5 Ways to Know if a YouTube Channel is Monetized
Ever wondered if that popular creator on YouTube is actually making money, or just posting for fun? It’s a question that pops up more often than you’d think—especially if you’re planning to start your own channel or analyzing a niche. Knowing if a YouTube channel is monetized can offer insights into its reach, audience trust, and income potential.
And no, you don’t need to be a YouTube insider to figure it out. There are smarter (and free) ways.
Here are five real-world methods to know if a YouTube channel is earning money—and one of them can give you the answer in seconds.
1. Check for Ads on Their Videos (But Don’t Stop There)
Let’s start with the most obvious one—ads.
If you see a skippable or unskippable ad before, during, or after a video, there’s a good chance the creator is monetized through YouTube’s Partner Program. That includes display ads, bumper ads, and even those little overlay banners.
But here’s the catch: ads don’t always mean the creator is earning money directly. Sometimes, YouTube shows ads on videos even if the creator isn’t monetized—especially if they use copyrighted content or aren’t eligible yet. The platform keeps the revenue in that case.
So while this is a solid clue, it’s not 100% reliable. You’ll need to go deeper.
2. Use a YouTube Monetization Checker Tool
If you’re serious about to know if a YouTube channel is monetized—or not—skip the guesswork and use a proper tool.
That’s where the YouTube Monetization Checker at Monetize Mojo comes in. Just pop in the URL of the video or channel, and the tool fetches real-time monetization data for you.
You’ll know whether:
- The channel is part of the YouTube Partner Program
- Ads are officially being served with revenue sharing
- The monetization status is verified or disabled
It’s simple, fast, and built for creators, marketers, and even curious viewers. Whether you’re spying on a niche or planning a brand collab, this one’s your shortcut.
Use this tool before collaborating with a creator or influencer. If they’re not monetized, their audience engagement might be lower than they claim.
3. Look for Channel Memberships and Super Thanks
These features are only unlocked once a creator is officially monetized and meets YouTube’s eligibility rules.
- Channel Memberships appear as a “Join” button next to the Subscribe button.
- Super Thanks is visible in the comments and allows fans to tip creators.
- Super Chat shows up during livestreams.
If any of these options are active on the channel, then yes—they’re making money directly from viewers. Not through ads this time, but community-based monetization.
Also, creators often thank their members or donors in their videos or community posts. Watch out for those subtle mentions—they’re little breadcrumbs.
4. Scan the Description for Affiliate Links or Sponsors
Scroll down a video’s description, and you’ll often see links to products, coupon codes, or partner pages.
That’s affiliate marketing in action. If a viewer buys something through those links, the creator earns a cut.
Here’s what to look for:
- Amazon short links (like amzn.to/xyz)
- Discount codes (“Use code TECH20 for 20% off”)
- Tracking links (usually long and ugly, or using services like Bit.ly or Impact)
Even without YouTube ads, affiliate links can bring in serious income. Many creators in tech, fashion, fitness, or digital tools run this model.
Bonus signal: If a creator is reviewing a lot of products and posting “Top 5” or “Best of 2025” type videos, chances are they’re affiliate-focused.
5. Analyze Views, Subscribers, and Engagement
Alright, this one’s not as direct—but it’s still powerful.
YouTube monetization has minimum requirements:
- 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months
- No community guideline strikes
- Account verification with AdSense
Check YouTube Monetization Requirements 2025
So, if a channel has 50,000+ subscribers, posts regularly, and has consistent views in the thousands—chances are they’re in the Partner Program.
Check the “About” tab on their channel too. Many creators share business inquiries or email IDs—another strong hint that they’re open to sponsorships or brand deals.
Keep in mind: not all monetized channels are earning well. Monetization just means eligibility. Income depends on niche, audience location, CPM (cost per 1,000 impressions), and video type.
Here’s a Quick Comparison Table
| Monetization Signal | Revenue Source | Can Be Verified Easily? |
| Ads on videos | YouTube AdSense | ❌ Not always accurate |
| YouTube Monetization Checker | AdSense / Partner Program | ✅ Yes, real-time tool |
| Channel Memberships / Super Chat | Viewer-funded income | ✅ Visible to public |
| Affiliate Links | Third-party commissions | ✅ Check video description |
| High engagement | AdSense + Sponsors | ⚠️ Estimate only |
Common Myths You Should Ignore
- “Ads = Monetized channel” – Nope. Not always.
- “Low subscriber channels can’t earn” – Micro-niche creators often make more with affiliate or brand deals.
- “Monetized means big money” – Monetization is just the door. Income depends on what’s behind it.
You don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out if a YouTube channel is making money.
From checking memberships to using a real-time YouTube Monetization Checker, the signs are right there—if you know where to look.
And if you’re building a channel yourself, reverse-engineering successful ones is a smart move. See how they monetize, what tools they use, and how often they post. It’s not copying—it’s learning the ropes.
More Tools from Monetize Mojo You’ll Love
While you’re checking monetization, don’t miss out on these free tools to supercharge your YouTube journey:
Use them all together for full channel research, SEO planning, and niche analysis.
Want to see if a channel is really monetized?
Don’t guess. Just check it at Monetize Mojo – it’s free, fast, and accurate.
If you’re a new creator wondering how to reach monetization yourself, check out our step-by-step guide on How to Get Monetized on YouTube Faster (New Creators Guide) — it’s packed with practical tips to help you grow faster and meet the YouTube Partner Program requirements.
