YouTube content creators are not actually paid by the videos that they are uploading on the video-sharing platform. Videos are not even monetized by default. In order for a person or channel to generate money from YouTube, it is vital to enable monetization in your YouTube account.
From there, you will be given with the option to join YouTube Partners Program or have the video listed onto YouTube Premium.
Factors for Monetization
First of all, YouTube channels could be monetized even if they do not have millions of subscribers. The earning potential is not solely determined neither by how many subscribers you have nor the views the video has generated.
It involves a number of things too such as:
- Niche you are catering to
- Level of engagement the video made and;
- Revenue channels you are exploring
That is not to say that subscriber count does not matter. Of course it still counts.
Not All Comes from YouTube
Second, there are top channels that may just give you the impression that millions of dollars is made straight from YouTube itself. Fact is, every channel has dedicated merch. These channels were able to successfully build their audience prior to launching their own merchandise.