If you’ve been curious about how to make money on YouTube without making videos, the good news is that it’s entirely possible!
YouTube has become one of the most powerful platforms for generating income online.
Whether you’re camera-shy or simply lack the equipment to film and edit original videos, there are still multiple opportunities to earn money on this platform.
In this article, we’ll explore various strategies on how to make money on youtube without making videos.” Let’s get started.
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How to Make Money on YouTube Without Making Videos
1. Curate Creative Commons Content
One of the simplest ways to make money on YouTube without making videos is by using Creative Commons content. YouTube allows creators to upload videos with a Creative Commons license, which means others can reuse or repurpose these videos legally.
Here’s how to get started:
- Search for Creative Commons videos in your chosen niche (e.g., fitness, technology, or lifestyle).
- Download these videos and edit them to improve quality or add your unique touch.
- Re-upload the edited videos with optimized titles and descriptions, including the keyword “how to make money on YouTube without making videos.”
This strategy works well because it allows you to use existing content while still creating value for your viewers.
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2. Create Compilation Videos
Compilation videos are highly popular on YouTube and can generate thousands, even millions, of views. These videos involve collecting clips around a specific theme and combining them into a single video.
For instance, you can create:
- Funny Animal Videos: Compile clips of cats, dogs, or other animals from royalty-free sources.
- Motivational Speeches: Gather speeches from public figures that are in the public domain or legally usable.
- Top 10 Lists: Make countdowns about trending topics like gadgets, movies, or destinations.
Make sure you understand copyright laws and use royalty-free footage or clips with proper permissions. Including the phrase “how to make money on YouTube without making videos” in your video descriptions will also help attract the right audience.
3. Leverage Stock Footage
Stock footage can be an excellent tool to create professional-looking videos without making your own. Channels that focus on travel, nature, or business tips often use stock footage to engage their audience.
Here’s how to use stock footage to build your channel:
- Download free or paid stock footage from platforms like Pexels, Pixabay, or Storyblocks.
- Combine clips to tell a story or present information on a particular topic.
- Add background music, text overlays, or voiceovers to enhance the quality of your videos.
By optimizing these videos with the keyword “how to make money on YouTube without making videos,” you can increase your reach and attract monetizable traffic.
4. Repackage Public Domain Content
Public domain content is another goldmine for creating videos without filming anything yourself. Public domain works include books, movies, or footage that no longer have copyright restrictions.
Here’s how to make it work:
- Find public domain materials from trusted sources like Archive.org or Project Gutenberg.
- Edit the materials to make them more engaging, such as improving video resolution or adding modern music.
- Upload the videos and target viewers interested in classics or niche content.
This method is a fantastic way to explore how to make money on YouTube without making videos, especially if you’re passionate about history or educational content.
5. Screen Recording Tutorials
Screen recording is a simple and effective way to create valuable YouTube content without needing a camera. Whether you’re an expert in software, gaming, or design, you can teach others by recording your screen.
Steps to create screen-recorded videos:
- Use tools like OBS Studio, Camtasia, or ScreenFlow to record your screen.
- Create tutorials on high-demand topics like video editing, coding, or productivity tools.
- Add captions, background music, or voiceovers to make your videos more engaging.
Optimize your titles and descriptions with the keyword “how to make money on YouTube without making videos” to rank higher in search results.
6. Use Text-to-Speech Technology
For those who don’t want to record their own voice, text-to-speech (TTS) software offers a great alternative. TTS tools can generate natural-sounding voices to narrate your videos.
How to use TTS for your channel:
- Choose topics like news updates, product reviews, or educational facts.
- Write a script and use software like NaturalReader, Speechelo, or Google Text-to-Speech to convert it into audio.
- Pair the audio with stock footage, images, or animations to create the video.
This approach is ideal for exploring how to make money on YouTube without making videos, as it requires minimal effort and is cost-effective.
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7. Start a Niche-Specific Channel
Focusing on a specific niche is essential for building a loyal audience. Niche topics like fitness, personal finance, or DIY crafts tend to perform well because they cater to specific needs.
Here’s how to succeed in a niche:
- Research popular topics within your niche using tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ.
- Use stock footage, Creative Commons videos, or public domain materials to create content.
- Monetize your channel with ads, affiliate marketing, or by selling related products.
Be sure to include the keyword “how to make money on YouTube without making videos” in your content to maximize visibility.
8. Monetize with Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the most lucrative ways to make money on YouTube without making videos. By promoting products or services, you can earn commissions on sales generated through your referral links.
Steps to implement affiliate marketing:
- Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ClickBank, or ShareASale.
- Create videos reviewing products, using slideshows, text, or stock images.
- Share your affiliate links in the video description and encourage viewers to click.
9. Create Whiteboard Animations
Whiteboard animation videos are engaging and require no filming. These videos are popular for storytelling, explaining concepts, or teaching lessons.
Tools to create whiteboard animations:
- Use platforms like Doodly, VideoScribe, or Animaker to design videos.
- Focus on topics like productivity, health tips, or financial advice.
10. Repost Viral Videos with Permission
Reposting viral videos can help you quickly gain traction. Contact the original creators for permission to repost their videos and credit them appropriately.
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How Much Money Can You Earn from YouTube?
Once your channel gains enough views, you’ll be able to become a YouTube Partner and earn money from ads on your videos.
YouTube isn’t very transparent about how much it pays its content creators. Online figures suggest that for every 1,000 views, YouTubers earn between $0.25 and $7.
In a Business Insider article, six YouTubers shared their revenue, reporting earnings between $2 and $12 per 1,000 views.
These figures are slightly higher than some other estimates online, but income can vary significantly on the platform.
Essentially, if your videos get a lot of views, you could earn hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars.
FAQs
Can I make money on YouTube without creating videos?
Yes, you can earn through channels like compilation videos, audiobooks, or using royalty-free content.
What type of content works without filming?
Faceless content like top 10 lists, animations, whiteboard tutorials, or meditation music works well.
How do I get content without filming?
Use royalty-free videos, photos, or music from platforms like Pixabay or Pexels, or purchase stock content.
How do I monetize a faceless YouTube channel?
Earn through Google AdSense, affiliate marketing, or sponsored content.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to make money on YouTube without making videos for free can open up endless opportunities for passive income.
Whether you’re curating Creative Commons content, leveraging stock footage, or using text-to-speech software, these methods allow you to build a profitable YouTube channel without filming anything yourself.