How Long Does Monetization Take?

If your objective is to join the YPP, prepare for a journey that might span months or even years. However, I managed to earn $533 in less than 30 days from a single video on a newly created channel. This wasn’t just a lucky break with a viral video; I achieved this with minimal views.

While $500 may seem like a significant amount—or perhaps not, depending on your perspective—I'm genuinely thrilled about this achievement for several reasons:

• The video garnered under 130 views.
• I spent less than an hour creating it.
• I didn’t need to appear on camera or use my actual voice.
• It promises ongoing passive income for the foreseeable future.
• Subscriber count was not a factor.
• I could replicate this approach with countless similar videos.

What’s the secret behind this success?

The Simplest Money I've Ever Made

A few weeks ago, I received an email from a burgeoning software company inviting me to join their referral program. They offered a coupon code to share with my audience, which would allow me to earn a commission for each transaction made using that code. However, since the product was outside my usual content realm, I hesitated on how to promote it.

My guiding principle is to only endorse products I personally use. I added this opportunity to my list of affiliate partnerships but didn’t dwell on it. Then, I stumbled upon a brief 45-second YouTube video titled "Discount Code for [Product X]."

The video was straightforward:

"Looking for a discount code for Product X? Here’s a code that saves you 30% off your order. Use the code 'SAVE30' at checkout or follow the link in the description for an automatic discount."

The content was simply a screen share of the checkout process, illustrating where to input the coupon code. There were no elaborate reviews or aggressive sales pitches—just a direct offer for a discount. Each time someone utilized that code, the creator earned a portion of the sale. Brilliant!

Surprisingly, thousands search for discounts, promo codes, and coupons on YouTube daily. Who would have thought?

Now, I knew I had to try this for myself.

Here’s My Approach:

1. Launch a New YouTube Channel.

   I didn’t invest much time in setup, branding, or crafting a catchy channel name; those elements were irrelevant. Users searching for coupon codes aren’t concerned with aesthetics—they just want savings.

2. Optimize the Video Title for SEO.

   I utilized VidIQ to identify popular phrases associated with this product. I discovered that "Product X coupon code" had good search volume and low competition, making it an ideal title for my video. Conducting keyword research is essential; if no one is searching for a term, creating content around it would be futile.

Tip: Entering "coupon code," "promo code," or "discount code" into VidIQ reveals hundreds of product codes that users are actively searching for on YouTube.

3. Create the Video.

   I composed a simple script, mirroring the format of the example I found:

   "Seeking a discount code for 'Product X?' Use this coupon to save 30% on your subscription. Just enter 'SAVE30' at checkout or use the link in the description for an automatic discount."

I employed an AI text-to-speech tool, Eleven Labs, for the voice-over. I then captured screenshots from the product website to illustrate where to enter the coupon code, merging these with the AI narration to produce my "video." A vibrant, eye-catching thumbnail was crafted in Canva, and the video was uploaded to my new channel. Additionally, I included an affiliate disclaimer in the description to clarify that I would earn a commission from any sales generated through my coupon code—a necessary step for transparency.

Then, like a fisherman casting a line, I waited.

On the third day, I began to see a few views, followed by commissions appearing in my affiliate dashboard for "Product X." In less than a month, the video accumulated 130 views and generated over $533 in commissions. Not bad for under an hour of effort!

I’m eager to see where this opportunity leads. I enjoy exploring innovative methods to increase income, proving that sometimes a little creativity can significantly reduce the effort involved.

This article includes my referral links for VidIQ and Eleven Labs. If you opt for a premium subscription to any of my preferred software tools, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.