What I'm reading while I build
I'm not going to pretend I invented any of this. These are the sources I actually learn from. My own write-ups land here as they get written.
The vidIQ blog
Monetization requirements, subscriber benchmarks, niche research. The most consistently current source on how YouTube actually works right now.
Commission link. I may earn a commission if you sign up through it.
80 YouTube niches worth considering
Useful if you know you want to build something but haven't settled on what. Includes the low competition corners most people skip.
Commission link. I may earn a commission if you sign up through it.
Monetization beyond AdSense
Ad revenue is the smallest line for most creators. This covers what the rest of it actually looks like.
Commission link. I may earn a commission if you sign up through it.
Think Media
The most practical gear channel out there. Complete setups and budget ladders instead of isolated spec sheets.
What top creators changed in 2026
The shift toward content that compounds instead of spiking. Worth reading before you plan a content calendar.
YouTube Partner Program requirements
Straight from the source. Always check the official page before trusting anybody's summary, including mine.
These are external links to sources I find genuinely useful. The three vidIQ links are commission links: I may earn a commission if you sign up through them, at no cost to you. The others are not affiliate links, and nobody paid to be here.