20 Proven YouTube Niches That Make Money in 2025
- Sorael Nnko
- Mar 1
- 6 min read
Posted on March 1, 2025, by Soraima
YouTube has developed well beyond cat videos and viral memes—it's now a valuable resource for creators who can effectively target the right niches.
With over 2 billion monthly users, the potential to generate serious income is real, but not all niches are created equal. Some categories generate higher ad revenue (thanks to lucrative CPM rates), while others open doors to sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or even course sales.
So, which niches actually make money? I’ve compiled a list of 20 proven YouTube niches that have turned creators into millionaires—or at least added some healthy digits to their bank accounts.
Each niche is paired with real-world examples of successful creators and insights into why these niches work. Whether you’re a budding YouTuber or simply curious, let’s dive in!
1. Making Money Online & Passive Income
Why It Works: Everyone dreams of financial freedom, and this niche provides actionable advice on side hustles, freelancing, and passive income streams.
Money Makers: High CPMs ($10-$50), plus affiliate commissions from tools like Amazon or ClickBank.
Examples:
Ali Abdaal – A former doctor turned productivity guru, Ali’s video on “Instant Side Hustles” quickly hit 1M views. He’s reportedly earning over $4.6M annually across YouTube and other ventures.
Franklin Hatchett – This e-commerce pro earns six figures teaching drop shipping and online business tricks.
2. Finance & Investing
Why It Works: Stocks, crypto, and personal finance attract a high-value audience that advertisers love. CPMs typically range from $15-$50.
Money Makers: Ads, trading platform sponsorships, and premium courses.
Examples:
Graham Stephan – With 4.5M+ subscribers, this real estate and finance whiz is estimated to earn $6M annually.
Warrior Trading – Day trading tutorials bring in big bucks through ads and course sales.
3. Technology & Gadgets
Why It Works: Tech companies pay top dollar to reach gadget enthusiasts, with CPMs ranging from $2-$15.
Money Makers: Affiliate links (like Amazon) and brand deals.
Examples:
Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) – With 18M+ subscribers, Marques earns an estimated $5M+ annually from his in-depth tech reviews.
Linus Tech Tips – Tech tutorials, PC builds, and gadget unboxings generate millions for this channel with 15M+ subscribers.
4. Digital Marketing
Why It Works: Businesses flock to this niche for SEO, social media tips, and growth strategies, pushing CPMs to $10-$25.
Money Makers: Courses, consulting gigs, and affiliate commissions.
Examples:
Adam Erhart – His “Digital Marketing 101” video alone earned about $3K from 700K views.
Anson Alexander – Tech and marketing tutorials fuel steady ad and course revenue.
5. Education & Tutorials
Why It Works: Evergreen “how-to” content continues to attract viewers, with CPMs around $5-$10.
Money Makers: Long-lasting videos and course upsells.
Examples:
Khan Academy – With 8.12M subscribers, Khan Academy generates $5M-$10M annually from its educational videos.
CrashCourse – In-depth, educational content brings in $34K-$102K monthly for this channel with 15.7M subscribers.
6. Gaming
Why It Works: A massive, engaged audience loves gameplay and commentary. CPMs range from $2-$10.
Money Makers: Sponsorships, Super Chats, and merch.
Examples:
MrBeast Gaming – Millions flow in from this gaming spinoff channel.
PewDiePie – At his peak, PewDiePie earned $10M+ annually from gaming content.
7. Beauty & Makeup
Why It Works: Beauty brands are eager to partner with creators in this visually driven niche, where CPMs range from $3-$10.Money Makers: Affiliate links and cosmetic collaborations.
Examples:
James Charles – With 24M subscribers, James has made millions from tutorials and brand partnerships.
Huda Kattan – Beauty tips bring in $75K-$165K across platforms for this global beauty mogul.
8. Fitness & Health
Why It Works: Wellness is a booming industry, with CPMs ranging from $1-$10 and abundant fitness brand sponsorships.
Money Makers: Workout programs and affiliate deals.
Examples:
Chloe Ting – With 24M+ subscribers, Chloe’s home workout routines generate significant revenue.
Global Triathlon Network – Niche triathlon content keeps revenue flowing for this channel.
9. Cooking & Food
Why It Works: Food is universally loved, with CPMs of $2-$5 and sponsorships from cookware brands.
Money Makers: Ads, cookbook sales, and affiliate links.
Examples:
Emmymade – Unique recipes generate strong ad revenue for this 2.8M-subscriber channel.
Binging with Babish – With 10M+ subscribers, Babish earns millions from YouTube ad revenue and cookbook sales.
10. Fashion
Why It Works: Fashion is an evergreen industry, with CPMs ranging from $3-$10 and endless brand partnership opportunities.
Money Makers: Affiliate links and fashion collaborations.
Examples:
Tess Christine – Fashion hauls bring in steady income for this channel with 2.31M subscribers.
Emma Chamberlain – A major force in lifestyle and fashion vlogs, Emma earns millions from brand deals.
11. Auto Reviews & Car Content
Why It Works: Car enthusiasts represent a high-value audience, with CPMs ranging from $4-$12.
Money Makers: Sponsorships from car manufacturers and affiliate links.
Examples:
Doug DeMuro – This quirky car reviewer earns ~$1M annually from 4.5M subscribers.
Supercar Blondie – Luxury car content brings in millions for this channel with 18M+ subscribers.
12. Travel Vlogs
Why It Works: Wanderlust drives views, with CPMs of $1-$5 and affiliate deals aplenty.
Money Makers: Tourism board sponsorships, courses, and affiliate commissions.
Examples:
Lost LeBlanc – This travel vlogger has turned 2M+ subscribers into a profitable business.
Kara and Nate – With 3.5M subscribers, this couple thrives on travel vlogs and affiliate marketing.
13. Storytelling (True Crime, Personal Tales)
Why It Works: Gripping narratives keep viewers hooked, with CPMs of $5-$15.
Money Makers: Evergreen content and ads.
Examples:
MrBallen – True crime tales bring in millions for this channel with 8M+ subscribers.
Bailey Sarian – Murder and makeup mix for big earnings, with 7M+ followers.
14. Product Reviews
Why It Works: Shoppers love recommendations, with CPMs ranging from $5-$15 and Amazon affiliate commissions.
Money Makers: Affiliate links, sponsorships, and product collaborations.
Examples:
Unbox Therapy – With 18M+ subscribers, this channel makes millions unboxing tech products.
The Deal Guy – Budget finds fuel steady revenue from Amazon affiliate links.
15. Celebrity Drama/News & Gossip
Why It Works: Viral potential makes this niche explode, with CPMs of $5-$15.
Money Makers: Ad revenue from hot topics and trending stories.
Examples:
DramaAlert (Keemstar) – Celebrity gossip brings in substantial earnings.
Spill – Viral drama videos rake in serious cash for this channel.
16. Sports
Why It Works: Passionate fans keep returning for more, with CPMs ranging from $5-$15
Money Makers: Sponsorships, merch, and affiliate sales.
Examples:
Jesser – Basketball content scores big revenue for this 18M+ subscriber channel.
Highlight Heaven – Sports highlight reels bring in steady ad revenue.
17. ASMR
Why It Works: A dedicated audience craves relaxation content, with CPMs of $1-$5
Money Makers: Sleep product sponsorships and ad revenue.
Examples:
Gibi ASMR – Whispering her way to success, Gibi earns from 4M+ subscribers.
ASMR Darling – This channel’s soft-spoken content generates millions annually.
18. Conspiracy Theories
Why It Works: Controversial content hooks viewers, with CPMs ranging from $5-$10.
Money Makers: High engagement drives ad revenue.
Examples:
Shane Dawson – Conspiracy videos brought in millions at his peak.
ApexTV – Mysterious content keeps the ad revenue flowing.
19. Home Improvement & DIY
Why It Works: Practical tips attract DIY enthusiasts, with CPMs of $3-$10.
Money Makers: Affiliate links for tools, ads, and sponsorships.
Examples:
Home Repair Tutor – DIY tutorials bring in steady income.
This Old House – Classic home improvement content has been generating revenue for years.
20. Mental Health & Wellness
Why It Works: Growing interest in self-care fuels this niche, with CPMs ranging from $5-$10.
Money Makers: Wellness app sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and paid content.
Examples:
Therapy in a Nutshell – This channel earns $6K-$10K monthly with over 1M subscribers.
Dr. Julie Smith – Psychology tips bring in solid revenue for this creator.
Final Thoughts: What’s Your Niche?
Choosing a profitable niche is just the beginning—success on YouTube requires consistency, passion, and smart monetization strategies. Whether you're reviewing gadgets, telling stories, or teaching SEO, the key is to find an audience and deliver real value.
Keep an eye on emerging niches like AI or faceless storytelling for new opportunities.
Which niche speaks to you? Drop a comment below, and let’s chat about your YouTube aspirations!
Disclaimer: Earnings estimates are based on public data from sources like Social Blade, creator interviews, and industry averages. Your actual earnings may vary.
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