Discover whether blogging or YouTube makes more money in 2026. Compare revenue potential, startup costs, traffic strategies, and realistic earnings for online side hustlers in the USA.
Choosing between blogging and YouTube can determine your online income. Both have high earning potential, but which side hustle suits you best depends on your skills, niche, and strategy.
Online side hustles are booming in the USA, and two of the most popular options are blogging and YouTube. Both can generate substantial income, but they operate differently, require different skills, and have unique revenue streams.
If you’re trying to decide which one to start in 2026, this article will compare earnings, startup costs, scalability, SEO, and monetization to help you make an informed choice.
Table of Contents
- Overview: Blogging vs YouTube
- Startup Costs and Setup
- Traffic and Audience Growth
- Monetization Methods
- Income Potential and RPM
- Pros and Cons
- Which One Should You Choose?
- FAQ
1. Overview: Blogging vs YouTube
Blogging is creating written content on a website, usually optimized for search engines. You can monetize blogs with:
- Affiliate marketing
- Display ads (Google AdSense, Mediavine)
- Sponsored posts
- Selling digital products
YouTube is a video platform where creators upload content for ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate links. Video content tends to:
- Capture audiences faster
- Increase engagement
- Require more time per piece of content
Both can build passive income streams, but the approach is different.
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2. Startup Costs and Setup
| Side Hustle | Initial Costs | Tools Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Blogging | $50–$200 | Domain, Hosting (e.g., Bluehost), WordPress, SEO plugin |
| YouTube | $100–$500+ | Camera/phone, mic, video editing software, lighting |
Observation: Blogging has lower initial costs and easier scalability, while YouTube may require better equipment and time investment upfront.
3. Traffic and Audience Growth
Blogging
- Relies on SEO and organic search traffic
- Takes 3–6 months for Google rankings
- Evergreen content can generate passive traffic for years
YouTube
- Traffic comes from YouTube search, suggested videos, and social shares
- Videos can go viral quickly
- Algorithm changes may impact reach
Key Insight: Blogging grows steadily over time, while YouTube can give faster spikes in viewership but requires consistent uploads.
4. Monetization Methods
Blogging
- Affiliate Marketing – Promote products and earn commissions. Finance, software, and health niches offer high RPM.
- Display Ads – Google AdSense or Mediavine; RPM ranges from $5–$50+, depending on niche.
- Digital Products – Ebooks, courses, templates. Once created, income is nearly passive.
- Sponsored Content – Brands pay for guest posts or reviews.
YouTube
- Ad Revenue (AdSense) – YouTube takes a cut; RPM typically $2–$20.
- Affiliate Marketing – Video descriptions can include product links.
- Sponsorships – Brand deals can pay $100–$5,000+ per video, depending on subscribers and engagement.
- Merch & Digital Products – Sell branded items or courses.
Observation: Blogging allows more control over revenue streams, while YouTube combines ad revenue with sponsorships for potentially higher short-term earnings.
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5. Income Potential and RPM
| Platform | Typical Part-Time Income | Advanced/Full-Time Income | RPM / CPC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blogging | $300–$2,000/month | $5,000–$50,000+/month | $20–$50+ |
| YouTube | $200–$2,500/month | $3,000–$30,000+/month | $2–$20 (ads) |
Key Insight:
- Blogging in high-RPM niches (finance, software) often earns more per 1,000 visitors.
- YouTube monetization relies on consistent content and views. Sponsorships can significantly increase earnings.
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6. Pros and Cons
Blogging Pros
- Passive traffic from SEO
- Low initial cost
- Evergreen content lasts for years
- High control over monetization
Blogging Cons
- Slower initial growth
- Requires strong writing and SEO skills
YouTube Pros
- Fast engagement and potential virality
- Builds personal brand quickly
- Less reliance on writing
YouTube Cons
- Requires video production skills and equipment
- An algorithm can affect the reach
- Lower RPM for ads compared to high-paying blog niches
7. Which One Should You Choose?
Ask yourself:
- Do you enjoy writing or speaking on camera?
- Do you want passive income or potentially faster growth?
- Are you willing to invest time in SEO or video editing?
Rule of Thumb:
- Blogging = steady, long-term passive income
- YouTube = faster engagement, higher brand-building potential
Many successful creators combine both — using blogs to boost SEO and YouTube videos to attract audiences.
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8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can beginners make money blogging or on YouTube?
Yes. Beginners can start with small affiliate commissions or ad revenue. Earnings grow as content and traffic increase.
Q2: How long does it take to make $1,000/month?
- Blogging: 6–12 months with consistent SEO content
- YouTube: 3–6 months if videos gain traction
Q3: Which platform has higher RPM?
Blogging in finance, software, or insurance niches usually has higher RPM than YouTube ads.
Q4: Can I do both blogging and YouTube?
Yes! Many creators repurpose video content into blog posts and vice versa, increasing reach and monetization.
Q5: Do I need a big following to start earning?
No. Even small, targeted audiences can generate income if you focus on high-paying niches and conversions.
Conclusion
Both blogging and YouTube can be highly profitable side hustles in 2026. Your choice depends on your skills, time availability, and content preference.
- Blogging is ideal for those who enjoy writing, SEO, and building long-term passive income.
- YouTube suits those who enjoy creating video content, building a personal brand, and engaging audiences quickly.
The best strategy may even be combining the two to maximize traffic, revenue, and brand authority.
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