YouTube has become more than just a video-sharing platform, it’s now a powerful source of income for thousands of Nigerians. You name it; tech reviews, comedy skits, music, tutorials, and vlogs, content creators are now turning their passion into profit.
But making money on YouTube isn’t automatic. You need to meet specific requirements, understand how YouTube pays, and comply with tax laws both internationally (especially from the US) and locally in Nigeria.
This guide will walk you through how to set up YouTube monetization in Nigeria, how to receive payments, and what you must know about tax implications and compliance in 2025 and beyond.
1. Understand What YouTube Monetization Means
Monetization means allowing YouTube to place ads on your videos or offering paid services like channel memberships, Super Chats, or YouTube Premium revenue. When you turn on monetization, you earn a share of the money advertisers pay YouTube.
2. Meet the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) Requirements
Before you can monetize your content, you need to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). As of 2025, these are the main requirements:
- Have at least 1,000 subscribers
- Have at least 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months, OR 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days
- Live in a country where YPP is available (Nigeria is eligible)
- Have a linked Google AdSense account
- Follow all of YouTube’s monetization policies
Once you meet these criteria, you’ll be eligible to apply for monetization.
3. Apply for the YouTube Partner Program
Once you’re eligible, here’s how to apply for the monitization:
Step 1: Go to YouTube Studio
- Visit studio.youtube.com
- On the left-hand menu, click Monetization
Step 2: Review and Accept Terms
- Click Apply
- Accept the YouTube Partner Program Terms
Step 3: Set Up AdSense
- Create or connect a Google AdSense account
- AdSense is where YouTube pays for your earnings
Step 4: Wait for Review
- YouTube will review your channel manually
- If you follow the rules and meet the numbers, you’ll get approved (usually within a few days to 2 weeks)
4. Set Up Your Google AdSense Account (Important for Nigerians)
To receive payments in Nigeria, you must:
Use Accurate Personal Details
- Use your real name (as it appears in your bank account)
- Add a valid Nigerian address
- Add a phone number and verify it with a code
Banking Information for Wire Transfers
- Nigerian YouTubers are paid via wire transfer
- Provide your bank name, SWIFT code, and account number
- Ensure your name matches across AdSense and your bank account
Important Tip: Use a domiciliary account (USD) or Naira accounts that accept wire transfers.
5. Enable Monetization Features on Your Channel
Once accepted into YPP, go back to YouTube Studio:
- Enable ads for your videos
- Choose the types of ads you want to allow (skippable, non-skippable, display, etc.)
- Enable Super Chats, Memberships, and Merch Shelf (if eligible)
6. Understand Your Revenue Sources
As a Nigerian creator, you can earn from:
- Ad Revenue – ads shown on your videos
- YouTube Premium Revenue – when premium users watch your content
- Super Chats & Super Stickers – during live streams
- Channel Memberships – fans subscribe monthly
- Merchandise Shelf – if you sell branded products
7. YouTube Payment Threshold
Google AdSense pays monthly, but you must meet a $100 threshold before payments are released. If you earn below $100, it rolls over to the next month.
Payment Schedule:
- Earnings for a month are finalized around the 10th–14th of the next month
- Payments are typically sent between the 21st–26th of the month
8. Tax Implications for Nigerian YouTubers (VERY IMPORTANT)
a. U.S. Withholding Tax for Non-U.S. Creators
Since 2021, Google requires all non-U.S. creators (including Nigerians) to submit tax info in AdSense.
If you don’t submit, up to 24% of your total YouTube earnings may be withheld.
But if you do submit your W-8BEN tax form properly, only earnings from U.S. viewers will be taxed at 30%, or reduced to 10% under the U.S.–Nigeria tax treaty.
Steps to Submit U.S. Tax Info (W-8BEN Form):
- Go to Payments > Manage Settings in AdSense
- Click United States tax info > Add tax info
- Select Individual > W-8BEN
- Fill your legal name, Nigerian address, and foreign TIN
- Choose Claim tax treaty benefits and select Nigeria (10%)
- Submit and sign electronically
b. Nigerian Tax Compliance
YouTube income is taxable under Nigerian law.
- If you earn income online, you’re required to register with FIRS
- You may need to pay Personal Income Tax (PIT) or Company Income Tax (CIT) if you register your brand as a business
- The Finance Act 2020 & 2021 includes provisions for digital service taxation
Best Practices:
- Keep detailed earnings records
- File taxes yearly
- Consider registering your YouTube business with CAC Nigeria
- Consult a tax professional for accurate advice
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using fake names in AdSense (causes payment issues)
- Not submitting U.S. tax form (leads to higher withholding)
- Clicking on your own ads (violates policies)
- Uploading reused or copyrighted content
- Violating community guidelines
Any of the above can get you demonetized or banned permanently.
10. How to Grow Your Channel for Monetization Success
- Post consistently (at least once a week)
- Focus on a niche (tech, finance, entertainment, etc.)
- Use proper SEO (titles, descriptions, tags)
- Create eye-catching thumbnails
- Encourage viewers to like, comment, and subscribe
- Engage with your audience in the comments
Monetizing YouTube in Nigeria is a real and achievable opportunity, but it takes effort, patience, and understanding of both platform rules and local/international tax systems.
By following this step-by-step guide, setting up your AdSense properly, and staying compliant with tax regulations, you can build a long-term, profitable YouTube career right from Nigeria.
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