How to Become a Travel Vlogger and Get Paid?
After my last blog about How to Become a Travel Vlogger, two people asked me for advice on how to earn a living as a travel vlogger. I had to disappoint them when I pointed out that I am not doing these travel videos thing to earn money. And other folks ask me how much I get paid to do my videos.
Even though I have no idea how to earn a salary as a travel vlogger, I tried to put together some basic tips for all those looking to become full-time travel vloggers. For general information about travel vlogging, check out my travel vlog page.
Tips for Making Money as a Travel Vlogger
The truth is that I am not only not getting paid, but I am also losing money with every video because each piece of content takes hours off the life cycle of my equipment. But this is the case with every hobby. Whether you are playing football, collecting stamps, or hiking, if you are passionate about these things, it totally makes sense to invest in equipment to make these activities even more enjoyable, and over time you have to buy new gear. And in my case, it is fairly cheap equipment.
Making Money as a Travel Vlogger on YouTube with Ads
There are various ways to make money as a travel vlogger, but many require a certain reach. On YouTube, you need at least 500 subscribers and 3,000 hours of watch time before you can earn money directly through the platform. Then you can generate revenue from ads displayed on your videos.
Producing Sponsored Content as a Travel Vlogger
You can pitch yourself to organizations, or they approach you directly. Of course, they expect a certain added value, meaning you need to be able to reach their target audience. So, in the beginning, you should focus on building up an audience and establishing a clear profile.
I have no experience with sponsored cooperation, but I do contact people and work with them (though, again, I am not getting paid as a travel vlogger). For example, in my video about name seals in Taiwan, Sarah is running the show, and I found it an interesting story.
Get Donations: Ask to Buy Me a Coffee or Ultras
There are several options for receiving donations and support from your viewers. YouTube offers Supers and Memberships for premium content, and people can donate money even if you have not reached YouTube’s monetization requirements.
I have mixed feelings about this because, while travel vlogging is an expensive hobby and financial support is important, I am glad that I found a job, even though it limits my time for traveling in Taiwan. Thus, my content is 100% unsponsored and independent.
Especially in Taiwan and other Asian countries, it is not hard for a foreigner to get donations. Just Google “Begpacking” and you will get an idea. My perspective is that begging and asking for donations is seen here in Taiwan as a last resort, so a beggar really needs help, and helping him/her will make both of you better people. As a receiver of donations, people assume you will return the favor once you are back on your feet.
Final words about getting Paid as a Travel Vlogger
I think I am honestly the wrong person to ask, but I get asked about the money part a lot, so here is my (limited) knowledge of how you can make money as a travel vlogger. Travel videos have become a big passion of mine, and when it comes to Kinmen Island, I am glad to engage with you. So, do not be shy, and feel free to contact me.
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