What “Making Money on YouTube” Means in Nigeria
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It means earning income from your YouTube channel through various sources: AdSense ads, brand deals/sponsorships, affiliate marketing, merchandise, paid promotions, etc.
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Because of differences in ad rates, viewer location, and what brands are willing to pay, what “making money” means can vary a lot. Some YouTubers make tens of thousands of Naira per month, others make millions.
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Also, “making money online” includes passive income like ads continuing after you upload, and income from off‑YouTube sources triggered by your channel (e.g., brands contacting you, affiliate links in description).
Why These Nigerian YouTubers Succeed
Before listing the YouTubers, here are common traits many of them share. These are part of how they make money well.
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They have large subscriber counts and consistent viewership. If people keep watching, earnings go up.
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They pick niches that appeal to many people: comedy/ skits, lifestyle, beauty, cooking, food, travel, etc.
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They diversify income: not just ad revenue, but sponsorships, product placements, brand ambassadorship, merch.
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They invest in content quality: decent video/ audio, editing, thumbnails.
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They promote their content outside YouTube (social media, collaborations).
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They understand their audience; content is often relatable, local, or speaks to what many Nigerians care about.
List of 10 Nigerian YouTubers Earning Online & How They Do It
Here are 10 Nigerian YouTubers, what they make, and how they make it. Some numbers are estimates based on public info. These can change over time.
| YouTuber | Main Channel Focus | Monetization Methods | How They Do It / What They Are Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Angel | Comedy skits (short comedy films), featuring Emmanuella etc. | AdSense, sponsorships, brand deals, live events | He makes short comedic videos often with children, very shareable. Big volume of views + big subscriber base. Brands pay him for promotions. |
| Broda Shaggi | Comedy skits, character comedy | Ads + brand deals + acting / shows | Very lively, funny characters. Good thumbnails, personality. Also endorsements, events. |
| Taaooma | Skits, comedy, social commentary | Ads, sponsorships, brand collaborations | Popular for acting and creative skits. Brands in lifestyle, beauty etc collaborate. |
| Edith (Editorial Natural Beauty 556) | Beauty, natural products, wellness | AdSense + brand sponsorships + affiliate marketing | She focuses on natural beauty tips. Affiliate & partnerships with beauty brands. |
| Sisi Yemmie | Food and lifestyle content | Ads, sponsorships, content partnerships | Recipes, lifestyle stories, family life; brands in food, kitchen, lifestyle. |
| Mr Funny (Oga Sabinus) | Comedy skits, stand‑up, comedic content | Ad revenue, brand deals, live shows / appearances | Big following for skits; uses social media heavily; monetizes audience trust. |
| Dimma Umeh | Beauty, lifestyle vlogging | Ads, brand endorsements, sponsored content | Fashion & beauty content; brands in cosmetics, beauty tools, lifestyle engage her. |
| Lasisi Elenu | Comedy & satire skits | Ads + sponsors + character work | Unique comedy voice; strong style. Sponsors want to reach his engaged audience. |
| Chef T (Tolani Tayo‑Osikoya) | Cooking / food / recipes | Ads, brand ambassadorships (food brands), content monetization | Known as “Diary of a Kitchen Lover.” She works with food companies, cooking tools, recipe books etc. |
| SamSpedy (Samuel Oluwafemi Asubiojo) | Comedy sketches, character content | Ads, sponsorships, brand deals | Creates funny content, often viral; uses persona “Mama Ojo”. Brands like local businesses, entertainment, media collaborate. |
(“Known For” data is based on public sources up to 2025; actual income & methods may have changed by 2026.)
How They Monetize: Ads, Sponsorships, Merchandise, etc.
Here’s a deeper look at how these creators make money—what each monetization stream involves, and how these YouTubers make use of them.
YouTube AdSense (Ad Revenue)
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When viewers watch ads on their videos (pre‑roll, post‑roll, overlay etc.), creators earn a share.
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All these YouTubers are in YouTube Partner Program (YPP) or equivalent, which allows monetization.
What helps them earn more via ads:
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High number of views (especially many monetizable views).
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Videos of good length (so could host multiple ads).
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Good retention (viewers watch long enough).
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Audience location: viewers from countries or regions with higher advertiser demand pay more per view.
Sponsorships & Brand Deals
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Companies pay them to feature products/services in videos. Example: Chef T working with Knorr, PZ Cussons, Malta Guinness (food / consumer brands).
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For comedians like Mark Angel, Broda Shaggi, and Taaooma: brand deals with telecoms, apps, lifestyle brands.
Affiliate Marketing & Product Reviews
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Edith, for instance, uses affiliate links for beauty & wellness products. If viewers buy through those links, she earns commission.
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Others sometimes review tools or products and put links in description.
Merchandise / Product Lines
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Some may sell branded merchandise (T‑shirts, caps) or use their name in products. More common among those with big followings.
Live Events, Appearances & Secondary Income
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Comedians often get paid for live shows, acting, hosting events. Mark Angel, Mr Funny, Broda Shaggi etc.
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Public speaking, being host/judge in shows, brand ambassadorships.
Content Partnerships & Social Media Extensions
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Extending brand deals beyond YouTube into Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat etc. They earn from those platforms too.
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Sometimes brand content for web, TV, local media uses their YouTube fame.
What You Can Learn from Their Strategies
These creators’ stories show lessons you can apply.
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Consistency matters. Many upload regularly. Frequent content gives more opportunities for views + ad revenue + sponsorship.
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Niche + unique style helps. E.g., Mark Angel’s comedic skits with children; Taaooma’s style; Chef T’s food angle. They are not just copying others.
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Quality attracts brands. Even if they don’t start with high production values, over time they improve audio/video, thumbnails, editing. That helps sponsor interest.
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Build audience engagement. Replying to comments, asking questions in videos, making relatable content builds trust & loyal viewers.
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Make multiple income streams. They don’t rely only on ads. Sponsorship, merch, affiliate, live shows etc. help when ad revenue fluctuates.
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Branding and visuals. Good thumbnails, consistent persona / character / voice. Helps stand out.
Pros & Cons of Their Monetization Methods
When you look at what they do, there are advantages and disadvantages. Knowing both helps you plan better.
| Monetization Method | Pros | Cons / Challenges for New YouTubers |
|---|---|---|
| AdSense / Ad Revenue | Passive income once videos up; scale with views; works globally | Need high view count; low RPM if audience is mostly local; ad rates vary widely; requires meeting YouTube requirements |
| Brand Sponsorships | Can pay well; often fixed sums; boosts credibility; may involve free products | Hard to get early; brands look for big engagement or following; may require negotiation; may need professional approach |
| Affiliate Marketing | Good extra income; no inventory needed; can be inserted into content | Need trustworthy products; commissions may be low; earning depends on people buying; links may be blocked / not clicked often |
| Merchandise / Product Sales | Helps monetize fan loyalty; potentially high margins; branding boost | Requires design, managing fulfillment or merch platform; upfront cost; requires audience trust; logistics can be tricky |
| Live Shows / Appearances | Good income; publicity; brand building | Not every creator can do shows; need to be invited; may require investment; might distract from content creation |
| Extensions (social media, web, etc.) | Diversifies income; exposes content to new audiences | More work; different platforms have different rules; managing cross‑platform consistency can be hard |
How You Can Start Doing the Same (Step‑by‑Step)
If you want to follow in their footsteps, here’s how you can start:
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Pick your niche & style. Choose something you enjoy and can produce regularly (comedy, cooking, reviews, lifestyle etc.). Think about what Nigeria audience wants + what you’re good at.
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Start small & improve with time. Use your phone, free editing tools. As you gain subscribers and income, upgrade equipment, editing quality etc.
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Make content regularly. Set a schedule. It could be once or twice a week. Consistency helps build audience & shows algorithm you’re active.
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Focus on video engagement. Thumbnails, good titles, intro that hooks viewer; ask for comments, likes, shares.
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Meet monetization requirements. You need at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 public watch hours in many cases.
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Apply for YouTube Partner Program (YPP) & set up AdSense. When eligible, link your account, accept policies.
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Start seeking brand deals / sponsorships. Even with small audience, local small businesses may sponsor. Approach them with good proposals.
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Use affiliate marketing. Recommend products, tools related to your niche. Use affiliate links in descriptions.
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Explore merch or digital product if relevant. If you have design skills or can partner with someone.
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Reinvest in growth. Improve audio/video over time; maybe hire an editor, or buy better lighting; invest in promotion (social media, collaborations).
Comparison Table of Channels, Earnings & Methods
Here is a table summarizing some of the ten YouTubers and what monetization methods they use.
| YouTuber | Approx Subscribers / Reach* | Main Income Streams | Strength (What They Are Good At) | Weakness or Challenge for Them / Others to Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Angel | ~8‑9 million subs, billions of views | AdSense, Sponsorships, Brand deals, live events | Comedy, very shareable, big audience; global appeal | Needs continuous content; production & consistency must be high |
| Broda Shaggi | ~1.6 mil subs | Ads + Sponsors + Acting / entertainment events | Strong persona, comedic style, popular character | Pressure for high frequency; may need crew, editing costs high |
| Taaooma | ~1 million subs | Ads, Sponsorships | Unique style / comedy about culture; relatability | Keeping content fresh; staying relevant; ad rates vary |
| Edith | ~2.9 mil subs | Ads, Affiliate, Brand deals | Beauty / natural wellness niche; audience looking for product advice | Product authenticity; regulation; affiliate product trust |
| Sisi Yemmie | ~1 million subs | Ads, Brand partnerships | Food / lifestyle; recipes; audience connectivity | Food content often expensive; visuals & consistency matter greatly |
| Mr Funny (Oga Sabinus) | large audience (skits) | Ads, Sponsors, Appearances | Comedy; broad appeal; strong social media presence | Content production costs; keeping comedy fresh; managing public expectations |
| Dimma Umeh | ~500‑600k subs | Ads, Brand deals, Sponsored content | Beauty / lifestyle tips; fashion, makeup; visual content strong | Competition in beauty niche; product cost; content visually demanding |
| Lasisi Elenu | ~1 million subs | Ads + Sponsorships | Unique comedic voice; viral friendly content | Pressure to maintain uniqueness; ad rates for comedy low sometimes |
| Chef T (Tolani Tayo‑Osikoya) | millions of subs in cooking / food niche | Ads, Brand ambassadorship, food brand sponsorships | Food visuals, cooking appeal; large audience interest | Food production cost; video editing; ingredients cost; time heavy content |
| SamSpedy | ~2.7 mil subs | Ads, Brand deals | Comedy sketches; social relevance; regular uploads | Consistency needed; time‑cost of sketch production; keeping content clean / brand safe |
*Subscriber / reach numbers are approximate based on public sources and may change.
Summary Table Before Conclusion
| Key Lesson | What You Should Focus On | Benefit If You Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Niche + Unique Style | Choose a topic + style that stands out | Easier to attract audience & brands |
| Multiple Income Streams | Don’t rely only on ads | More stable income; less risk if one source dips |
| Consistency & Quality | Regular content uploads + good video/audio/thumbnails | Better watch time; audience loyalty; algorithm favor |
| Audience Engagement | Reply comments; ask feedback; talk in videos | Higher retention; repeat views; stronger brand |
| Promotion & Social Presence | Share videos on social media; collaborate | More exposure; new viewers |
| Good Branding & Visuals | Thumbnails, banner, editing style | More click‑throughs; professional image |
| Start Small, Reinvest | Use basic gear & tools, upgrade with profit | Lower risk; sustainable growth |
| Be Relatable & Local | Use local language, culture, topics Nigerians care about | Greater audience connection; shareability |
| Transparency & Trust | Honest reviews, good quality, clean content | Builds viewer trust; better for long‑term income |
| Adapt & Learn | Use analytics; try new content types; update skills | Helps you grow faster; avoid stagnation |
Conclusion
These 10 Nigerian YouTubers show that making money online via YouTube is possible—even from Nigeria. What they do differently is combining many income sources (ads, sponsorships, affiliate, brand deals), choosing content that many people want to watch, and working consistently. They invest in quality and engage their audience.
If you want to follow, you don’t need millions of dollars to start. You need:
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Passion + a niche you enjoy
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Basic equipment (phone, mic, decent lighting)
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Consistency in uploading
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Good thumbnails & titles
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Engage your audience & build trust
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Seek brand deals early; affiliate links even before big audience
Over time, earnings grow. Use their strategies but adapt to your style. With hard work, you too can be among successful Nigerian YouTubers.