Profitable YouTube Niches: 17 Best Income-Earners for 2025

Last Updated on January 22, 2025 by Jan Barley

Profitable YouTube niches can be life-changing for the average person prepared to put in some effort. However, most beginners don’t understand that some YouTube channels are more profitable than others.

The thing is that choosing the right niche is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make before you hit the record button.

Your niche shapes everything—from the audience you attract to the types of brand partnerships you can attract and pursue. It also plays a significant role in how much you can potentially earn on YouTube.

While it’s possible to make money in any niche—whether home improvement, digital marketing or sewing—starting a YouTube channel in a low-earning niche can zap your motivation.

So, how do you find profitable YouTube niches?

Identifying the most profitable niches can be tricky. That’s because a YouTuber’s earnings depend on various factors, including:

• CPM (Cost per Mille)
• Video length
• Content quality
• Monetisation strategies
• Geographical location
• Audience engagement

These variables also explain why earnings vary significantly—even for channels with similar views.

One helpful metric when researching profitable YouTube niches is to consider the CPM, which measures how much advertisers pay YouTube for every 1,000 ad views via Google AdSense. However, it’s essential to distinguish CPM from RPM (Revenue per Mille).

• RPM represents what creators earn per 1,000 video views after YouTube takes its cut. Since videos can feature multiple ads—or none—the RPM often differs significantly from the CPM.
• CPM offers insight into how valuable advertisers consider a niche’s audience. The higher the CPM, the more interest advertisers have, making monetisation easier.

However, it isn’t limited to ad revenue. A strong niche can open doors to affiliate programs, sponsorships, and fan funding, often more lucrative than ads for many creators. Indeed, your YouTube monetisation strategy must be a multi-pronged approach if you want to make the big bucks.

Research the potential for the following:

• Selling courses
• Affiliate offers
• Memberships
• Brand deals
• Coaching

With that in mind, here are 17 of the most profitable YouTube niches based on CPM.

#1: Making Money Online: CPM $13.52

Making money online is one of the most profitable YouTube niches. Without a doubt, content about making money online gets views. 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 CPM 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 CPMs soar as high as $22.

For a real-world example, the popular Ali Abdaal’s video on instant side hustles racked up 1 million views in under four months, showing the high demand and engagement this niche can generate. He is an ex doctor who now makes considerably more than when he worked for the NHS!

Note: I finally committed to my make money online channel today. The Soulful Entrepreneur is about making money online without selling your soul.

#2: Digital Marketing: CPM $12:52

Coming in as the second most profitable YouTube niches is digital marketing, with an impressive average CPM 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. Their audience primarily consists of budding entrepreneurs and small business owners—a highly valuable demographic for advertisers and sponsors.

Additionally, creators in this niche can easily diversify their revenue streams, going beyond YouTube, branching out into blogs, online courses, coaching, digital products, memberships and academies.

I started in the digital marketing space in mid-2024 and was astonished at how many people quit because it can be a hard nut to crack to make money. . Starting a YouTube channel in this niche stands a better chance of success if you create valuable content.

Adam Erhart’s 17-minute video Digital Marketing for Beginners gained 1.1 million views. Like most successful entrepreneurs, he promotes courses and email subscriptions from a free lead magnet.

Read: Faceless Digital Marketing: An In-Depth Guide to Getting Started

#3: Personal Finance and Investments: CPM up to $12.00

Claiming the third spot for profitable YouTube niches is the personal finance and investments niche—another money-focused category but with a unique 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 various financial topics, from breaking down stock market jargon to offering tips on making money, crypto, budgeting, etc. With CPM rates reaching up to $12, this niche is one of the most lucrative on YouTube.

One of my favourite personal finance channels is Nischa. She 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.

#4: Educational Content: CPM $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 CPM of $9.89, making it a smart choice for those 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 tutorials on using Microsoft Office. Tutorials and how-to videos are among the platform’s most popular content types.

One of the advantages of this niche is that it works well for faceless channels, as the focus is on the material being taught rather than the person presenting it.

Read: Mastering Faceless Marketing: An In-Depth Guide 

#5: Tech, Cars, and Gadgets CPM up to $7.31

The tech niche, particularly content about 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.

CPM rates within this niche vary widely. For example:

• Photography channels: CPMs, averaging $7.31
• Car-focused content: CPMs around $4.32
• General tech channels: CPMs 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.

#6: Home Improvement: CPM $7.00 – $36.00

The home improvement niche is all about helping people transform their living spaces without emptying their wallets. Viewers flock to these channels for practical, affordable tips to improve their homes, whether through DIY projects or budget-friendly upgrades.

Did you know that simply painting your walls in neutral tones could increase your home’s value by 107%? That’s the kind of game-changing insight viewers crave. Sharing tips like these could make your channel a go-to resource for those looking to make innovative changes to their homes.

Your audience includes homeowners eager to boost their property value and renters looking to create cosy, stylish spaces.

#7: Lifestyle: CPM $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 CPM 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 CPM is relatively low, the potential for monetisation here is significant, especially since advertisers are keen to connect with engaged audiences.

#8: Beauty & Makeup: CPM $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.

On average, beauty YouTubers earn CPM 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 CPM rates can climb as high as $10.

For 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.

#9: Cooking & Recipes: CPM $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 CPM 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.

#10: Fitness and Bodybuilding: CPM $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 CPM rates sitting at $1.60.

Moreover, some fitness topics command higher CPMs, 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.

For instance, Goal Guys captivate viewers with fitness challenges like going vegan for 30 days or sculpting a six-pack in six weeks, showcasing the diversity and appeal of this niche. Their 13-minute video, I Tried to Lose 10lbs of Body Fat in 50 Days (Insane Result), has 1.2 million views.

#11: Video Games: CPM $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 CPM rates of $1.40. But considering the massive popularity of gaming, why isn’t the CPM higher? Two key factors:

1. Intense competition – The sheer number of gaming channels makes it challenging to stand out.
2. 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.

#12: Pet & Animal Niche: CPM $2.00 – $8.00

If you love animals, this niche can be lucrative. Despite the CPM 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.

Lou The Chici has 1.2 million subscribers and hit the ground running. The channel has a popular range of cute merchandise for pocket-sized dogs.

Poppy the Prairie Dog may only have 640k 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.

#13: Relationships: CPM $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 CPM range of $2.70 to $8, the relationship niche offers significant earning potential for relationship content creators.

Jimmy on Narcissists is a popular channel solely about narcissism, with 1.12 million subscribers. NPD is a tricky issue to deal with in relationships (first-hand experience)

#14: ASMR: CPM $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 CPM of $3.50, a solid figure for such a specialised niche.

#15: Motivation & Spirituality: CPM $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 CPM 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.

BTW, I launched my Simply Manifesting channel today! Whoo hooo!

#16: Travel: CPM $2.00+

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. Travel YouTubers are now seeing a resurgence in brand partnerships, collaborations with local tourism boards, and CPM rates climbing back to an average of $2 or more. It’s not amongst the most profitable YouTube niches in regards to CPM, 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.

#17: Fashion: CPM $3.00+

The fashion niche may not be one of the most profitable YouTube niches at around $3.00 CPM. 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.

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 use or have used:

SEOWriting.ai: This low cost AI tool is great for creating SEO-optimised blog posts. I added this one because it’s fantastic for SEO to add video content to your articles. You can also link to blog posts from your Youtube content.
Open a Free SEOWriting.ai Account

You can read my review Is SEOWriting.ai Worth It including an in-depth video of me using the software.

Eleven Labs: This fantastic ai software seamlessly creates text-to-audio. You can create 10 minutes/month for free but I’d advise the starter plan because you can clone your own voice simply by uploading a short audio clip of you talking. That can save hours of work and editing.
Open a Free Eleven Labs Account

Pictory.ai: Creating video is not a fast exercise. I create faceless content but the process of recording the screen, editing the video, adding and editing captions, music, images etc can take an age to complete. Pictory.ai is text-to-video ai generation software that is relatively low-cost.
Open a Free Pictory.ai Account

Canva: I used to use CapCut for video editing but now mostly work with Canva. It has become progressively easier to produce good quality video content on Canva. You can even add captions but going to *Text* in the sidebar and then clicking on *Dynamic text*. I found it cut out most of my ums and ers.
Open a Free Canva Account

Conclusion: The Most Profitable YouTube Niches

Wrapping up this deep dive into profitable YouTube niches, I hope you are buzzing with ideas.

It took me over a year of procrastination before I finally started recording video content for my two channels. I’ve spent most of that time building my blog content, which I can now curate to these channels.

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. 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, 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.