How much does a YouTube creator with 100,000 subscribers earn each month?
A YouTuber with 100,000 subscribers does not automatically earn a set amount each month. Subscribers themselves do not directly generate income. Earnings mainly come from views, ads, sponsors, affiliate links, the creator’s own products and, in some cases, channel memberships. In practice, a channel with 100,000 subscribers might earn almost nothing in a month, but it could also make a few thousand euros or more if its videos receive strong views and are monetised effectively.
The major difference is how active the audience is. A channel with 100,000 subscribers and very few views earns much less than a channel with 40,000 subscribers where every video performs well straight away. So the better question is not only how much 100,000 subscribers are worth, but how many views, how much watch time and how much trust those subscribers help you build.
How much do you earn with 100,000 subscribers on YouTube?
With 100,000 subscribers, you can earn roughly anywhere from a few dozen euros to several thousand euros per month through ads. That is a broad range because YouTube income varies considerably from one channel to another. A video about gaming, entertainment or vlogs often earns less per 1,000 views than a video about finance, software, business or education. The country your viewers are in also matters.
Many creators look at RPM. This is the amount you roughly keep per 1,000 views after YouTube takes its share. For long videos, many channels sit somewhere between about €1 and €10 per 1,000 views, although it can be lower or higher. Shorts often earn much less per 1,000 views than long videos, even though they can sometimes reach high view counts much faster.
| Situation | Example per month | Possible ad income |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet channel | 40,000 views per month | About €40 to €300 |
| Active channel | 250,000 views per month | About €250 to €2,000 |
| Strong channel in a good niche | 800,000 views per month | About €1,000 to €6,000 or more |
| Viral or highly loyal audience | 1 million views or more per month | Can increase substantially, especially with sponsors |
Treat these amounts as realistic guides, not promises. Two channels with the same 100,000 subscribers can earn completely different amounts. An educational channel with long videos, high watch time and viewers from countries where advertisers pay more can earn much more than an entertainment channel where viewers leave quickly.
If you want a broader understanding of what determines income on YouTube, How much does a YouTuber make? provides a useful, more detailed explanation.
Why subscribers do not directly generate income
A subscriber is valuable, but YouTube does not pay you simply because someone clicks subscribe. You only start earning when your channel is accepted into the YouTube Partner Program and your content can be monetised. You can always check the current requirements and rules in YouTube’s official explanation of the YouTube Partner Program.
100,000 subscribers can still help in other ways:
- Your first views arrive sooner. Loyal subscribers are more likely to see your new video in their feed or notifications.
- Your channel appears more trustworthy. New visitors often take a channel with a strong audience more seriously.
- Sponsors assess your community. Brands care not only about subscribers, but also about views, comments and whether your audience suits their product.
- You can sell products more easily. This could include merchandise, courses, templates, coaching or digital products.
Even so, engagement matters more than an impressive number. If you have 100,000 subscribers but your videos receive only 1,000 views, a sponsor can quickly see that your audience is not very active. By contrast, a channel with 30,000 subscribers and 20,000 views per video can be very appealing.
Views per video matter more than the subscriber count
With 100,000 subscribers, it is normal that not every subscriber watches every video. People have different interests, miss uploads or subscribed a long time ago but no longer watch. That is why creators often examine the relationship between subscribers and views.
Here are a few examples:
- 100,000 subscribers and 5,000 views per video: the audience is probably less active, or the topics are not a strong match.
- 100,000 subscribers and 30,000 views per video: this is a healthy sign, especially if people continue watching for a long time.
- 100,000 subscribers and 100,000 views per video: your channel is performing very well and is likely reaching many people outside your subscriber base too.
Income sources for YouTubers with 100,000 subscribers
Ads are often the best known income source, but they are rarely the only one. Many YouTubers actually earn more from activities around their channel than from the ads shown with their videos.
1. Ad income through YouTube
This is the money you earn when YouTube shows ads on your videos. The amount depends on your niche, the country your viewers are in, watch time, video length, the season and whether your video is suitable for advertisers.
A 12 minute video with strong watch time can earn more than a short video that people leave after 20 seconds. The subject also matters considerably. Videos about personal finance, business software or online tools often attract advertisers with larger budgets. Pranks or broad entertainment videos might receive more views, but they do not always earn a high amount per view.
2. Sponsorship deals
At 100,000 subscribers, you can become appealing to brands. A sponsor pays you to mention a product or service in your video. How much you earn depends mainly on your average views, your niche and how well your audience suits the brand.
For example, a channel about camera equipment might appeal to brands that sell lenses, tripods or editing software. A fitness channel might interest sports brands, supplement companies or apps. Sponsors usually consider not only your subscribers, but also your last ten videos. If those videos perform well, you are in a stronger position.
3. Affiliate links
With affiliate links, you earn a commission when someone buys something through your link. This works well for tutorials, reviews, comparisons and videos in which you use tools or products.
Examples include:
- A technology YouTuber links to cameras, lights or microphones.
- A beauty creator links to makeup products.
- A gaming channel links to accessories or software.
- An educational channel links to books, courses or tools.
Affiliate income can continue for months if your video keeps ranking in YouTube search results. That is why evergreen videos, meaning videos that remain relevant for a long time, are so valuable.
4. Your own products or services
This is often where major YouTubers really make a difference. Consider merchandise, courses, ebooks, presets, coaching, events, paid communities or physical products. If your audience trusts you, even a small proportion of your viewers can be enough to generate substantial revenue.
The advantage is that you are not entirely dependent on ads. The drawback is that you need to offer something that genuinely suits your audience. A gaming audience responds differently from an audience that comes for business tips or fitness plans.
5. Channel memberships, livestreams and fan support
Some channels earn extra income through channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers or donations during livestreams. This works particularly well for creators with a close community. Examples include gaming, music, education, live Q and A sessions or creators who regularly speak directly with their viewers.
100,000 subscribers are not automatically enough in this situation. You mainly need fans who return, comment and feel that they are part of your channel.
What does a YouTuber with 1 million subscribers earn?
At 1 million subscribers, the potential reach becomes much greater, but the same rule still applies: subscribers do not pay the bills; views and income sources do. A channel with 1 million subscribers can earn a few thousand euros per month, but it can also earn tens of thousands of euros if the videos perform well and it has strong sponsors or its own products.
Larger channels often no longer operate with just one person. Editors, thumbnail designers, scriptwriters, managers or camera operators might become involved. This means revenue can increase, but costs also rise. A large channel can therefore earn a lot while also reinvesting a substantial amount in production.
Well known creators such as MrBeast, PewDiePie, Markiplier and Dude Perfect demonstrate that YouTube can grow into a complete business. Their income comes not only from ads, but also from brands, products, licensing, deals, merchandise and other projects outside YouTube.
Growing to 100,000 subscribers on YouTube
If you want to reach 100,000 subscribers, you need more than an occasional good video. Growth on YouTube usually comes from a clear focus, strong titles, recognisable thumbnails and videos that keep people watching. You do not need to begin perfectly, but you do need to learn from your audience’s behaviour.
Choose a clear topic for your channel
Many channels grow slowly because they post too many different types of content. They might publish a vlog today, a gaming video tomorrow, a product review next week and then a fitness update. This can work if people mainly follow you for your personality, but it is often difficult for new channels.
Keep it simple for viewers. If someone visits your channel, it should be clear within a few seconds why they should subscribe. For example:
- Quick recipes for busy people
- Gaming tips for one specific game
- Camera reviews for beginner creators
- Fitness workouts to do at home
- Explanatory videos about money, business or studying
Create titles and thumbnails that honestly spark curiosity
A good title tells people why they should click. A good thumbnail makes that reason immediately visible. Do not overdo it, because if your video does not deliver what you promise, people will leave quickly. This can work against your video.
For example, a weak title is: “My new camera”. A stronger title is: “Is this camera good enough for YouTube beginners?” The second title gives people a clear reason to watch.
Pay attention to watch time and the first 30 seconds
The first half minute often determines whether someone stays. Avoid beginning with long introductions, logo animations or general chatter. Show viewers immediately what they will get. If your video solves a problem, identify that problem straight away. If you create entertainment, begin with a moment that sets the tone.
In YouTube Studio, you can see where people stop watching. If many viewers repeatedly leave at the same point, something probably feels too long, unclear or less interesting.
Upload regularly, but prioritise quality over speed
A consistent schedule helps, but only if you can maintain it. For some creators, one strong video per week works better than three rushed videos. For news, gaming or trends, uploading more frequently can be sensible. Focus on what your audience expects and what you can realistically create without burning out.
Here is a simple approach:
- Create one clear main video per week.
- Turn strong moments into Shorts if needed.
- Use comments as inspiration for new videos.
- Improve one area each month, such as audio, thumbnails or storytelling.
Use Shorts wisely, but also create long videos
Shorts can provide fast reach and introduce new people to your channel. Even so, many channels earn more per view from long videos. The best combination is often to use Shorts for discovery and long videos to build trust, watch time and income.
Do not make Shorts that are completely separate from your channel. Ensure they suit your main topic so that new viewers are also genuinely interested in your longer videos.
Improve your channel page
When someone opens your channel, everything should be clear. Use a recognisable profile picture, a banner that explains what your channel is about and playlists that organise your best videos logically. Place your best video or a clear channel trailer at the top.
Your description also helps. Do not write only about who you are; focus especially on what viewers will get from your channel. People subscribe more readily when they know what to expect.
If you want additional ideas to help your channel grow, Buffer and Backlinko also share useful advice on gaining more YouTube subscribers: Buffer on YouTube growth and Backlinko on YouTube subscribers.
Build social proof without weakening your channel
New viewers quickly decide whether a channel seems trustworthy. A good profile picture, a clear niche, strong thumbnails and active comments all help. Visible figures such as subscribers, views and likes also influence how people assess your channel.
If you want to give your YouTube channel extra support, look at the YouTube services from SocialKings. For example, you can buy YouTube subscribers, support your visibility when you buy YouTube views, or display more interaction when you buy YouTube likes.
Use this as support rather than as a replacement for good content. Over time, a channel grows mainly because of videos that people click, continue watching and want to return to.
Common mistakes when earning money on YouTube
Focusing only on subscribers
100,000 subscribers sounds impressive, but without views it provides little value. Do not focus only on the subscriber count. Also consider average views per video, watch time, comments, returning viewers and which videos attract new subscribers.
Expecting money too quickly
If every video feels like an ad, people will leave. Build trust first. Show that you create useful, entertaining or honest content. After that, sponsor mentions, affiliate links or your own products will feel much more natural.
Not choosing a clear niche
A channel without a clear direction is harder to follow. YouTube needs to understand who will find your videos interesting, and your viewers need to understand this too. A clear niche makes titles, thumbnails and video ideas much easier to develop.
Not checking YouTube Analytics
You do not need to be a data specialist to create better videos. Simply consider these questions:
- Which videos receive the most clicks?
- Which videos keep people watching for the longest?
- Which topics attract subscribers?
- Where do viewers stop watching?
- Do your views come from search, suggested videos, Shorts or external links?
If you check this every week, you will identify more quickly which content genuinely works.
Frequently asked questions about earning with 100,000 subscribers
Do you get money for 100,000 subscribers on YouTube?
No, you do not get paid simply because you have 100,000 subscribers. You earn money through ads, sponsors, affiliate links, products, livestreams or other income sources. Subscribers mainly help because they can watch your videos sooner and make your channel appear more trustworthy.
Can you make a living from 100,000 subscribers?
Yes, but not in every case. A channel with 100,000 subscribers can earn enough to live on if it receives many views, has a strong niche and uses several income sources. If views are low or the channel relies only on ads, the income can be disappointing.
How many views do you need to earn well?
That depends on your RPM and income sources. With ads alone, you usually need many views. With sponsors, affiliate income or your own products, a smaller but loyal audience can sometimes earn more than a large audience that buys little or is not very engaged.
Do Shorts earn well?
Shorts can generate a lot of reach, but earnings per 1,000 views are often lower than for long videos. They are mainly useful for helping people discover you. For more stable income, many creators combine Shorts with longer videos, livestreams or products.
What matters more, subscribers or watch time?
For growth and income, watch time is often more important. Subscribers are valuable, but YouTube mainly considers whether people click your video and continue watching. A channel with fewer subscribers but strong watch time can grow faster than a large channel with few active viewers.
How long does it take to reach 100,000 subscribers?
This varies considerably. Some channels grow within months because of a strong format or viral videos. Other channels take years. You can improve your chances by choosing a clear niche, uploading regularly, improving your thumbnails and carefully assessing which videos genuinely attract new subscribers.
100,000 subscribers is a strong foundation, but not the final goal
With 100,000 subscribers, you have a substantial YouTube channel. You have enough reach to build ad income, attract sponsors and perhaps sell your own products. Even so, the real value is not in the subscriber number, but in your relationship with your viewers.
A channel with a clear focus that regularly posts strong videos and listens carefully to its audience gains much more from 100,000 subscribers than a channel that only pursues large numbers. Focus on views, watch time, trust and sensible income sources. Then 100,000 subscribers is not merely an impressive milestone, but a genuine foundation for growth.
