How To Monetize On YouTube Without Being In The List Of Monetization Countries

Introduction.

Imagine putting your heart and soul into creating YouTube videos, growing an audience, and seeing your views skyrocket—only to realize you can’t monetize your content because your country isn’t on YouTube’s monetization list.

Frustrating, right? You’re not alone. Many talented creators face this exact challenge, and the good news is there are ways around it.

Monetizing your YouTube channel isn’t just about joining the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

How YouTube Monetization Works (Quick Overview)

Before we jump into the solutions, it’s helpful to understand how YouTube monetization usually works.

The most common method is through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), which allows creators to earn money from ads shown on their videos. To qualify, you need:

1,000 subscribers
4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months (or 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days)
A Google AdSense account linked to your channel
Residency in an eligible country

If your country isn’t on the list, you can’t officially join the YPP. But don’t worry—this doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Ways to Monetize on YouTube Without Being in an Eligible Country

1. Affiliate Marketing: Earn by Promoting Products

Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to make money on YouTube without relying on AdSense.

You promote products or services in your videos and add affiliate links in your description. When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.

How to Get Started:

Choose a niche: Tech, beauty, gaming, fitness—whatever matches your content.
Join affiliate programs: Amazon Associates, ShareASale, CJ Affiliate, and others.
Create content that sells: Reviews, tutorials, “Top 10” lists, unboxings, etc.

Pro Tip: Be honest in your reviews. People can tell when you’re genuinely recommending something vs. just trying to make a sale.

2. Brand Sponsorships: Partner with Companies

Brands love working with YouTubers because they have direct influence over engaged audiences. Even if you’re not in the YPP, brands will pay you to feature their products in your videos.

How to Land Sponsorships:

Grow your audience: Brands care more about engagement than subscriber count.
Reach out directly: Email companies with a pitch explaining why you’d be a great partner.
Use platforms: Sites like FameBit, Grapevine, or Aspire connect creators with brands.

What’s the Pay Like?

It varies. Smaller channels might earn $50–$500 per sponsored video, while larger ones can make thousands.

3. Sell Your Products or Services

Why promote someone else’s product when you can sell your own? YouTube is a powerful tool to showcase your skills, products, or services.

Ideas to Monetize:

Merchandise: T-shirts, mugs, digital art, etc. (Use platforms like Teespring or Printful.)
Online courses: If you’re an expert in something, teach it. Platforms like Udemy or Gumroad make this easy.
Freelance services: Are you good at video editing, graphic design, or writing? Offer your services.

4. Crowdfunding: Let Your Audience Support You

If your viewers love your content, many will happily support you financially. Crowdfunding isn’t begging; it’s giving fans a way to show appreciation.

Popular Platforms:

Patreon: Offer exclusive content to paying subscribers.
Ko-fi: Simple “buy me a coffee” model—great for casual supporters.
Buy Me a Coffee: Similar to Ko-fi but with more features like memberships.

What to Offer:
Behind-the-scenes content, early video access, shout-outs, or personalized messages.

5. License Your Content

If you create viral videos—funny moments, breathtaking drone footage, unique tutorials—media companies might want to license your content. They’ll pay you to use your videos in commercials, news segments, or social media.

Where to License Your Content:

Jukin Media
ViralHog
Storyful

Just upload your content, and if a company wants to use it, they’ll handle the legal stuff and send you a paycheck.

6. YouTube Channel Memberships (via Workarounds)

While official YouTube Memberships are tied to the YPP, some creators in non-eligible countries collaborate with friends or family living in eligible regions. They create a joint account, set up AdSense in that country, and share revenue.

Important: Make sure everything is legal and transparent to avoid violating YouTube’s terms of service.

7. Redirect Traffic to a Monetized Blog or Website

Use your YouTube channel to drive traffic to a blog or website where you can monetize through ads, affiliate links, or product sales. This gives you more control over your income.

How to Do It:

Add links to your blog in the video description.
Use call-to-actions (CTAs) in your videos to encourage clicks.
Create content that complements your videos, like tutorials or in-depth articles.

FAQs

1. Can I use a VPN to change my country and apply for YPP?

No, this violates YouTube’s policies. If caught, your channel could be demonetized or banned. Always play by the rules.

2. How much can I earn without AdSense?

It depends on your niche, audience size, and monetization strategy. Some creators make more through sponsorships and affiliate marketing than they would with ads.

3. Do I need a large audience to get brand deals?

Not necessarily. Brands care about engagement rates. A small but loyal audience can be more valuable than a large, disengaged one.

4. Is it legal to have someone in another country manage my AdSense account?

As long as it’s transparent and doesn’t violate YouTube’s terms, it’s possible. Consult a legal expert if unsure.

Further Resources

YouTube Creator Academy: Learn directly from YouTube on how to grow and manage your channel.
Patreon Resources: Tips on building a strong supporter base.
Affiliate Marketing Guides: Websites like Neil Patel and Smart Passive Income offer great insights.
Books: “YouTube Secrets” by Sean Cannell is a great read for aspiring creators.