Content Creation

YouTube or Blogging: Which Is Better for Making Money Online?

Should you start a YouTube channel or a blog to make money online? In this guide, I break down the pros and cons of each, how they actually make money, and which is the better choice depending on your skills and goals.

When I first started learning about online business, one of the big questions I had was whether to focus on YouTube or blogging. Both seemed like great ways to build an audience and earn money, but they looked completely different on the surface. Video vs writing, cameras vs keyboards, ad revenue vs affiliate links.

The truth is, both YouTube and blogging can work. The “better” option depends on your strengths, your goals, and how you want to show up online. In this guide, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each, how they make money, and how to decide which path makes sense for you.

Why Compare YouTube and Blogging?

Both YouTube and blogging are content creation platforms. You create something once, it gets published, and ideally it keeps bringing in viewers or readers over time. This is very different from freelancing or e-commerce where your income is tied to constant effort.

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If you’re new to content creation, you might also want to check out my Content Creation & Digital Products Hub, which covers the bigger picture.

How Blogging Works

Blogging is all about writing articles and publishing them on your own website. The goal is usually to rank in Google search results so people find your posts when searching for answers.

How Blogs Make Money

Affiliate marketing: Recommending products and earning a commission.
Ads: Display ads from networks like Google AdSense or Mediavine.
Digital products: Selling ebooks, courses, or templates.
Services: Offering consulting or freelancing through your blog.

Pros of Blogging

Low barrier to entry, all you need is a website.
Evergreen traffic from Google.
Great foundation for affiliate marketing.
You own your platform (no algorithm can ban your site).

Cons of Blogging

Takes time for posts to rank in Google.
Competitive in popular niches.
Requires consistent publishing for momentum.

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If blogging sounds interesting, you’ll want to read my guide on Best Website Builders for Beginners to get your site set up.

How YouTube Works

YouTube is the world’s second-largest search engine, right behind Google. Instead of writing, you create videos that people search for, watch, and share.

How YouTube Channels Make Money

Ad revenue: Through the YouTube Partner Program (requires 1,000 subscribers + 4,000 watch hours).
Affiliate marketing: Links in video descriptions.
Sponsorships: Brands pay to be featured in your content.
Digital products or services: Promoting your own offers.

Pros of YouTube

Massive potential audience.
Videos can go viral and reach people fast.
Builds trust quickly. Viewers feel more connected through video.
Strong opportunities for sponsorships and brand deals.

Cons of YouTube

Video editing takes more time and effort than writing.
Requires comfort on camera (or creative ways to avoid it).
Heavily influenced by algorithms.
You don’t “own” your platform. YouTube makes the rules.

YouTube vs Blogging: Side-by-Side

Factor	Blogging	YouTube
Startup Cost	Low. Domain + hosting	Low–medium. Camera, mic, editing software
Time to Grow	Slow (3–6 months for SEO)	Can be faster with viral videos
Monetization	Affiliate links, ads, digital products	Ad revenue, sponsorships, affiliates, products
Skills Needed	Writing, SEO, keyword research	Video production, editing, storytelling
Platform Control	High. You own your website	Low. Subject to algorithm and policy changes
Connection	Builds authority through writing	Builds trust and personal connection faster

Which Should You Choose?

Here’s the part I wish someone had told me early: you don’t have to pick “the best,” you have to pick the best for you.

Choose blogging if:

You enjoy writing more than speaking on camera.
You want to focus on SEO and long-term traffic.
You’re interested in affiliate marketing and digital products.

Choose YouTube if:

You enjoy video and want faster audience growth.
You’re comfortable (or willing to get comfortable) on camera.
You’d like to explore sponsorships or ad revenue.

Can You Do Both?

Yes, and many creators do. Blogging and YouTube complement each other well. A blog post can become a YouTube script, and a YouTube video can be transcribed into a blog. This way, you build two traffic streams at once.

That said, if you’re starting from zero, I recommend focusing on one platform for at least six months. Building consistency is tough if you’re splitting energy too early.

My Take

Personally, I started with blogging because it felt safer. I could hide behind the keyboard and focus on writing. Over time, I realized video builds connection much faster, so I’ve been experimenting with YouTube too. If you’re nervous about putting yourself out there, start where you’re most comfortable, but keep in mind that combining both can be powerful.

Final Thoughts

So, YouTube or blogging: which is better for making money online? The truth is, both can work, and both have their own strengths. Blogging is slower but gives you more control and great long-term potential through SEO and affiliate marketing. YouTube can grow faster, creates strong audience connections, and opens doors for sponsorships.

Start with the platform that plays to your strengths, commit to it for a few months, and don’t be afraid to branch out later. The important part is to start creating.

👉 Next steps:

If you lean toward writing, read my SEO and Keyword Research Guide.
If video excites you, check out my Content Creation & Digital Products Hub for monetization strategies.