The Think Media Podcast — Episode 482

Title: How to Make Money on YouTube RIGHT NOW (14 Proven Ways)
Date: January 27, 2026
Host: Sean Cannell and Nathan Eswine (Think Media)

Episode Overview

In this densely packed episode, Sean Cannell and Nathan Eswine break down 14 actionable ways to make money on YouTube—focusing especially on off-platform monetization strategies. The discussion is designed for YouTubers of all sizes and niches, including those just starting out. Each method is guided by real-life success stories, concrete platform suggestions, and the hosts’ signature motivational, straight-talking style.

This is Part 2 of a two-part series (see the previous episode for on-platform YouTube monetization). The advice here combines up-to-the-minute tactics with encouragement to build sustainable, multi-stream income as a creator or entrepreneur.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Affiliate Marketing (01:21)

• Definition: Earn a commission by promoting products/services through unique links.
• Example: Student "The Wild Floridian" made $1k in year one, $15k in year two, and $55k in year three promoting raised garden beds.
• Platforms: Amazon Associates, Impact Radius, LTK, ShareASale, Clickbank.
• Quote:

  "You can start immediately. Even day one. Some of the most known affiliate programs are things like Amazon.com." — Sean (03:10)

• Insight: Minimal setup, scalable, and works in any niche.

2. Brand Sponsorships & UGC (04:11)

• Definition: Companies pay creators to feature products/services.
• Micro/Nano Influencers: Brands target even small, niche channels.
• UGC (User Generated Content): Brands pay creators for content to use in their own marketing, regardless of the creator's following size.
• Platforms: YouTube Brand Connect, Aspire IQ, Grin.
• Quote:

  "What creators underestimate is that you're your own independent media company." — Sean (05:14)

3. Online Courses (08:08)

• Definition: Develop and sell structured video learning products.
• Real-life Example: Nathan sold music software courses with less than 5,000 subscribers.
• Platforms: Kajabi, Thinkific, Teachable.
• Advice: Package popular YouTube topics into a deeper, focused course.

4. Paid Memberships vs. Crowdfunding (09:56)

Paid Memberships

• Structure: Monthly subscription for exclusive content/community.
• YouTube Memberships: Simple, but high platform fee (30%).
• Better platforms: Kajabi, Circle for improved margins.
• Ideal for: Education channels; people seeking ongoing value.
• Quote:

  "A paid membership...benefit of live Q&As and things like that for years to come." — Sean (10:20)

Crowdfunding (12:07)

• Platform: Patreon, Ko-fi, Buy Me a Coffee.
• Best for: Entertainment, fan-focused channels, artists, animators, commentators.
• Example: Coffeezilla displays Patreon supporters in-video end credits.

5. Coaching (One-on-One or Group) (13:59)

• Definition: Offer expertise directly via video calls.
• Platforms: Zoom, Calendly (for scheduling), Kajabi (for infrastructure).
• Accessible for: Many niches (real estate, music, parenting, fitness).
• Quote:

  "You only need one person to like find your video, take you up on your offer, get on your calendar..." — Nathan (15:43)

• Real-life Examples: Campus pastor hired a coach for $1,000; pediatric OT did $50 consultations.

6. Books (Physical, eBook, Audiobook) (17:16)

• Passive income: Sell your knowledge or story.
• Example: "YouTube Secrets" sold 140,000+ copies in multiple formats.
• Tip: Audiobooks are both underutilized and lucrative.
• Platforms: Amazon KDP, Audible ACX, Gumroad.
• Quote:

  "Half the people listening are on Spotify or Apple right now...Audiobook is a premium podcast." — Sean (18:23)

7. Digital Products (19:19)

• Types: Downloadable content—PDFs, templates, presets, spreadsheets, 3D printer files.
• Distribution: Etsy, Gumroad, Payship, Shopify.
• Niche Example: Kayla ("His Word, My Walk") went full-time selling $15 devotional workbooks aligned with her video Bible studies.
• Insight: Fast, scalable, low-overhead monetization.

8. Events (Virtual or In-Person) (21:08)

• Formats: Summits, workshops, masterminds, live classes.
• Example: Student ran an event for just six people and still generated tens of thousands of dollars.
• Tools: Eventbrite (ticketing), Zoom, Hopin, Kajabi.
• Advice: Start small; value immersive, transformational experiences.

9. Merchandise (22:53)

• Definition: Physical swag—shirts, hats, mugs, etc.
• Tip: Focus on identity/movement themes (e.g., “Mom’s Rock”), not just your logo.
• Platforms: Merch shelf, Spreadshop, Printful, Teespring, Shopify.
• Quote:

  "It's not just like your logo...it's about the identity and mission and really brand of what your channel and what your videos stand for." — Nathan (25:35)

10. Freelance Services (26:09)

• Definition: Use your skills to serve clients online.
• Skills: Web design, copywriting, editing, channel management, virtual assistant.
• Platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, Contra.
• Quote:

  "The fastest way to start making money immediately, because you could sign up on Fiverr or Upwork...and start working from home." — Sean (29:30)

11. Speaking Engagements (30:57)

• Skills: You're training for public speaking by being on YouTube.
• Opportunities: Paid/unpaid gigs at conferences, workshops, podcasts, panels.
• Strategy: Even if unpaid, negotiate for lead generation (e.g., permission to promote or collect emails).
• Quote:

  "A lot of times you'll be...speaking for free. But you can ask questions like, 'Can I promote something? Can I give away something free?'" — Sean (31:25)

12. E-Commerce (Your Own Product Line) (33:12)

• Definition: Launch your own physical products (beyond simple merch).
• Models: White-labeling, private label manufacturing.
• Examples: Supplements, planners, beauty products—think Logan Paul (Prime), MrBeast Burger/Chocolate.
• Platforms: Shopify, Woocommerce, Amazon FBA.
• Advice: Not for day one, but start envisioning and planning now.

13. Using YouTube for Lead Generation (38:13)

• Concept: Use videos as a funnel for your existing off-platform business (e.g., insurance, consulting, local service).
• Case Study: Lorena (student) went from $2K to $12K/month, averaging 30,000 views/month—all by turning YouTube viewers into business leads.
• Quote:

  "You're a business owner in a YouTuber's costume. It's not about all the views. It's about the right views." — Nathan (38:25)

• Tools: CRM and funnel software (Mailchimp, ClickFunnels, Go High Level, Kajabi).
• Opportunity: Especially powerful for business owners; Think Media offers coaching (viralvideocoach.com).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "You are your own independent media company." — Sean (05:14)
• "You only need one person...and you can talk to them." — Nathan (15:43)
• "Audiobook is a premium podcast...if you have a good audiobook, you can earn a lot of money." — Sean (18:23)
• "Don't underestimate the power...of $15 ebooks or $27 presets, because at scale, these things spread." — Nathan (20:38)
• "You don't have to host huge events. They could be workshops, meetups, summits, live classes." — Sean (22:15)
• "It's about the identity and mission and really brand of what your channel and what your videos stand for." — Nathan (25:35)
• "Don't be afraid to maybe say, 'This is something I'm gonna do for a while,' because it absolutely is the fastest way to start making money immediately." — Sean (29:30)
• "You're a business owner in a YouTuber's costume...it's about the right views." — Nathan (38:25)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:21 — Starting with Affiliate Marketing
• 04:11 — Brand Sponsorships (& UGC)
• 08:08 — Selling Online Courses
• 09:56/12:07 — Paid Memberships vs. Crowdfunding
• 13:59 — One-on-One and Group Coaching
• 17:16 — Making Money from Books (eBook, physical, audiobook)
• 19:19 — Creation & Sale of Digital Products
• 21:08 — Hosting Events: Workshops, Summits, Experiences
• 22:53 — Merchandise: Swag, Identity-Focused Products
• 26:09 — Freelance Services: Fastest Path to Income
• 30:57 — Speaking Engagements: Monetizing Public Speaking
• 33:12 — E-Commerce: Your Own Product Line/Brand
• 38:13 — Using YouTube for Business Lead Generation

Closing Encouragement

Throughout the episode, Sean and Nathan underline the importance of customizing your approach, not spreading yourself too thin, and choosing income streams that fit your brand and audience. They reiterate Think Media’s mission: helping creators leverage YouTube for real-world business results—no matter your starting point.

For next steps and deeper learning:

• Part 1 (on-platform monetization) — check the previous episode.
• For hands-on help building your multi-stream plan, check out YouTube Growth Sprint (ytsprint.com) and viralvideocoach.com.

“Which of these 14 income streams has caught your attention?” — Let the Think Media team know by rating, sharing, or reviewing the episode.

This summary captures the actionable insights, stories, and step-by-step ideas brought to life with the Think Media team’s signature, encouraging clarity.