When YouTube Shorts first launched, monetization was limited to the “Shorts Fund” — a confusing and unpredictable bonus system. Today, the landscape has completely changed. Shorts are now fully integrated into the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) , allowing creators to earn revenue through ad sharing directly.
However, relying solely on the ad revenue pool is the old way of thinking. The RPM (Revenue Per Mille) for Shorts is significantly lower than for long-form videos. If you want to build a sustainable income, you need to use "The New Method." This strategy turns your fast-paced vertical videos into a powerful business funnel.
1. The "Related Video" Bridge (The Ultimate Hack)
In late 2023, YouTube removed clickable links from Shorts descriptions and pinned comments to reduce spam. Many creators assumed affiliate marketing on Shorts was finished. But YouTube introduced a far more powerful feature: The Related Video Link.
Inside YouTube Studio , creators can link a Short directly to one of their long-form videos. This link appears clearly on the screen while the Short is playing, giving viewers an instant path to deeper content.
2. Direct Affiliate Marketing via YouTube Shopping
You don’t always need external affiliate links. If you are part of the YouTube Shopping Affiliate Program , you can tag products directly inside your Shorts.
- Visual Tagging: Viewers see a “View Products” overlay directly on the video.
- Frictionless Buying: Users can browse and purchase items without leaving the YouTube app.
- Higher Conversions: Because the buying process is seamless, conversion rates are often much higher than traditional affiliate links.
3. Securing Short-Form Brand Deals (Micro-Sponsorships)
Many brands have realized that paying large amounts for integrations in long videos carries significant risk. Instead, they distribute marketing budgets across multiple creators producing short-form content.
This model is called a Micro-Sponsorship. Because Shorts are faster and cheaper to produce, creators can offer packages such as “3 dedicated Shorts for $1,500”.
To secure these deals, create a professional media kit highlighting:
- Average views on your Shorts
- Audience demographics
- Engagement rate and watch time
You can then pitch directly to brands via email or through creator marketplaces like YouTube BrandConnect .
4. The Ad Revenue Base Layer
While ad revenue should not be your only strategy, it still forms the base of your monetization structure. To qualify for Shorts ad revenue sharing through YPP, you typically need:
- 1,000 subscribers AND 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
- OR (for early access to fan funding features): 500 subscribers and 3 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
The key metrics that boost your earnings are audience retention and loopability. If you can create a 15-second video that viewers replay because the ending seamlessly loops back into the beginning, your views and algorithm exposure can double instantly.
Conclusion: Shorts Are the Engine, Not the Destination
The new strategy for making money with YouTube Shorts requires a shift in mindset. Shorts should act as your billboard — the top layer of your content funnel.
Use their massive algorithm-driven reach to capture attention, then guide viewers toward your long-form videos, affiliate products, or sponsored partnerships.
Stop chasing pennies in the ad revenue pool and start using Shorts to build a scalable and profitable digital business.
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