From makeup tutorials to gaming walkthroughs, YouTube has become a hub for creators to share their passions and build a loyal fanbase. But some channels have taken it to the next level and turned their content into a profitable cash cow. In this article, we’ll delve into the secrets behind their success, exploring a range of channels from DIY tutorials to compilations and finance.
Understanding What YouTube Cash Cow Channels Are
YouTube has come a long way from being just a place to share videos with friends and family. These days, it’s the perfect site for making some serious cash. One of the ways content creators are raking in serious dough is by creating what’s called a Cash Cow YouTube channel.
So, what exactly is a Cash Cow channel, you ask? Well, it’s a type of YouTube channel where creators produce content with the sole purpose of making money.
They usually do so through outsourcing everything, even down to scriptwriting and SEO optimization.
The best part? The people behind these channels are often faceless, meaning they never reveal their identities to the public. It’s all about creating a money-making machine that runs on autopilot.
Most Successful Cash Cow YouTube Channel Examples
While some may see cash cow channels as a quick way to earn a buck, there are some channels that have achieved incredible success, earning millions of dollars in overall revenue. Let’s take a look at some of the most successful cash cow YouTube channels out there.
BRIGHT SIDE
BRIGHT SIDE is a channel that covers a wide range of topics, from how-to tutorials to history and knowledge.
All their content is generally upbeat and catchy, complete with in-house 2D animations and stock resources that engage the viewer. They also use slightly mystical topics, things that can easily catch attention. To give you an idea, here are some video titles they use: ‘When You See This in the Sky, Take Cover Immediately,’ ’68 Everyday Objects You Never Realized Even Had A Purpose,’ etc.
The channel uses ads to generate profits. Since its topics are varied, you’ll need to have a unique angle to stand out from the competition.
Cheddar
Cheddar is a finance news channel that provides news on the stock market, business, and technology. It also has another purpose of being an inspiration and motivation for entrepreneurs.
Even more notably, it has 223 million views total across its videos and has almost a million subscribers. It’s popular amongst watchers primarily because of the editing quality; there are often comments praising how it can make boring topics like finance seem incredibly interesting.
The channel has a team of in-house voice actors and editors, but it also outsources some of the content. It monetizes through ads. If you’re interested in finance and have a team with expertise in that area, this could be a profitable niche.
You’ll need to be careful though. It’s easy to accidentally make generic videos regarding such topics or even make videos that are complicated and are of no interest to the viewer.
Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes
Cocomelon is a channel that creates animated nursery rhymes and songs for kids. All the content is outsourced, from the animation to the music. It’s one of the most successful cash cow channels on YouTube, having reached up to more than 158 million subscribers and 158 billion views since it opened up in 2006.
The brand primarily earns money through its video views, resulting in significant earnings. The average video typically has around 3 million views or more than 10 million views. They earn around $7 for every 1000 views on each video. Additionally, they have licensing deals with major streaming providers. They are also an Amazon FBA seller and have revenue channels running under them to support their business.
If you have experience in animation and music, this could be a profitable niche. Kids channels are fairly popular these days, and you’ll get noticed by a decent amount of people whether you hit the algorithm or not. Just remember to keep your content catchy.
Bounce Patrol Kids – Songs
Bounce Patrol Kids is another YouTube channel for kids. It’s significantly smaller and a good example of what I just said earlier.
With 27.7 million subs, the channel is highly profitable, as it has more than 20 billion videos combined across all of its videos, which is a lot of potential ad revenue.
Their content features animated characters and popular nursery rhymes, set to upbeat and catchy tunes. The videos are usually outsourced, with a team of writers, animators, and musicians working together to produce content.
If you’re planning to create a kids’ YouTube channel, this type of content can be highly profitable, as it has a broad audience and can generate high engagement.
Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell
Kurzgesagt is a channel that creates animated educational videos about science, philosophy, and technology. It’s one of the best in the business, serving as a cash cow while also providing excellent educational content.
The channel has an in-house team of animators, but also collaborates with external professionals for scriptwriting and voiceover work.
Their primary method of monetization is through ads and sponsorship deals, usually with companies like Audible and Skillshare. While the topics are niche, if you have a passion for science and education, you could give it a try.
However, it’s going to be an uphill battle, as the quality of the channel’s content is hard to match, even down to the technical aspects like animation.
Top 5 Best
Top 5 Best is a channel that primarily started out creating videos about the best products in various categories, from tech to beauty.
Now with more than 5.52M followers, it still posts such content. Although, it posts more funny and/or interesting compilation videos these days, which still bring in a lot of money.
All the content is outsourced, from the scriptwriting to the video editing. The channel monetizes through affiliate marketing and sponsorships. If you can find unique content through different social media networks, this could be a profitable niche.
5-Minute Crafts
Minute Crafts is a massive DIY and life hacks channel with over 79.7 million subscribers.
Their content is focused on providing quick and practical solutions to everyday problems, from cleaning hacks to beauty tips. 5-Minute Crafts outsources all of their content production, with a team of writers, actors, and editors working together to create each video.
The channel’s success has been fueled by its practical and useful content, as well as its engaging visuals. 5-Minute Crafts monetizes its channel through views.
If you’re planning to create a DIY channel, 5-Minute Crafts is an excellent example of how to create content that is both useful and visually engaging.
Top 10 Beyond The Screen
If you’re into celebrity gossip and pop culture, this channel is perfect for you. It features top 10 lists of juicy information about your favorite stars, ranging from scandals and controversies to unknown facts and rumors. With catchy titles and engaging narration, this channel has amassed a huge following of almost half a million subscribers. More importantly, its videos have more than 203 million views combined.
The channel monetizes through view counts.
If you’re planning to start a similar channel, you can leverage the power of celebrity culture to attract viewers and make money, as long as you can deliver fresh and entertaining content. This niche is a bit more hit and miss, though. You’ll have to post often and sometimes your content will get only a couple thousand views over and over, while other times they’d blow up and get millions of views.
Chris Invests
Chris Invests is a channel that provides knowledge about money and investing, although it is not financial advice. Chris uses whiteboard animation to make his videos engaging and easy to understand. His channel only has 123k subscribers.
However, he still makes a good amount of profits. His combined views are over 15 million. The channel’s primary monetization method is through advertising revenue from views, so all these millions of views get him a lot of cash.
If you are interested in creating a similar channel, you should focus on a niche that has a large following, such as investing or personal finance. With dedication and consistency, you can build a following and generate a decent income.
So Yummy
So Yummy is a food channel that features quick and easy recipes that anyone can make. What sets this channel apart is its visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing videos that showcase the food being prepared.
So Yummy monetizes their channel only through view counts, but considering how easy it is to be original in this niche, they earn more than enough that way. The channel has 9.43 million subscribers built over 7 years. More importantly, they have over 3.5 billion views. All that has helped them make around $8.3K – $133.2K of revenue per month, according to Social Blade.
If you want to create a similar channel, you should consider focusing on a specific cuisine or dietary restriction, such as vegan or gluten-free. With creativity and unique recipe ideas, you can build a loyal following and earn a decent income.
Animal Facts
Animal Facts is a 184k+ subscriber channel that primarily uses stock footage and images to create videos about different animals.
Their videos usually have around 100-10k views per video, with the occasional 100k+ ones. Animal Facts’ monetization method is primarily through the Amazon Influencer Program, where they include links to products related to the animals they feature in their videos.
This channel is unique in that they use pre-existing footage to create their videos, which allows them to produce content more efficiently.
If you’re planning to start a similar channel, it may be profitable to focus on a less common species within the animal kingdom and explore monetization opportunities beyond ad revenue.
FailArmy
FailArmy is a channel that curates and shares funny fail videos. Their videos feature people doing things like skateboard tricks gone wrong, wedding fails, and epic prank fails.
The channel, being more than a decade old and with more than 16 million, has a consistent view count of more than a million for every video it makes. It makes more than $10,000 per month, going past more than $100,000 sometimes.
FailArmy’s success lies in their ability to create engaging and shareable content, as well as their consistent upload schedule. If you’re interested in creating a similar channel, it may be profitable to focus on humor and shareability, but keep in mind that the market for fail videos is quite saturated.
Monstro
With over 300,000 subscribers and more than 400 million views since 2017, Monstro has carved a niche in the realm of TikTok video compilations. What sets Monstro apart is its ability to consistently curate trending TikTok content into entertaining and easily consumable compilations.
By focusing on a popular platform like TikTok, Monstro has tapped into a vast viewer base, which has translated into significant ad revenue. Monstro’s success lies in its understanding of current trends and its ability to quickly produce and monetize content.
If you plan to create a similar channel, targeting a popular social media platform and consistently delivering trending content can be a profitable strategy.
Everyday Money
Inspired by finance-oriented channels such as Finance Girl, TheProdigy, and Branson Tay, Everyday Money provides viewers with valuable insights on various money-making opportunities and hustles.
The channel has amassed over 11 million views in just three years by addressing the growing interest in financial independence and alternative income streams. Everyday Money monetizes its content through a combination of ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
If you plan to create a similar channel in the finance niche, thoroughly researching and providing valuable information to your viewers can be profitable.
However, competition in this field is fierce, so finding a unique angle or targeting a specific sub-niche may increase your chances of success.
Aperture
Aperture sets itself apart with its video essay-style content that explores intriguing topics in science, technology, psychology, sociology, and more.
Boasting over 136 million views, Aperture monetizes its channel primarily through ads and sponsorships, along with additional revenue streams from its sister channels. Aperture’s unique approach to educational and thought-provoking content has garnered a dedicated following.
If you plan to create a similar channel, focusing on informative and captivating video essays can be profitable.
However, keep in mind that this niche requires extensive research, excellent storytelling skills, and a deep understanding of the subject matter to stand out and attract viewers.
Lofi Girl
This one is another top-tier cash cow channel. It’s not something that older people are familiar with, but it makes a lot of money through its Lofi Hip Hop music compilations.
Such music, having grown to be popular since 2010, is a downtempo combination of hip hop and chill-out music. A lot of people tend to find this kind of music useful for focus – that much is obvious, with the channel having more than 1.5 billion views. That means a lot of view revenue.
This sort of niche can be fairly popular, and you can make good profits out of it, though there are some mine fields to steer clear of. It’s music, so you can easily get copy striked if you use anyone else’s tracks. You have to only use original music, which you can easily do so by outsourcing music artists.
There’s a little less investment in this sort of niche, as you only need to do SEO optimizations, get your own music made and can make videos without bothering with actual video editing. You’ll only need to commission an artwork relevant to the theme of the video or use something publick with an artist’s permission for the whole video.
What You Can Learn From These Successful Cash Cow YouTube Channels
So, what sets these successful cash cow channels apart? A large part of the credit lies in how they manage themselves and their content. Let’s explore some key takeaways about that.
Try to Stand Out
Niche selection is crucial when it comes to creating a successful cash cow channel. But don’t be afraid to get specific.
Choose a topic that you’re passionate about and create content that sets you apart from the competition.
Whether it’s unique editing, a specific style, or a new approach to the topic, standing out is key.
Consistency is Key to Building a Loyal Following
Consistency is king in the world of cash cow channels. Regularly uploading content is vital to building a loyal following that tunes in for your latest video.
Create a schedule and stick to it, whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or even daily. Your followers will appreciate knowing when to expect new content from you.
Pick Up Your Editing Game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrYpgRiRWPc
Quality video editing is a must for creating engaging content on YouTube. Take the time to learn how to use editing software effectively to make your videos stand out. Add music, sound effects, or b-roll footage to take your content to the next level.
Choose Topics with a Purpose
Choosing topics that have the potential to generate a lot of views is important, but so is choosing topics that align with your channel’s purpose.
Conduct research and find out what your audience is interested in, then tailor your content to suit their needs. Make sure each video serves a purpose and adds value to your audience’s life.
Promote Like Your Channel Depends On It
Promotion is key to growing your channel and increasing your revenue. Utilize social media to promote your videos and engage with your followers.
Collaborate with other creators to expand your reach and optimize your content for search engines.
Delegate to a Team for Scaling
As your channel grows, so does the workload. If that happens, you should think of hiring a team to help with tasks like editing, writing, and social media management.
Delegating tasks can help you focus on creating high-quality content while your team takes care of the rest.
Factors Contributing To The Success Of Cash Cow YouTube Channels
Now that we talked about how successful Cash Cow YouTube Channels are managed, how exactly did these channels stay relevant? Let’s talk about all the factors that contribute to the success of such channels.
Trend Awareness and Adaptability
The ability of Cash Cow YouTube Channels to stay ahead of the curve and adjust to constantly shifting trends is one of the main reasons why they are still relevant today.
They closely monitor new themes, products, and formats and incorporate them into their content without delay.
This not only keeps their audience interested but also helps draw in new viewers.
Engaging and Captivating Content
Another important aspect that sets apart these channels is their ability to produce visually appealing, well-paced, and narratively engaging videos.
When a viewer clicks on a video, they’re immediately drawn in by the engaging introductions and immersive storytelling techniques, which help keep them interested all the way through.
Community Engagement and Interaction
Cash Cow YouTube Channels understand the value of building a community and actively engaging with their viewers. They respond to comments, address feedback, and even incorporate viewer suggestions into their content.
This fosters a sense of connection and loyalty, turning casual viewers into dedicated fans.
Strategic Collaboration and Cross-Promotion
Collaboration and cross-promotion play a significant role in the success of Cash Cow YouTube Channels.
These channels sometimes team up with other creators who share a similar target audience or complementary content.
By collaborating on videos or featuring each other’s channels, they tap into each other’s viewer base, expanding their reach and gaining new subscribers in the process.
SEO Optimization and Discoverability
Successful YouTube channels understand the importance of optimizing their content for search engines.
This means diving into keyword research, creating eye-catching thumbnails, and crafting titles and descriptions that hook viewers in.
By implementing effective SEO strategies, these channels increase their visibility in search results and attract more organic traffic to their videos.
Tips for Aspiring Cash Cow YouTube Channel Creators
While I’ve covered essential factors and what can be learned from successful channels, let’s delve into some tips that can give you an extra edge on your journey to YouTube stardom.
These tips go beyond the usual advice and provide unique insights to help you stand out in the crowded YouTube landscape.
Explore Unconventional Niches
While choosing a niche is important, consider exploring unconventional or untapped niches. Instead of following the popular niches, try to venture into ones that have yet to be fully explored.
Look for gaps in the market where you can provide unique perspectives, solve problems, or cater to underserved audiences.
Being in the lead in an unconventional niche can give you a competitive advantage and help you carve out a loyal following.
Experiment with Innovative Formats
Innovation is key to capturing viewers’ attention in a saturated YouTube ecosystem.
Try to experiment with fresh and innovative formats that differentiate your content from others.
Whether it’s interactive storytelling, immersive virtual experiences, or unique editing techniques, push the boundaries and surprise your audience.
Embracing innovation can make your channel memorable and keep viewers coming back for more.
Ensure Authenticity and Personality
While cash cow channels often focus on faceless content, infusing authenticity and personality into your channel can make a significant impact.
Don’t be afraid to reveal a bit of yourself and let your personality shine through.
Injecting your unique flair, humor, or storytelling style can create a deeper connection with your audience.
Authenticity builds trust and fosters a sense of loyalty among your viewers.
Try Collaborations with Non-Competitors
Collaborations are a key part of YouTubing. However, while you do that, you should try collaborating with creators who are not direct competitors.
Look for complementary channels or creators from different niches but with overlapping interests.
By collaborating with non-competitors, you can tap into a new audience that might be interested in your content. This opens up opportunities for cross-pollination and expands your reach beyond your usual viewer base.
Monetize Beyond Ad Revenue
While ad revenue is a significant source of income for cash cow channels, explore additional avenues for monetization.
Diversify your revenue streams by leveraging sponsorships, brand partnerships, merchandise, or even creating premium content for dedicated subscribers.
Strategic monetization beyond ad revenue can help you unlock greater earning potential and ensure a sustainable income for your channel. It can also serve as a backup for when your viewer count takes a dip, which happens every once in a while.
Animal Facts is a great example of a successful channel employing this strategy.
Network and Attend Industry Events
You should also take part in events. Networking and attending industry events can help you connect with other creators, learn from their experiences, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and strategies.
You can also join YouTube communities to learn even more ways to stay relevant.
Repurpose Your Content Across Platforms
Finally, consider repurposing your YouTube videos into blog posts, podcasts, or social media content.
Repurposing across multiple platforms can help you reach a wider audience and increase your exposure. You’ll be able to attract new viewers who prefer different types of media and increase your brand recognition across different channels.
FAQs
Q: Which Cash Cow YouTube channel is more successful?
A: The most successful Cash Cow YouTube channel is subjective and varies depending on the niche and audience, but Cocomelon is one of the most successful.
Q: Are Cash Cow YouTube Channels Profitable in 2023?
A: Yes, Cash Cow YouTube channels can be profitable in 2023, depending on various factors like niche, audience, content quality, and consistency.
Q: What is the easiest Cash Cow YouTube niche to get started with?
A: The easiest Cash Cow YouTube niche to get started with depends on personal interests and skills, but some of the easiest niches are personal finance, food and recipes, travel, gaming, and beauty.
Q: Which topics pay more on YouTube?
A: The highest-paying niches on YouTube depend on niche, audience, content quality, and consistency, but some of them include personal finance, health and wellness, technology, gaming, and business.
Final Thoughts
Creating a successful cash cow YouTube channel takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn. By following the right strategies, you can build a dedicated community for a channel. That means more views and a significant amount of monthly income.
Just remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things – after all, that’s what YouTube is all about. If you’re still not sure how or where to get started, you could always try premium Cash Cow YouTube courses like Tube Mastery.
