Nalini Unagar, an Indian YouTuber behind the channel "Nalini's Kitchen Recipe", left YouTube after a failed attempt to turn her passion into a profit.

In a series of posts on X, Unagar revealed that he had invested ₹8 lakh in his channel but failed to get any financial returns. "I failed in my YouTube career, so I'm selling all my kitchen accessories and studio equipment," he wrote. "I invested about ₹8 lakh in building a kitchen, buying studio equipment and doing promotions. Return? ₹0."

In three years, Unagar created 250 videos and gathered 2,450 subscribers. Despite his efforts, he struggled with YouTube's algorithm, which he believes favored certain creators and types of content.

"YouTube has given me nothing. He feels that the platform is biased, leaving others without recognition despite their hard work," he said.

How to make money on YouTube?

YouTube's earning potential depends on several factors:

Advertising revenue

• YouTube pays Indian creators around ₹53.46 per 1,000 views.
• For one million views, a creator can earn around INR 53,460.
• Certain niches offer higher rates:
• Technical reviews: ₹75-₹375 per 1,000 views.
• Beauty & Fashion: ₹60-₹262.50 per 1,000 views.
• Game: ₹37.50-₹300 per 1,000 views.

Audience demographics

Views from US or UK countries earn more than those from India.

engagement

More likes, comments and shares can increase a video's earnings.

Additional income

Affiliate marketing, sponsored content, merchandise sales, and channel memberships are common ways for creators to supplement their ad revenue.

The biggest wins

Big names like Bhuvan Bam and Amit Bhadana earn between ₹11.6 lakh and ₹1.7 crore every month, while the average founder in India earns ₹4.17 lakh a year.

Costs of starting a YouTube channel
Starting a YouTube channel can be cheap, but growing it often requires a significant investment.

Basic configuration

• A smartphone with a decent camera and basic editing tools.
• Estimated Cost: ₹15,000-₹20,000.

Professional setup

• Camera: DSLR or mirrorless camera for better video quality.
• Microphone: Essential for clear audio.
• Lighting: Enhances the aesthetics of the video.
• Editing software: Tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
• Computer: High-performance computer or laptop for editing.
• Estimated cost: ₹50,000 to several lakhs.

Additional costs

• Marketing and promotions.
• Custom props or sets for specific content.
• Travel expenses for niches like travel vlogging.
• Unagar's ₹8 lakh investment included professional kitchen setup, studio equipment and promotional expenses, none of which led to sustainable income.

Monetization challenges
Making money on YouTube is not guaranteed. To join the YouTube Partner program, creators must have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past year. However, niches with low views, unattractive content or limited ad rates can hamper your profits.

Unagar's experience also highlights the dangers of relying solely on YouTube as a career. "Your store could be closed before you wake up the next day," he said, referring to the platform's unpredictable algorithms.

How does one navigate a "bias"?
To succeed on YouTube, creators must prioritize producing high-quality, engaging content that provides value to their audience while remaining relevant and timely. Catchy titles, accurate thumbnails, and optimized metadata such as keyword-rich descriptions and relevant hashtags improve searchability and recommendations. Audience engagement is key, so asking questions, responding to comments, and using features like cards and end screens can increase engagement.

Experimenting with different types of content, from YouTube shorts to binge-worthy playlists, helps appeal to both your audience and the platform's algorithm. Consistency is key – keep to a regular upload schedule and test your post times for maximum impact. Creators should leverage social media and partnerships to reach larger audiences while using YouTube Analytics to improve strategies based on performance metrics and audience behavior.

Staying informed about YouTube's policies and features through official channels and creator communities ensures adaptability in an ever-evolving ecosystem.