So, you’ve started creating content. What’s next?
You’ve built your audience, posted your first few viral videos, or maybe you’re still getting the hang of reels and community posts. Whether you’re a beauty guru, a fitness coach, a gaming streamer, or a meme machine—it’s time to start thinking long term.
Every creator eventually asks: How do I turn this into a stable income?
Let’s explore the most popular ways creators earn today. Get discovered by top brands and monetize your influence with AnyCreator.
Popular Creator Revenue Streams (And How to Maximize Them)
1. Brand sponsorships
This is the primary revenue stream for most creators—and for good reason. Sponsored content can bring in thousands of dollars per campaign, especially when your niche, content quality, and audience engagement align.How to get started:
- Identify brands that align with your niche
- Build a media kit with your stats (engagement rate, audience breakdown, past partnerships)
- Cold email or DM brand reps or influencer agencies
- Negotiate rates, deliverables, usage rights, and timeline
- Report performance and chase final payments
If that sounds like a lot, it is. That’s why many creators join platforms like AnyCreator.
We bring the campaigns to you, help set fair rates, handle contracts and deliverables, and ensure you get paid on time.
2. Affiliate marketing
Affiliate programs let you earn a commission when followers buy products through your unique link. It’s common in beauty, tech, fashion, and lifestyle content, where recommendations directly influence purchases.
How to get started:
- Apply to affiliate programs (like Amazon Associates, Shopee Affiliates, or brand-specific programs)
- Choose products your audience trusts or already asks about
- Add affiliate links in captions, bios, or Linktree pages
- Track your performance and payout thresholds
Pro Tip: Some programs only pay out if you hit a minimum sales amount, or take weeks to process payments. In terms of groundwork, expect yourself to be tracking links, optimizing placement, and tweaking your pitches, which require constant attention.
3. Selling your very own product or merch
If you’ve got a loyal fanbase, why not turn it into a brand? Merch is a powerful revenue source for creators, from T-shirts and journals to full-fledged beauty lines.
How to get started:
- Design products your followers want
- Find a reliable manufacturer
- Set up an online store
- Manage inventory, fulfillment, customer service, and returns
- Market your products across all platforms
If starting a store isn’t your forte, AnyMind helps creators launch and manage their e-commerce business, from sourcing to shipping. Take a look at this live store from a Japanese creator we supported.
4. Exclusive content access and subscriptions
Fans want more than what’s on your main feed. Platforms like Patreon, Ko-fi, and Instagram Subscriptions let followers pay monthly for bonus content, like behind-the-scenes, tutorials, or early access.
Pro tip:
- Choose the platform that fits your content style
- Decide what exclusive value you’ll offer (behind-the-scenes, tutorials, digital downloads, livestreams, early access)
- Set pricing tiers (Tip: lower tiers help with volume, while higher tiers reward superfans)
- Promote it regularly to your audience and followers
For example, most artists offer digital comic strips, exclusive webtoon pages, or early-release artwork to their subscribers, creating a steady stream of income while building stronger fan engagement.
Exclusive content works best when it feels personal and consistent.
5. Ad-revenue sharing
Ad revenue sharing is a common way for creators to earn passive income by allowing platforms like YouTube, Facebook, or TikTok to run ads on their content. In return, creators receive a share of the advertising revenue generated.
To qualify for monetization programs like the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), you’ll typically need to meet minimum eligibility criteria, like 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours within the past 12 months. Once approved, you can start earning from pre-roll, mid-roll, and display ads shown on your videos. Facebook and TikTok have similar monetization options but with different thresholds and revenue structures.
Pro tip
- Content length matters: Longer videos (8 minutes or more on YouTube) allow for mid-roll ads, which generally lead to higher earnings than just pre-roll or end-roll placements.
- Consistency and engagement boost earnings: Regular uploads and high engagement (likes, comments, shares, watch time) signal quality to platforms, often improving ad placements and fill rates.
- Advertiser-friendly content: Avoid content with profanity, copyright issues, or sensitive topics, as they may get flagged as non-monetizable or limited in ad suitability.
While ad revenue is a form of passive income, you still need to post consistently, understand how the algorithm works, and keep improving your content to earn more.
6. Donation and fan support
While donations may not guarantee a steady income, they’re still a viable source of support, especially for creators with loyal or niche audiences. There will always be fans and even super fans who genuinely want to support your journey.
Most streamers and VTubers receive donations during live streams through platforms like YouTube (Super Chat) and Twitch (Bits and direct donations). Keep in mind, that most platforms usually take a percentage of each donation as a fee.
Pro tip: When there’s a clear reason behind your donation request, fans are often more motivated to contribute. For example: A donation drive to upgrade your mic system for better stream quality can resonate with fans who want to support your growth.
Also read: AnyMind for Creators 2025: Build Your Content Growth Flywheel
More Tips From Our Creator Growth Team
1. Diversify your revenue streams
One income stream isn’t enough for most creators. Platform changes, algorithm shifts, or brand seasonality can all impact income. Successful creators often tap into multiple income sources—like sponsorships, affiliate links, merch, and ad revenue—to build more stable earnings over time.
2. Know your worth and negotiate
Many creators undervalue their influence. Before accepting a deal, understand your metrics (reach, engagement, audience fit) and don’t be afraid to negotiate. Brands expect it—and often leave room for it in their budget. If you need help, our team regularly supports creators with pricing and contract negotiations.
3. Collaborate with other creators
Cross-promotions, shoutouts, and co-content can expose you to new audiences and grow your follower base faster. It also boosts engagement, as audiences enjoy seeing their favorite creators team up.
4. Don’t go it alone
Joining a network like AnyMind connects you with other creators, industry experts, and brand opportunities. You don’t have to grow alone—we help you scale smartly with tools, workshops, and real-time support.
Let’s monetize your influence
If you’re already creating content and ready to take things to the next level, it’s time to stop doing everything alone. Whether it’s brand deals, affiliate programs, or launching your own products, AnyMind helps creators scale faster and earn more through our connected ecosystem of tools, brand partnerships, and regional support.
Join our platform built to support growth, unlock new revenue streams, connect with a network of like-minded creators, and get discovered by top brands across Asia and beyond.
Let’s grow together.
