The Creative Canvas Is creating content on YouTube still profitable for beginners?

[You]

So I'm really curious about this.. is creating content on YouTube still actually profitable for beginners in 2026?

I know the platform's been around forever and it's massive but I'm genuinely wondering if it's still worth the massive time investment especially when you are starting completely from scratch with no audience. Like realistically how long does it actually take to hit the monetization threshold and start seeing real money coming in? Is the algorithm still as brutal and unpredictable as people claim? And are there specific niches or content types that are easier to break into compared to oversaturated ones? What's your honest take on whether YouTube is still a viable and realistic way for someone brand new to actually earn meaningful income or has the ship sailed for beginners?

 

[mernuel]

Yes, it's always profitable. Until there's a better platform than YouTube, it will always be profitable. It's the world's largest platform for video playback and content creation, so clearly, yes.

 

[Maya]

It takes a long time to make money from YouTube. You will have to continuously publish videos and promote your videos for reaching monetization. Even when monetized, earning is still difficult. However, if you are persistent youtubing can be profitable

 

[Shawn]

If you're consistent in providing videos that meet the needs and wants of your audience, then yes, it's still worth it.

I'm going on 10 years of creating on YouTube this year.

It's been one heck of a ride!

 

[Ravenfreak]

It really depends on the niche of videos you're wanting to make. If you follow the trends and see what people are watching, you might be able to get picked up by the algorithm and make some money. If won't be easy, I also recommend you stick with a set schedule of when you want your videos to go live. You should also make multiple videos and upload them to your channel but like I said, set them to premier on different days.