Last Updated on July 11, 2025 by Jan Barley
Profitable YouTube niches can be life-changing if you get it right. When I launched my first YouTube channel, I’m not sure what I expected, but it sure as hell wasn’t getting 10 views after taking 3-5 hours to create videos!
I didn’t realise that choosing the right niche is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make before you hit the record button.
After I launched my Soulful Entrepreneur channel, I quickly knew I had it all wrong. Instead of curating my blog content into videos, I should have been focusing on a different route to building a YouTube channel that stood a chance of getting monetised within the first year.
Since then, I have launched another channel that is laser-focused on a specific niche.
So, look, don’t make the mistakes I made. From the get go, choose a profitable YouTube niche and start making money.
How Do You Find Profitable YouTube Niches?
Identifying the best YouTube niches can be tricky. That’s because a YouTuber’s earnings depend on various factors, including:
- RPM (Revenue Mille)
- Video length
- Content quality
- Monetisation strategies
- Geographical location
- Audience engagement
One helpful metric when researching profitable YouTube niches is to consider the RPM, which measures how much advertisers pay YouTube for every 1,000 ad views via Google AdSense.
- CPM is what you earn per 1,000 video views after YouTube takes its cut. Since videos can feature multiple ads, the CPM often differs significantly from the RPM.
- RPM offers insight into how valuable advertisers consider a niche’s audience. The higher the RPM, the more interest advertisers have, making monetisation easier.
However, making money on YouTube isn’t limited to ad revenue. To learn more from someone who created millions from YouTube outside of monetisation is Sunny Lenarduzzi. I’ve learned a lot from her and you will, too.
Watching Sunny’s content made me think about what income-earning potential each niche had, such as:
- Selling courses
- Affiliate offers
- Memberships
- Brand deals
- Coaching
Note: This article is VERY in-depth, so grab yourself a cuppa and get ready to learn everything you need to know about starting a profitable YouTube channel, including the best AI tools to help you create video content.
I also share examples of successful YouTube channels for each niche.
Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this page. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.
With that in mind, here are 17 of the most profitable YouTube niches.
Making Money Online: RPM $13.52
Making money online is one of the most profitable YouTube niches. Millions of people flock to YouTube daily, searching for ways to create extra income streams or gain financial freedom.
On average, this niche boasts a top-tier RPM of $13.52, making it a lucrative space for creators.
But it doesn’t stop there—some sub-niches take profitability to the next level. For example, videos focused on affiliate marketing can see RPMs soar as high as $22.00
Example: Ali Abdaal’s video on instant side hustles racked up 1 million views in under four months. He is an ex doctor who now makes considerably more than when he worked for the NHS!
Digital Marketing: RPM $12:52
Digital marketing has an impressive average RPM of $12.52 for channels focused on topics like social media marketing.
And it’s no surprise because digital marketers are masters at promoting their skills. They know how to leverage tools like YouTube SEO to their advantage. Hint: Many of them use VidIQ. Their audience primarily consists of budding entrepreneurs and small business owners, a valuable demographic for advertisers and sponsors.
Additionally, creators in this niche can easily diversify their revenue streams, branching out into blogs, online courses, coaching, digital products, memberships and academies. That’s where the money starts stacking up. Plus, it helps future proof your income and builds a loyal following off YouTube.
I started in the digital marketing space in mid-2024 and quickly got burnt out and disillusioned. So many people quit at this game because, quite frankly, it’s f*cking hard. If you have the balls and a ton of energy and determination, go for it.
Starting a YouTube channel in this niche is not for the fainthearted.
Example: Adam Erhart’s 17-minute video Digital Marketing for Beginners gained 1.1 million views. Like most successful entrepreneurs, he promotes his courses. In 2024, he began diversifying into using AI for blogging.
Read: Faceless Digital Marketing: An In-Depth Guide to Getting Started
Personal Finance and Investments: RPM up to $12.00
The personal finance and investments niche is another money-focused category but with a twist. Unlike content about hustling or marketing, personal finance channels zero in on how to manage and grow the money you already have.
These channels cover financial topics, such as breaking down stock market jargon to offering tips on making money, crypto, side hustles, budgeting, etc. With RPM rates reaching up to $12, this niche is one of the most lucrative on YouTube.
Example: Nischa is an ex-accountant sharing her lived experience. One of the best-performing videos is 9 Habits Keeping You Poor. It’s only 8 minutes long but has an astonishing 10 million views. Indeed, most of her content reaches multiple millions.
Educational Content: RPM $9.89
The educational content niche is a broad category with significant earning potential. Some of YouTube’s most-subscribed channels focus on educational content for kids. Creators in this niche enjoy an average RPM of $9.89, making it a smart choice if you’re passionate about teaching.
However, it’s not just about the younger audience. Educational topics for adults are equally in demand, with channels covering everything from history and science to using Microsoft Office. Tutorials and how-to videos are among the platform’s most popular content types.
The best way to attack the educational niche is with unique video content, such as animated stories or lip syncing avatars. FlexClip offers this functionality, but be aware that lip syncing and creating video from images it’s still in it’s infancy.
Example: Nothing really compares to the TED channel with 26 million subscribers, but it shows the power of storytelling in education
Read: Mastering Faceless Marketing: An In-Depth Guide
Tech, Cars, and Gadgets RPM up to $7.31
Are you a tech head? If so, the tech niche, covering topics such as cars and gadgets, is another big earner on YouTube. The content attracts advertisers, from reviewing the latest iPhone to comparing Nikon vs. Fuji cameras or taking a Ferrari for a spin.
RPM rates within this niche vary widely. For example:
- Photography channels: RPMs, averaging $7.31
- Car-focused content: RPMs around $4.32
- General tech channels: RPMs averaging $2.39
While this niche can be incredibly profitable, it comes with notable upfront costs. Creators often need to purchase or access the tech they review, which can add up quickly before seeing any significant earnings.
Example: The Future Tech channel has almost 700k subscribers and is a great example to give you ideas.
Read: Profitable Faceless YouTube Ideas: 7 Amazing Opportunities
Home Improvement: RPM $7.00 – $36.00
Are you good with a hammer, or enjoy smashing down walls in your house? Great, go for it, then.
Did you know that simply painting your walls in neutral tones can increase your home’s value by 107%? That’s the kind of game-changing insight viewers love. Sharing tips like these could make your channel a go-to resource for anyone wanting to make innovative changes to their homes.
The home improvement niche works because everyone is trying to save money but still have a beautiful home. So, viewers flock to these channels for practical, affordable tips.
Example: The Home Improvement UK channel has over 1 million subscribers. They share punchy content that draws people in.
Read: Tips for YouTube Growth: How Top YouTubers Succeed
Lifestyle: RPM $3.47
The lifestyle niche is one of YouTube’s most popular and versatile categories. Audiences get drawn to creators sharing their travels, careers, home tours, and personal relationships.
On average, lifestyle YouTubers can expect RPM rates of $3.47, though there’s a wide variety and competition in this space. From vloggers documenting life in a country mansion to college students showcasing their campus experience, the diversity within the niche is immense.
What sets lifestyle content apart is its personal touch. By sharing personal experiences, creators build relatability and foster a sense of community. Viewers may not always aspire to replicate these lifestyles, but they often seek inspiration or entertainment in watching others’ lives unfold.
Although the RPM is relatively low, the potential for monetisation here is significant, especially since advertisers are keen to connect with engaged audiences.
Example: Sanne Vloet has almost 2 million subscribers and some of her videos have millions of views.
Read: Passive Income with AI for Moms (5 Super Smart Ideas)Moving on to the next profitable YouTube niche, we are almost halfway through.
Beauty & Makeup: RPM $3.00 – $10.00
The beauty and makeup niche, closely tied to fashion, is one of YouTube’s most popular categories. Despite fierce competition, well-crafted beauty channels attract significant advertiser interest. The downside is this niche is less likely to work if you’re a bearded tradesman or a wrinkly, grey-haired seventy year old. As much as I hate to admit it, the airbrushed twenty year olds dominate this space.
On average, beauty YouTubers earn RPM rates of just over $3, mainly because this content naturally revolves around products. These videos seamlessly integrate products advertisers are eager to promote, from skincare and cosmetics to haircare tutorials and makeup reviews.
A particularly lucrative subcategory within this niche is weight loss content, where RPM rates can climb as high as $10.
Example: Doctor Mike has 13.5 million subscribers. His 10-minute video Doctor Fact Checks Popular Weight Loss Tips racked up over 4 million views. Rhianna’s 10 minute guide to going out makeup has 16 million views
Read: 7 Profitable Side Hustles for Beginners You Can Start Today
Cooking & Recipes: RPM $2.50
The cooking niche experienced a massive surge in popularity in the last few years, particularly during the pandemic. As more people stayed home, they turned to YouTube for recipe ideas, cooking tutorials, and inspiration to elevate their culinary skills, or simply to admire the artistry of others in the kitchen.
Whether it’s quick weeknight meals, gourmet dishes, or baking masterpieces, cooking channels continue to draw in audiences hungry for inspiration and guidance.
Although the RPM is low at $2.50, it’s a popular niche with affiliate offers and brand deal opportunities. Weight loss content is also relevant in this niche, as some channels promote recipes and tips for losing weight.
The downside with this niche is the competition. Many people are jumping on this bandwagon because they think it’s the road to riches, but it’s bloody hard work. However, if you have stickability and keep producing valuable content, you can make it work.
Most people give up after the first few months because their content gets lost in a sea of recipes.
Example: Ahmad Noori (Dr. Vegann) has 500k+ subscribers and only four recipe videos. His secret sauce is shorts and particular for vegans.
Fitness and Bodybuilding: RPM $1.60+
Like cooking channels, the fitness and bodybuilding niche has gained tremendous momentum. From beginner yoga sessions to niche topics like using weighted jump ropes for muscle growth, audiences flock to fitness content to achieve their health and body goals.
Advertisers have taken notice, with average RPM rates sitting at $1.60.
Moreover, some fitness topics command higher RPMs, depending on what they’re promoting—be it as simple as running shoes or as specialised as climbing gear. Many fitness niches also produce content on specific diets, broadening their monetisation potential.
Example: Goal Guys 13-minute video, I Tried to Lose 10lbs of Body Fat in 50 Days (Insane Result), has 1.2 million views.
Video Games: RPM $1.40
The video game niche is one of YouTube’s largest and most influential categories. From game reviews and advanced walkthroughs to live streams and gameplay with entertaining commentary, your aming content could get millions of views if you’re a passionate creator.
On average, gaming YouTubers earn RPM rates of $1.40. But considering the massive popularity of gaming, why isn’t the RPM higher? Two key factors:
- Intense competition – The sheer number of gaming channels makes it challenging to stand out.
- Younger audiences – While highly engaged, many viewers have limited disposable income, which reduces advertiser spending.
You gotta love gaming to work on a video channel. Gaming content resonates with kids and adults and remains a vibrant space for creators to showcase their passion and skills.
Example: SpawnPoint has over 1 million subscribers.
Pet & Animal Niche: RPM $2.00 – $8.00
If you love animals, this niche can be lucrative. Despite the RPM being lower at $2 to $8, creating watchable content can generate millions of views. I have two favourite animal channels that have had astounding success.
Examples:
- Lou The Chichi has 1.2 million subscribers and has a popular range of cute merchandise for pocket-sized dogs and are dominating the pet niche on YouTube.
- Poppy the Prairie Dog may only have 665k subscribers. Still, considering prairie dogs aren’t the average pet, it is a hugely successful channel and proves you can succeed with any animal content.
Relationships: RPM $2.70 – $8.00
There’s a growing demand for guidance on love, dating, and communication. Studies show that many men struggle with romantic conversations, which is why these channels have gained so much traction in recent years.
What’s excellent about relationship content is that it’s evergreen. People always want to find ways to connect with others and build meaningful relationships.
While advice for women has been around for a while, many channels now focus on helping men navigate their relationships, offering tips on understanding partners, effective communication, and handling the ups and downs of dating.
With an average RPM range of $2.70 to $8, the relationship niche offers significant earning potential for relationship content creators.
Example: Jimmy on Narcissists is a popular channel solely about narcissism, with 1.12 million subscribers.
ASMR: RPM $3.50
The ASMR niche is a unique and immensely popular category on YouTube that’s worlds apart from traditional lifestyle or product-driven content. These channels focus on delivering sensory experiences—gentle sounds and visuals designed to evoke calming and pleasurable feelings or even trigger the tingling sensation known as the autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR).
For some, the simple act of watching someone slice soap neatly is profoundly relaxing. Many ASMR channels are simple noises (we all know the satisfaction of popping bubble wrap, right?).
Advertisers see value in this emotionally positive and engaging environment, rewarding ASMR creators with an average RPM of $3.50, a solid figure for such a specialised niche.
Example: Alix ASMR has 450k+ subscribers
Motivation & Spirituality: RPM $2.50 – $4.00
The motivation and spirituality niche encompasses a vast range of worldviews, but its common thread is a focus on self-care and personal growth. These channels appeal to individuals striving for inner peace, self-improvement, and the resilience to tackle life’s challenges.
Advertisers and sponsors see immense value in this audience, consisting of highly engaged viewers invested in their well-being. That makes the niche fairly lucrative, with RPM rates typically between $2.50 and $4.00.
Creators in this space provide their audience with guidance, inspiration, and the tools to find meaning and foster growth. It’s a niche that resonates deeply with those on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Example: Your Youniverse has over 1 millioon subscribers and gets a lot of engagement with her content.
BTW, I recently launched my Simply Manifesting channel Whoo hooo! It’s slow going, even though I am following all the YouTube growth tips from top YouTubers.
Travel: RPM $2.00+
Grab your suitcase, phone or video camera, because the travel niche thrives on sharing experiences, adventures, and insights from global destinations, captivating viewers with the promise of exploration and discovery.
The niche rebounded after a pandemic-induced slowdown that impacted travel-hungry audiences, tourism businesses, and creators alike.
However, travel YouTubers are experiencing a resurgence in brand partnerships, collaborations with local tourism boards, and RPM rates climbing back to an average of $2 or more. It’s certaintly not amongst the most profitable YouTube niches in regards to RPM, but don’t let that stop you. The income-earning potential is unlimited.
For many creators, making money while travelling isn’t just a dream—it’s a reality. My niece travelled around Australia with her partner for a year and documented the entire journey on YouTube. They’re now traveling in Thailand and sharing content.
Example: MissTiffanyMa doesn’t have millions of subscribers but her shorts video “How to survive a 22 hour flight” had 1.7 million views. You don’t need millions of subscribers for the travel niche because the earning potential off YouTube is enormous.
Fashion: RPM $3.00+
The fashion niche may not be one of the most profitable YouTube niches at around $3.00 RPM. Still, the potential for brand deals and affiliate offers are enormous. Trends from Hollywood are trickling down into everyday wardrobes, giving fashion YouTubers endless opportunities to create fresh and engaging content.
“Try on” channels are popular, and you can often get clothing from brands that send you free garments to wear and share on your channel if you have many subscribers.
Bolt on a Pinterest marketing strategy too. I know one lady who regularly makes $800 daily commissions from pinning LKT fashion items.
Example: VivaciousHoney has almost 3 million subscribers.
Read: Best Pinterest Courses: My Own First-Hand Experience
Recommended Tools for Creating YouTube Video Content
You could spend a fortune on software that helps you create YouTube videos, but it’s best to start with a fruigal approach. After that you can start adding AI tools once you start making some money. The following are a few I currently use or have used:
VidIQ: The Only YouTube Growth & Optimisation Tool You Need
I got the chance to try VidIQ for a no-brainer offer price. I’d been using Tube Buddy but it wasn’t making any difference to results for my new channel. It’s low cost, simple to use and I recommend it to anyone that wants to grow their channel.
For one thing, it assesses your thumbnails and descriptions and gives them a score. Mine were, on average, around 60/100. Now, they are nearer 100 and I am gaining subscribers, views and watchtime.
VidIQ comes with a powerful Chrome extension that connects to your YouTube channel. That helps with:
- Optimising titles
- Suggesting SEO descriptions
- Scoring your video optimisation
- Suggesting high-performing tags
- and more
Another fantastic service is the video review. You simply submit the URL of one of your videos and a VidIQ coach records a video review suggested what you did well and any improvements. That really helped me when I first started switching up my content from VidIQ training.
VidIQ tracks how your content is performing and helps you set goals. It also gives you daily suggestions for video content that will likely perform in your niche. It provides a service to research competitors and outliers and has a thumbnail creator, which I don’t use as I prefer making my own within VidIQ parameters.
The VidIQ Script Writer is phenomenal. It makes ChatGPT look like a dunce! It’s genuinely human-like and you can choose the tone.
After choosing an idea from the daily suggestions (optimised for your channel) you give the idea to the Script Writer, including how long you want the video and it does the job.
All of my scripts have been generated this way since I subscribed to VidIQ and the results speak for themselves (see below image). That alone, saves me hours of writing scripts or expecting ChatGPT to do a half decent job.
Since implenting VidIqs training, my little channel is finally growing. I only started a few weeks ago.
With VidIQ, YouTube creators like you can make data-driven decisions, boost their video visibility, and gain valuable insights into what’s working on your channel, and what’s not. Whether you’re just starting or scaling up, VidIQ gives you a fantastic range of tools considering the price, and helps you grow your audience.
CapCut: Recommended Video Editing Software
I’ve used CapCut for several years. I bloody love it. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.
My video creation process is:
- Create done-for-you scripts with VidIQ
- Record voiceover on ElevenLabs
- Create video backdrops on Canva
- Download royalty-free music from Uppbeat
- Import video, voiceover & music into CapCut
- Add Effects
- Add Captions
- Export and upload to YouTube
My video creation process is so fast and simple.VidIQ, ElevenLabs, Uppbeat and CapCut cost me a total of around £50 for the lot. The time-saving value they bring is immeasurable. I literally could not create as much content without them.
CapCut is the ‘go-to’ video editing software for most successful YouTubers and, once you try it, you’ll never look back. VidIQ is the phenomenal YouTube growth software that I genuinely couldn’t live without. It’s made my life so much easier.
Eleven Labs: Text-to-Audio
When I started creating video content last year on TikTok, it took me multiple takes to produce audio. Recording video get nervous, so I make mistakes, say the wrong things, too many ums and ers and it drove me mad. I hated doing it.
I still sometimes use my own voice for meditation tracks, but 85% of my voiceovers are now with ElevenLabs.
This fantastic ai software seamlessly creates text-to-audio. You can create 10 minutes/month for free but I’d advise the (very, very low cost) starter plan or pro plan. Find a voice you like – or clone your own – and save hours each week.
Uppbeat: Royalty-Free Music
Having the right background music for video content can make an enormous difference to audience responses. It stimulates a subconscious emotional response that keeps people watching.
I’ve been an Uppbeat member for many years. The choice of royalty-free music genres is unrivalled (as is the price). I can always find the perfect track for my videos.
If you’re grabbing music from free sites, trying to save a penny, the last thing you want is to get a music copyright claim slapped on your YouTube channel.
Uppbeat has every music genre imagineable and you can start for free (as long as you add the content creator’s link, which Uppbeat gives you).
I have a paid account and it’s very affordable. I pay £6.99/month and download dozens of music tracks every week for my YouTube channels. In the last two weeks,
Text-to-Video Services
There are two market leaders for text-to-video and both are affordable for the small YoiTuber.
#1: Pictory is one of the first text-to-video platforms that YouTubers found incredibly helpful for creating video content without all the hassle of trying to do it yourself. Pictory ai has many recommendations from happy customers.
Pictory.ai is the go to text-to-video ai generation software that is relatively low-cost.
Try Pictory ai for Free
#2: Synthesia is a UK-based AI video generation platform with an excellent reputation with over 50,000 users. It enables users to create professional videos featuring realistic AI avatars, all without the need for cameras, microphones, or actors.
Conclusion: The Most Profitable YouTube Niches
It took me over a year of procrastination before I finally started recording video content, and I messed that up at first. It’s only in the last few months, I’ve been researching YouTube niches outside of my experience and finding one or two that resonate and are fun for me to produce content.
The main reason for my hesitation was the prospect of how much work is involved. I just couldn’t face it. But, I got around that by researching and selecting AI tools that make my job easier and faster. Trading a bit of money to make my life easier is worth every dollar.
If you’re serious about building your YouTube channel, subscribing to AI tools that save time and improve results is a no-brainer.
These four tools cost me around £50/month and make a huge difference
- VidIQ YouTube Growth
- CapCut Video Editing
- Uppbeat Royalty Free Music
- ElevenLabs Text-to-Audio
One thing I know for sure is not to focus entirely on making money. Even though we’re talking about profitable YouTube niches, you must love your subject; otherwise, sustaining motivation is almost impossible.
If you aren’t having fun creating YouTube video content, you will lose motivation. 100% guaranteed (says shes speaking from hard experience). VidIQ training suggests that passion for your subject helps you win on YouTube, above consistency and all the other stuff.
Creating video content is time-consuming and fiddly when you first start. Technical hitches can stall progress for hours and frustrate your plans. Start with the end in sight but 100% commit to the process and have fun.
Finally, remember not to put all your eggs in one basket. Don’t rely on ad revenue from your YouTube channel.
Consider starting an email marketing campaign (Which you can do for FREE with Systeme), sharing affiliate offers, memberships, courses and coaching. The most profitable YouTube niches nail this aspect of building their channels.
Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this page. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.
FAQs
What Is The Most Profitable Niche On YouTube?
There’s no single “most profitable” niche, but some of the highest-earning ones include personal finance, tech reviews, digital marketing, health & fitness, and online education.
Profitability often comes from high CPMs (cost per thousand views), affiliate opportunities, and brand deals. However, always consider the bigger picture. With some niches, you can make more money from affiliate marketing, selling digital products, coaching and memberships.
You can find some quirky, faceless YouTube channel ideas that have little competition.
So, keep your options open and research thoroughly before starting a YouTube channel.
How Do I Choose The Right Niche For My YouTube Channel?
Start by identifying topics you’re passionate or knowledgeable about. Then, validate the niche by checking demand (search volume, trending videos) and competition.
Ideally, your niche should balance your interest, audience demand, and monetisation potential.
Can Small Channels Still Make Money In Profitable Niches?
Absolutely! You don’t need millions of views to earn income. Smaller channels can monetise through affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and selling digital products or services—even before reaching the YouTube Partner Programme threshold.
Should I Pick A Niche Based On Passion Or Profitability?
Ideally, both. A niche you’re genuinely interested in will help you stay consistent long-term. But it also helps to pick a topic with good monetisation potential—think of it as choosing a profitable passion.
It can take time to get to 1000 subscribers and 4000 watch hours, and you WILL lose interest if you only choose a niche to make money and have no genuine interest in the content.
How Do I Know If My Niche Has A High CPM?
Niches like finance, real estate, tech, and education typically have higher CPMs. You can also check competitor videos and use tools like vidIQ or TubeBuddy to research CPM estimates and keyword data.
Can I Change My Niche Later If It’s Not Working?
Yes, but be cautious. Sudden shifts in content can confuse your audience and impact channel performance. If you plan to pivot, gradually guide your viewers through the transition with clear messaging.
Ideally, if you realise the niche you’ve chosen isn’t for you, start again. Open a new YouTube channel and start creating content you enjoy.
What’s the Best Video Editing Software for Beginners?
I recommend CapCut. I tried other software and found them frustating. CapCut is easy to use. The interface is perfect for beginners as it’s mostly drag and drop. It has some great effects, sounds and lots of other great things to play with to wow your video content.
How Do I Grow My YouTube Channel?
I know I sound like a cracked record, but VidIQ is the best YouTube growth software for small or established YouTubers. In a matter of weeks, I more than doubled my subscriber list and now feel like I actually know what I’m doing, where I’m going and how to grow my YouTube channel.
