How to Make Money from YouTube Shorts as a Nigerian Student

YouTube Shorts is becoming a great way for content creators to earn money, even in Nigeria. As a student, you can take advantage of this opportunity to make extra income while balancing your studies. The best part is that YouTube Shorts requires less effort than long-form videos, making it easier to create content without expensive equipment.

If you’re wondering how to make money from YouTube Shorts as a Nigerian student, this guide will show you the best strategies to get started.

1. Set Up Your YouTube Channel

Before making money from YouTube Shorts, you need a YouTube channel. If you don’t have one, follow these steps:

1. Create a Google Account – If you already have a Gmail account, you can use it to sign in to YouTube.
2. Go to YouTube and Click on “Your Channel” – This will allow you to create a new channel.
3. Choose a Name – Pick a unique name that represents your brand or content style.
4. Add a Profile Picture and Banner – Make your channel look professional by adding high-quality images.
5. Write a Channel Description – Let people know what your content is about.

2. Choose a Niche That Works for You

To succeed on YouTube Shorts, you need to decide what type of videos you want to create. Some niches work better than others, especially when it comes to getting views and making money.

Here are some profitable niches for Nigerian students:

• Comedy Skits – Nigerians love funny content. If you can create short, engaging skits, people will share your videos.
• Tech Reviews – Review budget-friendly gadgets and accessories students can afford.
• Educational Content – Teach simple skills like how to pass exams, study hacks, or even basic coding.
• Lifestyle and Fashion – Share affordable fashion tips, student life experiences, and productivity hacks.
• Food and Cooking – Make quick recipe videos showing how to cook Nigerian dishes on a budget.
• Sports and Gaming – Share updates on local and international sports or create gaming highlights.

Pick a niche that matches your interests and skills, so you can stay consistent.

ALSO READ: Earning Money Through Influencer Marketing as a Nigerian Student

3. Create Engaging Shorts Content

YouTube Shorts are vertical videos that last 60 seconds or less. For your videos to perform well, they must be engaging from start to finish.

Here’s how to make your Shorts more appealing:

• Hook Viewers in the First Few Seconds – Start with something interesting to keep people watching.
• Use Trending Sounds and Music – YouTube has a library of sounds you can use to make your videos more entertaining.
• Keep It Short and Entertaining – Since Shorts are brief, make every second count.
• Use Good Lighting and Clear Audio – Even with a phone, ensure your video is clear and the sound is easy to hear.
• Add Text or Captions – Many people watch Shorts without sound, so captions help them follow along.

4. Grow Your Audience

Having more viewers increases your chances of making money. Here are ways to grow your audience:

• Post Regularly – Upload new Shorts at least 3-4 times a week to stay active.
• Use Hashtags – Add popular hashtags like #YouTubeShorts #FunnyNaija or #LagosLife to get discovered.
• Engage with Comments – Reply to comments and ask viewers to like and share your videos.
• Collaborate with Other Creators – Partner with other YouTubers to reach new audiences.
• Share on Other Platforms – Promote your Shorts on WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok to attract more views.

ALSO READ: Best Social Media Platforms for Nigerian Students to Make Money

5. Monetization Options for YouTube Shorts

There are different ways to make money from YouTube Shorts as a Nigerian student. Here are the best options:

a) YouTube Shorts Fund

YouTube created the Shorts Fund to reward creators whose Shorts get high engagement. Even if you are not in the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), you can still earn money from this fund. However, the payment is not consistent, and not everyone qualifies.

b) YouTube Partner Program (YPP)

This is the best way to make steady money from YouTube Shorts. To qualify, you need:

• 1,000 subscribers and
• Either 10 million public Shorts views in 90 days or 4,000 watch hours from regular videos

Once you qualify, YouTube will show ads on your Shorts, and you will earn a share of the revenue.

c) Brand Deals and Sponsorships

Brands will pay you to promote their products if you have a large following. For example, a clothing brand might sponsor your videos if you create fashion-related content. Even as a student, you can get small sponsorships from local businesses.

d) Affiliate Marketing

With affiliate marketing, you promote products and earn a commission for every sale made through your link. Websites like Jumia, Konga, and Amazon have affiliate programs you can join.

For example, if you make videos about student gadgets, you can add a link to where viewers can buy them. Each time someone buys through your link, you earn a percentage.

e) Selling Your Own Products or Services

If you have a skill like graphic design, photography, or tutoring, you can use YouTube Shorts to promote your services. You can also sell digital products like ebooks or courses.

6. Avoid Common Mistakes

Many Nigerian students fail to make money from YouTube Shorts because they make these mistakes:

• Inconsistent Posting – If you don’t post regularly, your channel won’t grow.
• Ignoring YouTube Guidelines – Avoid copyrighted music or inappropriate content to prevent your channel from getting banned.
• Not Promoting Your Videos – Share your Shorts on other platforms to reach more people.
• Chasing Money Too Soon – Focus on growing your audience first before thinking about money.

7. Tools to Make Your Shorts Better

As a student, you don’t need expensive tools to create quality Shorts. Here are some free or affordable apps to improve your content:

• CapCut (for video editing)
• InShot (for adding effects and music)
• Canva (for making thumbnails)
• PixelLab (for adding text to videos)
• YouTube Studio (for tracking analytics and improving performance)

8. How to Stay Consistent

Balancing YouTube and studies can be difficult, but here’s how to manage both:

• Plan Your Content in Advance – Set aside one day to record multiple Shorts and schedule them for the week.
• Use Free Time Wisely – Edit videos during free periods or weekends.
• Stay Motivated – Follow other successful YouTubers for inspiration.
• Set Realistic Goals – Start with a small target, like reaching 500 subscribers in three months.

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