills and stay updated with YouTube’s ever-shifting algorithms and trends.

6. Upload Sleep Sounds

Uploading sleep sounds is a serene path to tapping into the digital wellness trend, offering content that helps people relax, meditate, or fall asleep. With the rising demand for white noise, nature sounds, and ASMR content, creating a channel dedicated to sleep sounds can be both fulfilling and profitable. The beauty of this niche is its simplicity and the minimalistic approach needed in content creation, focusing on high-quality, soothing audio experiences.

Getting Started

To embark on this soothing journey, start by recording or sourcing high-quality sleep sounds. This can include natural sounds like rain, ocean waves, or forest ambiance, as well as white noise or calming instrumental music. Once you have your collection, platforms like YouTube or Spotify are great for uploading and sharing your content. Remember to use descriptive titles and tags to help your target audience find your sounds.

What You’ll Earn

Monetizing sleep sounds can come from various sources, including ad revenue on YouTube, streaming royalties on Spotify, or even creating and selling your own digital sleep sound albums. YouTube channels focused on sleep and relaxation sounds can earn significantly through ads, especially if they accumulate a large number of views and watch time.

On Spotify, earnings are based on the number of streams, with potential monthly earnings ranging from a few dollars to thousands, depending on your audience size and engagement. Diversifying your presence across multiple platforms can maximize your earning potential.

7. Sell Stock Video To YouTubers

For those gifted in videography, selling custom stock video footage is a lucrative opportunity, particularly with YouTubers constantly on the hunt for unique content to enhance their videos. Custom stock footage offers a personalized touch that generic stock videos can’t match, making your work highly sought after. This niche requires a keen eye for visuals that appeal to a broad range of content creators, from lifestyle vloggers to educational channels.

Getting Started

Begin by building a diverse portfolio of high-quality video footage. Think about the types of videos popular YouTubers create and what kind of footage could elevate their content. Nature scenes, cityscapes, and abstract visuals are always in demand.

Once you have a solid collection, you can sell your footage through stock video platforms or directly to content creators. Creating a website or online portfolio showcasing your work can also attract potential buyers. Remember, networking and marketing your unique stock footage will be key to standing out in a competitive market.

What You’ll Earn

The earnings from selling stock video footage vary widely depending on the platform, the uniqueness of your content, and how you market it. Prices per clip can range from $10 to several hundred dollars, especially for high-quality, niche, or exclusive content. If you choose to sell through stock video platforms, they will take a cut, but they also provide a large audience of potential buyers.

Direct sales to content creators can be more profitable per sale but require more effort in marketing and networking. With the right strategy, videographers can earn a substantial income from selling stock footage.

8. Become a Freelance YouTube Channel Manager

Diving into the role of a freelance YouTube channel manager can be an exhilarating way to leverage your skills in video content strategy, audience engagement, and analytics optimization. This position is crucial for creators who want to grow their channels but lack the time or expertise to manage the day-to-day operations. As a channel manager, you’re the behind-the-scenes hero, ensuring content is published on schedule, engaging with the audience, and analyzing performance data to guide future content strategies.

Getting Started

To kick off your freelance career, it’s essential to have a deep understanding of YouTube’s platform, including its algorithm, analytics, and monetization methods. Familiarize yourself with video SEO best practices and tools for content scheduling and analytics.

Building a portfolio that showcases successful channels you’ve managed or projects you’ve contributed to can help attract clients. Networking is key, so consider joining online communities related to YouTube content creation and offering your services. Starting with smaller projects can help you gain experience and testimonials to grow your client base.

What You’ll Earn

Earnings as a freelance YouTube channel manager can vary widely based on your experience, the size of the channels you manage, and the scope of your responsibilities. Beginners might start by charging $15 to $25 per hour, while experienced managers with a track record of growing channels can command $50 to $100 per hour or more.

Some channel managers also work for a monthly retainer or a percentage of the channel’s revenue, providing a more stable income. As you build your reputation and portfolio, your potential earnings can increase significantly, offering a rewarding career path for those passionate about YouTube content creation.

9. Become a Freelance YouTube Script Writer

Crafting compelling scripts for YouTube videos is an art that blends creativity with strategic communication. As a freelance YouTube script writer, you have the power to shape the narrative, engage audiences, and drive content success. This role is perfect for those with a knack for storytelling and an understanding of YouTube’s unique content landscape. Whether it’s writing for educational videos, entertainment, or how-to guides, your scripts can significantly impact a channel’s viewer engagement and growth.

Getting Started

Launching your freelance scriptwriting career begins with honing your writing skills and understanding the types of content that succeed on YouTube. Create a portfolio showcasing a range of scripts you’ve written, even if they were for personal projects or hypothetical videos.

Networking is crucial, so join online communities where YouTubers and content creators gather, and offer your services. Consider starting with competitive rates to attract your first clients and build a track record of successful projects. Feedback from these early projects can refine your skills and help you specialize in specific niches or types of content.

What You’ll Earn

The earning potential for freelance YouTube scriptwriters can vary widely based on experience, niche, and demand for your services. Beginners might charge anywhere from $50 to $200 per script, depending on the complexity and length. Experienced scriptwriters with a proven track record of contributing to successful videos can demand much higher fees, ranging from $100 to $500 per script or more for high-profile clients.

As you build your reputation and portfolio, opportunities for higher-paying projects and long-term collaborations with established YouTubers can increase your earnings substantially.

10. Curate Existing Video

Curating existing video content with the help of AI offers a fresh spin on video creation, allowing you to compile highlights from various sources into unique compilations. This approach is especially valuable for creating engaging content that stands out, by adding a new layer of creativity or commentary.

AI tools can streamline the process, from identifying compelling moments to editing them together seamlessly. This method is perfect for those looking to create content quickly without starting from scratch, offering viewers something new and entertaining.

Getting Started

To dive into video curation, start by defining your niche or theme, such as gaming highlights, educational snippets, or viral moments. Use AI tools to sift through existing content, selecting clips that align with your theme and have the potential to captivate your audience.

Editing software with AI capabilities can then help you assemble these clips into a cohesive video, adding unique elements like transitions, captions, or your own commentary to make the content your own. Remember, respecting copyright laws is crucial, so ensure you have the right to use any footage in your compilations.

What You’ll Earn

The earnings from curated video content can vary, depending on the platform you choose to share your videos and the monetization strategies you employ. On platforms like YouTube, ad revenue can be a significant source of income, especially if your videos attract a large viewership.

Additionally, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and viewer donations through platforms like Patreon can supplement your earnings. Successful curators can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, depending on the size and engagement of their audience.

My Final Thoughts

There are plenty of wats to make on Youtube without making a single video. However, AI tools and stock video sites make video creation easier than ever.

If you’re looking for something super simple, try watching videos on Swagbucks to earn some extra spending money.

If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious and want to earn more, consider leveraging AI tools like Invideo and Speechify to create an automated AI-powered YouTube channel.