Startup cost
$750–$1.0k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a YouTube Business
Decision Snapshot
Youtube
Idea Score
74
Profit margin
27%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
2 wk–8 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Low
Time commitment
Flexible
Part 1 - How to start a YouTube business - Background
If you are looking to spread information, improve the human condition and help others, you should consider starting a YouTube business. YouTube businesses provide informative and helpful videos that benefit others in countless ways. Though anyone can start a YouTube channel, the channels that provide useful and insightful content amass plenty of viewers. Such successful channels are legitimate businesses.
You may also be interested in additional online business ideas.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Youtube business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a youtube business?
You will need a camera of some sort. Some YouTube business owners film their videos with their smart phone camera. Others use professional video equipment. Start out with a high-quality smartphone. It will cost a couple hundred dollars up front and between $50 and $150 per month, depending on your data usage. It is advisable to use a high-quality microphone. A microphone will cost between $20 and $100 or more. It will also help to have a computer with a high-speed internet connection and video editing software. Budget at least $750 to $1,000 for this initial equipment.
What are the ongoing expenses for a youtube business?
The business owner who uses his smartphone for videotaping content must pay the monthly smartphone bill of $50 to $150 or more. He will also need an internet connection. A high-speed internet connection will cost about $50 to $100 per month. A computer with video editing software is necessary to produce high-quality videos. Plan on spending at least $500 per year on hardware and software.
Lighting, soundproofing, a green screen, a microphone and support staff might also be necessary. Plan on spending $50 to $100 per month on such equipment. If you are insistent on using paid actors for skits and other content for you channel, budget in at least $50 to $100 for each actor’s day of work. More accomplished and experienced actors will make more money yet beginning actors might be willing to work for little money to build their resume. If you add staff for video production, editing, lighting, audio etc., plan on spending at least $10 to $30 per hour for their assistance.
Who is the target market?
There is no single market for YouTube businesses. The target market hinges on the types of videos you upload to your channel. However, it must be noted that many YouTube users are youngsters. Gear your video content to the younger crowd and the odds will be in your favor.
How does a youtube business make money?
Popularity is essential to success as a YouTube business owner. Create helpful, entertaining or otherwise meaningful video content and people will flock to your channel. If one of your videos reaches 10,000 views, you can monetize your channel. It does not matter what your subject matter is as long as your videos do not violate YouTube’s and terms of service. Abide by these rules and you will be compensated for views. Just be sure to change your YouTube channel’s settings to “Monetize with Ads”. This way, the ads placed in your video will provide you with revenue.
How much can you charge customers?
YouTube business owners are paid a specific amount of money for views and clicks of sponsors’ ads. This means the business owner does not choose how much to charge clients.
How much profit can a youtube business make?
This business has the potential to make anywhere from a couple hundred dollars per year to tens of millions of dollars per year. The most popular YouTube business owners like PewDiePie reportedly earn more than $10 million per year.
How can you make your business more profitable?
It is possible to make additional money by promoting certain products or services during YouTube videos. You can also redirect your audience to your personal website or blog where you can sell ad space. Some YouTubers also sell clothing, coffee cups, stuffed animals, and other items that feature their brand or likeness.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a youtube business?
YouTube business owners spend the majority of their workday creating and editing videos. The bread and butter of this business is the continuous generation of high-quality video content. The best YouTube business owners are willing to invest the time necessary to edit the smallest details of their videos. A portion of the workday is also spent brainstorming ideas for new video content.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful youtube business?
Experience making and editing videos will certainly help. Those who have a background in entertainment, marketing, and psychology tend to do quite well with their YouTube businesses. Stage presence is the most important characteristic. Though you probably won’t be filming YouTube videos on any sort of stage, it can be argued every setting in which you film your videos is the equivalent of a YouTube stage. If you are comfortable speaking while in front of the camera, you stand a good chance of building a successful YouTube business.
What is the growth potential for a youtube business?
This business has unlimited growth potential as the entire world is your audience. Everyone who has access to the web can contribute to your business’s success. It is possible to amass a significant subscriber base, generate millions of views per video and grow the business into a massive video production company with several employees. Or, you can operate every aspect of your YouTube business on your own and still grow your subscriber base and the business across time. The direction you take your channel is completely up to you. The bottom line is high-quality video content will catalyze your subscriber base, subsequent views, and the growth of your channel.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a youtube business?
Spend some time performing market research. Find out what people are looking for in online videos. Match your strengths and knowledge base to the desires of prospective channel subscribers. As an example, if you have a passion for video games, consider launching a YouTube channel that features video game reviews or footage of your gameplay. If you have a broad knowledge of technology or electronics, consider launching a YouTube channel centered on reviews or previews of high-tech items. Even “reaction” videos to current events, movie trailers, and video game trailers generate a massive number of views. Also, be sure to avoid risque language. YouTube administrators recently decided to pull ads from content creators who curse in their videos. Above all, your videos should provide some sort of value to the audience, whether it is in the form of entertainment, education, or something else.
How and when to build a team
This is a one-man operation for at least a few months. If your YouTube business grows by leaps and bounds, you can consider adding a camera operator, script writer, researcher, and possibly a few actors. However, many YouTube business owners have enjoyed considerable success without the help of others. This is one of those rare businesses that can be operated by a single person.
Part 2 - Is a YouTube business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Youtube business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Youtube Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your YouTube business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.