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Step-by-step guide

YouTube channel (long-form): your step-by-step start

Build a channel in a niche and earn from ads, sponsorships and affiliate links once eligible.

  • 22 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • about 1 hour in total

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • People who enjoy making video, can keep a schedule for a year, and can wait.

Think twice if

  • You need money within the next two weeks: first income usually takes about 365 days.
  • You have no laptop or computer to work on.

Honest expectations

  • First income usually takes about 365 days.
  • Part time, this can become a meaningful second income once you have regular customers.
  • The main risk to plan for: long time to income.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How youTube channel (long-form) worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Pricing and getting paid5 min (in the full guide)
    3. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Record and publish video 13 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Pick one topic you could make 30 videos about3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Week one, step 4: Record and upload a first short video3 min (in the full guide)
    5. Finding your first customers: who to message5 min (in the full guide)
    6. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Aim for 4 videos3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Review analytics3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Month one, task 3: Upload on the same day each week3 min (in the full guide)
    5. Month one, task 4: Study which titles and thumbnails get clicks3 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Aim for 12 videos; adjust topics3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Make a playlist of your best videos3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Months two and three, task 3: Look at sponsorship or affiliate links once viewers return3 min (in the full guide)
    5. Getting paid safely and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    6. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

R0 to R5 000 to get started, from our research

What you will use:

  • Phone camera
  • CapCut/DaVinci
  • YouTube Studio

Prices change and differ by area, so check two places near you before you buy.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 24 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 24 October 2027.