Monetization Challenges Faced by YouTubers

The rapid growth of YouTube as a digital platform has transformed content creation into a viable career option for millions worldwide. However, monetization on YouTube remains complex, uncertain, and highly competitive. This paper reviews existing literature on the monetization challenges faced by YouTubers, focusing on issues such as algorithm dependency, income instability, demonetization policies, brand reliance, and platform governance. Drawing on theories of platform capitalism and digital labor, the study highlights structural inequalities embedded within the creator economy. The paper also identifies critical research gaps, particularly in relation to regional disparities and long-term sustainability. The findings suggest that while YouTube offers significant earning potential, it simultaneously imposes systemic constraints that challenge its viability as a stable career path.