Many people assume that bigger YouTube channels with millions of subscribers make more money than smaller ones. But that’s not always true! Some small YouTube channels with just a few thousand subscribers earn more than those with millions. How? It’s not just about views—it’s about strategy, niche, and monetization methods.
Let’s break down why some small YouTube channels earn more than big ones and look at real-life examples to see how you can do the same!
1. High CPM Niches – Earn More Per View
YouTube pays creators based on CPM (Cost Per 1,000 Impressions), which varies depending on the topic of the video. Some niches, like finance, business, and tech, have a much higher CPM than entertainment or vlogs.
Example: Small vs. Big Channel Earnings
- A comedy channel with 1 million views may earn ₹50,000 (CPM = ₹50).
- A finance channel with just 100,000 views may earn ₹1,00,000 (CPM = ₹1,000).
Real-Life Example: Marko – Finance YouTuber
Marko runs a finance YouTube channel with only 30K subscribers but makes ₹5–₹10 lakhs per month. Why?
✅ He talks about investing and cryptocurrency (high CPM niche).
✅ He uses affiliate marketing and brand sponsorships to boost income.
✅ Each of his videos earns ₹500–₹1,000 per 1,000 views, much higher than gaming or vlogs.
🚀 Lesson: Picking the right niche can make even a small YouTube channel highly profitable!
2. Affiliate Marketing – Earn Beyond YouTube Ads
Big YouTube channels rely on ad revenue, but small creators can earn even more with affiliate marketing. Instead of just waiting for YouTube’s ad money, they promote products and earn commissions.
How It Works:
1️⃣ Find a product in your niche (Amazon, Flipkart, or software tools).
2️⃣ Add an affiliate link in your video description.
3️⃣ Every time someone buys, you earn a commission.
Example: Tech Review Channel vs. Entertainment Channel
- A tech review channel with 50K subscribers reviews laptops and gadgets and adds affiliate links. They earn ₹500–₹5,000 per sale.
- A comedy channel with 1 million subscribers only makes money from ads and earns less per video.
Real-Life Example: Prashant – Tech YouTuber
Prashant runs a tech channel with 25K subscribers, but earns ₹3–₹5 lakhs per month through affiliate links for mobile phones and laptops. Some of his top videos bring in ₹50K+ per month just from commissions.
🚀 Lesson: Even a small channel can out-earn a big one by using affiliate marketing smartly!
3. Digital Products – Make Passive Income
Small YouTube channels that sell their own digital products (courses, eBooks, templates) make more than big channels that just rely on ads.
How It Works:
1️⃣ Create a digital product (e.g., an online course, PDF guide, or design template).
2️⃣ Promote it in your videos.
3️⃣ Earn money directly from your audience instead of waiting for ad revenue.
Example: Coding Channel vs. Lifestyle Channel
- A small coding channel with 20K subscribers sells a ₹999 online course.
- If just 500 people buy, they earn ₹5,00,000+ per month.
- Meanwhile, a lifestyle vlogger with 1M subscribers depends on ads and earns only ₹2,00,000 per month.
Real-Life Example: Rohan – Coding YouTuber
Rohan, a coding YouTuber with 15K subscribers, makes ₹6–₹8 lakhs per month by selling a Python programming course. His ad revenue is low, but his digital product brings in massive income!
🚀 Lesson: If you sell your own product, even a small audience can make you rich.
4. Brand Sponsorships – Get Paid for Promoting Products
Brands pay creators directly to feature their products. Some small channels earn lakhs per month by working with brands, even with low views.
How It Works:
1️⃣ Reach out to brands related to your niche.
2️⃣ Offer to promote their product in a video.
3️⃣ Get paid per sponsorship (₹5,000–₹2,00,000 per video).
Example: Small Channel Charging More Than Big One
- A fitness channel with 30K subscribers charges ₹50,000 per sponsorship.
- A funny meme channel with 1M subscribers charges only ₹20,000 per video.
- Why? Because fitness brands pay more for targeted audiences than general content.
Real-Life Example: Simran – Fitness Influencer
Simran has only 25K subscribers but earns ₹2–₹3 lakhs per month from brand deals with nutrition and workout brands.
🚀 Lesson: A small, highly targeted audience can bring in big sponsorship deals.
5. Consistency & Community Engagement – Build Loyal Fans
Some small YouTubers engage more with their audience, reply to comments, and build a strong community. This makes their audience more likely to buy their products or click on their links, increasing revenue.
How It Works:
✅ Small YouTubers focus on quality, not quantity.
✅ They engage with every comment and message, making viewers more loyal.
✅ They sell exclusive memberships and courses, earning directly from their fans.
Real-Life Example: Rahul – Personal Finance YouTuber
Rahul has 40K subscribers, but his fans trust him for financial advice. He sells ₹999/month coaching programs, earning ₹5 lakhs+ per month, even though his views are lower than big YouTubers.
🚀 Lesson: A loyal audience is more valuable than millions of random views.
Final Words: Why Some Small YouTube Channels Earn More Than Big Ones?
YouTube success isn’t just about subscribers or views—it’s about how you monetize. Some small YouTubers out-earn big ones by focusing on:
✅ High-CPM niches (finance, tech, health)
✅ Affiliate marketing (earning commissions)
✅ Selling digital products (courses, eBooks)
✅ Brand sponsorships (getting paid by companies)
✅ Building a loyal fanbase (who buy their products)
🔥 Takeaway: Even if you’re a small YouTuber, you can earn lakhs per month by choosing the right strategy! Which method will you try? Let me know in the comments! 🚀🔥
