Monetisation Reality
Why AdSense Alone Is a Trap
AdSense is fine when you’re large. It’s fragile when you’re small. Relying on it alone means your income is tied to seasonality, CPM swings, and algorithm shifts you can’t control.
Ad revenue is unpredictable
RPM swings for reasons you can’t influence: advertiser budgets, seasonality, and macro trends. You can do the same work and earn less next month. That’s why I recommend viewing AdSense as a bonus, not a plan.
Small channels feel the swings harder
When you only have a few thousand views a month, a small RPM change can wipe out your income. That instability makes it hard to plan. If you want to see the realistic numbers, read How Much YouTube Really Pays Small Creators.
What actually stabilizes income
- Affiliate links that match your content.
- Occasional sponsorships when they fit.
- Multiple channels to spread risk.
None of these are magical. They’re just more stable than hoping CPMs stay high.
Affiliate revenue is the most realistic step
If you want a low-pressure revenue stream, affiliate links can work when they’re honest and aligned. I explain the difference between honest conversion and hype in Affiliate Marketing: What Actually Converts.
AdSense is fine. It’s just not a strategy. Plan for stability, not volatility.