What I Earned from YouTube in 2025 — And My 2026 Plan

Summary

In this year-end review and reflection video, the creator shares his digital journey from opening his first email account in 2000 to making his first income online at age 42 in 2022. Reflecting on 2025, he discusses challenges, including burnout and a slower pace of content creation, but celebrates milestones such as 48,000 new subscribers and 42 videos crossing 100,000 views. He highlights the significance of authenticity over clickbait and outlines plans for 2026, including producing 72 videos and launching a course. The video inspires viewers to pursue online income while emphasizing the importance of a balanced life.

Takeaways

• 😀 The creator's digital journey started in 2000 with a Yahoo email account and has evolved significantly over the years through social media, online purchases, and content creation.
• 😀 In 2025, the creator gained 48,000 new subscribers, but the growth was slower compared to previous years due to a reduced number of videos (39 vs. 2024's 78).
• 😀 Despite the drop in views and subscribers, the creator remains unbothered by these numbers, emphasizing that a YouTuber's journey is non-linear and full of ups and downs.
• 😀 Total revenue for 2025 reached ₹41.5 lakh, split between ₹7.72 lakh from YouTube ads and ₹35 lakh from brand collaborations, with Moa Motor being a major sponsor.
• 😀 The creator's RPM (Revenue per Mille) increased significantly in 2025, from ₹160 in 2024 to ₹200, contributing to higher earnings despite fewer views.
• 😀 A significant part of the revenue came from sponsorships, with fluctuations due to the creator’s inconsistent video output, affecting the amount brands were willing to invest.
• 😀 The creator reflected on how the digital business model requires a balance between content output, audience engagement, and brand partnerships for sustainable growth.
• 😀 The creator is looking to expand in 2026 with a target of 72 videos (one every five days) and is also planning to launch a course or workshop based on community feedback.
• 😀 A key challenge for the creator is the mindset required for success in the digital space. They emphasize that infrastructure and money are not the main barriers, but the ability to create valuable content is.
• 😀 The creator encourages viewers to experiment with monetizing the internet in 2026, challenging them to earn ₹10,000 in active income from platforms like blogging, podcasting, or freelancing.
• 😀 Despite the business side of things, the creator stresses the importance of maintaining a balanced life, with a focus on family, health, and hobbies, beyond just financial success.

Q & A

What was the main focus of the video in terms of content?

The video primarily focuses on the review and reflection of the creator's digital journey and achievements, particularly over the past year. It includes insights into subscriber growth, revenue generation, challenges faced, and the creator's plans for the future, particularly in 2026.

What significant milestone did the creator achieve in 2022?

In 2022, after 22 years of using the internet for services and spending money online, the creator made their first earnings from the internet at the age of 42.

Why did the creator's subscriber growth drop in 2025 compared to the previous year?

The drop in subscriber growth in 2025 was primarily due to the creator publishing fewer videos (39 videos in 2025, which is half of 2024's output). Additionally, disruptions, including a new project launch and personal burnout, led to less activity and less engagement on the channel.

What was the creator's primary source of revenue in 2025?

The creator's revenue in 2025 was mainly generated through two sources: YouTube advertising and brand collaborations/sponsorships.

What is RPM, and why is it important for the creator’s income?

RPM stands for 'Revenue Per Mille' (the amount of money a creator receives per 1,000 views). It is a key metric that influences the creator’s income, and in 2025, the creator’s RPM increased to around 200 rupees, which helped improve their advertising revenue despite lower viewership.

How much total revenue did the creator make in 2025, and how does that compare to previous years?

In 2025, the creator earned a total revenue of approximately 41.5 lakh rupees, which included 7.72 lakh rupees from YouTube advertising and 35 lakh rupees from brand collaborations. This revenue was lower than previous years due to the creator’s decreased video production and fewer sponsorship deals.

What challenges did the creator face in managing sponsorships and brand deals?

The creator faced challenges with sponsorship deals being inconsistent, with income varying significantly depending on the number of videos produced and the budgets available from the brands. There were also difficulties in balancing the authenticity of content with the commercial aspects of sponsorships.

What role did the creator’s collaboration with PowerUp Money play in 2025?

PowerUp Money provided the creator with a monthly retainer in exchange for producing six videos per month. The creator appreciated the flexibility in content creation and the long-term partnership with a brand that aligned with their values and work ethos.

What did the creator aim to achieve in 2025, and how did they fare?

The creator aimed to increase their video output and grow their community. However, due to burnout and other personal and professional challenges, they did not meet all their goals. The community project, in particular, was postponed due to the need for a larger team and more infrastructure.

What are the creator’s key plans for 2026?

For 2026, the creator plans to focus on producing 72 videos, one every five days, as part of their 'Learn on the Go' series. They are also exploring the launch of an online course or workshop, though the specifics are still in development. The creator is also focused on maintaining their flexible, experimental approach to their digital career.