How to Make Passive Income with YouTube Shorts in 2025
Can you really earn money by posting 60-second videos?
Absolutely! YouTube Shorts has become one of the fastest, easiest ways to start generating passive income online—even with little to no upfront investment.
Whether you're camera-shy, on a tight budget, or just starting out, this guide will walk you through exactly how to make passive income with YouTube Shorts in 2025. You’ll learn about monetization options, automation strategies, niche ideas, and smart tools to scale fast.
Why YouTube Shorts is a Goldmine for Passive Income
YouTube Shorts is Google’s answer to TikTok—a short-form, vertical video format designed for mobile users. But here’s why it’s a powerful income stream:
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Low entry barrier: No fancy gear or studio required.
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Massive exposure: YouTube’s algorithm promotes Shorts to millions daily.
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Multiple income streams: Ads, affiliate links, sponsorships, product sales, and more.
Stat to Know:
In 2024, YouTube Shorts was generating over 70 billion daily views, and creators have begun earning serious income without ever hitting the 1,000-subscriber mark.
How to Make Passive Income with YouTube Shorts: 6 Smart Strategies
1. Join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) for Shorts Ads
Since 2023, YouTube monetizes Shorts through ad revenue. You don’t need long videos to qualify anymore.
To qualify for Shorts monetization in 2025:
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1,000 subscribers and
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Either 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days or 4,000 watch hours on long-form videos
🔗 Related: What Is Passive Income? Explained Simply
How Much Can You Earn?
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Creators earn 45% of the ad revenue from Shorts.
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Average earnings vary but range from $0.01 to $0.06 per 1,000 views.
💡 Tip: Choose high-CPM niches (like finance, tech, fitness) to maximize ad income.
2. Leverage Affiliate Marketing in Your Shorts Descriptions
Affiliate marketing is one of the best ways to earn passive income with YouTube Shorts, especially if you’re still under 1,000 subscribers.
How it works:
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Add a short call-to-action in your video.
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Drop affiliate links in the video description or pinned comment.
Best Affiliate Programs for YouTube Shorts:
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Amazon Associates (products)
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TubeBuddy (YouTube SEO tools)
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Canva Pro (design tools for creators)
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InVideo (video editing for Shorts)
💡 Use keywords like “best editing tools for YouTube Shorts” in your video title or description to attract high-intent traffic.
3. Use Faceless Video Automation for Scalable Income
Don’t want to show your face? No problem. YouTube automation with Shorts allows you to outsource or use tools to create viral content at scale.
Steps to Get Started:
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Pick a niche (e.g. motivation, luxury, side hustles)
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Write short scripts using ChatGPT
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Use text-to-speech tools (e.g. ElevenLabs)
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Edit with tools like CapCut, InVideo, or Canva
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Add royalty-free music from platforms like YouTube Audio Library
✅ Use tools like Vidnami or Pictory to automate the entire video creation process.
4. Drive Traffic to Blogs or Landing Pages
Even if Shorts don’t pay much upfront, they can be a traffic machine. Link your blog, product, or lead magnet in your Shorts description.
Funnel Example:
YouTube Shorts → Link in Description → Blog Post → Affiliate Offer or Email Signup
🔗 Read more: How to Start a Niche Blog for Beginners
Pro Tip: Use bit.ly or other link shorteners to track click-through rates and optimize your strategy.
5. Create Evergreen Shorts for Ongoing Views
If your video continues getting views for months, the income becomes truly passive.
Examples of Evergreen YouTube Shorts Ideas for Income:
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“3 Best Budgeting Tips” (finance)
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“Motivational Quotes That Changed My Life” (self-help)
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“Top Side Hustles in 2025” (career/money)
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“How to Start Dropshipping with $0” (business)
💡 Add subtitles and engaging hooks in the first 3 seconds to boost retention and virality.
6. Get Sponsorship Deals and Brand Collaborations
Even small Shorts creators can get micro-sponsorships if their content is niche-specific and engagement is high.
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Focus on one niche to build authority.
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Use platforms like FameBit, Heepsy, or Collabstr to find paid brand deals.
🧩 Combine this with affiliate links for stacked income in one 60-second video.
Best Niches for YouTube Shorts Monetization in 2025
These niches get high views and offer great monetization potential:
| Niche | Monetization Potential |
|---|---|
| Personal Finance | High AdSense + affiliate earnings |
| Fitness & Weight Loss | Evergreen, high traffic |
| Tech Reviews | High CPM + affiliate products |
| Motivation & Quotes | Viral-friendly, scalable |
| AI Tools & Software | Trendy + affiliate commissions |
FAQs About Making Passive Income with YouTube Shorts
Can You Make Money with YouTube Shorts in 2025?
Yes. You can earn through ad revenue, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and traffic to other platforms—even if you're not yet monetized.
How to Earn Passive Income Posting YouTube Shorts?
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Pick a niche
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Post regularly
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Add monetized links
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Use faceless, automated creation
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Focus on SEO and evergreen content
How to Get Paid from YouTube Shorts Without 1K Subscribers?
While ad revenue requires 1K subs, you can still:
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Use affiliate links
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Promote digital products
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Drive traffic to your blog or landing page
Final Tips for Growing Your YouTube Shorts Channel
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Use strong hooks: Grab attention in the first 2 seconds.
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Post daily: YouTube favors consistency.
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Analyze performance: Double down on what works.
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Repurpose content: Turn blog posts or Tweets into Shorts.
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Use hashtags: e.g. #Shorts #MakeMoneyOnline
Final Thoughts: Start Earning with YouTube Shorts Today
You don’t need to be a video expert or influencer to earn passive income with YouTube Shorts. Start with one niche, post consistently, and leverage monetization strategies like affiliate marketing, faceless automation, and SEO-optimized content.
📣 Your Turn:
Are you ready to turn 60-second videos into income? Let us know your favorite idea or question in the comments!
💡 Explore more income ideas:
👉 15 Best Passive Income Ideas for Beginners
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