How Video Creators Are Building Brands Without Relying on Ads

In the past, most video creators depended heavily on ads to earn money. YouTube ads, sponsored posts, and paid promotions were the go-to ways to make income. But things have changed. Today, many creators are building strong personal brands and earning a stable income without relying on ads at all.

In this blog, we’ll explore how creators are doing it, what tools they use, and why this approach is often more sustainable in the long run. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced content creator, this article will help you understand new ways to grow your brand in 2025 and beyond.

Why Creators Are Moving Away from Ads

1. Ad Revenue is Unpredictable

Ad earnings can change often. For example, one month your videos might earn a lot, and the next month, earnings can drop even if views stay the same. That’s because ad rates (CPMs) depend on advertisers’ budgets, trends, and algorithm changes.

2. Platform Rules Keep Changing

Platforms like YouTube or TikTok often change their rules and monetization policies. If you break a rule—even by mistake—your video might get demonetized. This can hurt your income.

3. Creators Want More Control

By relying less on ads, creators can have more control over their content and income. They can focus on building their own brand rather than pleasing advertisers.

What Does It Mean to “Build a Brand” as a Creator?

A personal brand is how your audience sees you. It’s built through your voice, content style, niche, and how you interact with your followers. A strong brand means people recognize your work, trust you, and are willing to support you—without needing ads in between.

For example:

• A fitness YouTuber who shares honest workout advice builds trust.
• A travel vlogger who tells unique stories gains loyal followers.
• A tech reviewer who explains things clearly becomes a go-to expert.

Building a brand makes your audience value you for you, not just for the content you post.

Smart Ways Creators Are Growing Without Ads

Let’s look at some of the most popular and successful methods creators are using today.

1. Selling Digital Products and Courses

One of the easiest and most profitable ways to earn money is by selling your own products. These can include:

• E-books
• Digital templates
• Online courses
• Photography presets
• Printable planners

For example, a cooking YouTuber might sell a downloadable cookbook. A productivity creator can launch a “Focus Masterclass.” You create the product once and keep earning from it over time.

Popular platforms:
Gumroad, Kajabi, Teachable, Podia

2. Offering Paid Memberships and Subscriptions

Creators are now building private communities where fans can pay for exclusive content. These memberships can offer:

• Behind-the-scenes content
• Live Q&A sessions
• Private chat groups
• Early access to videos

This model allows creators to earn steady monthly income without relying on any ads.

Tools used:
Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, Ko-fi, YouTube Channel Memberships

3. Building an Email List

An email list is one of the most valuable tools a creator can have. Social media platforms might come and go, but your email list is yours forever.

You can use it to:

• Promote your products
• Share helpful content
• Keep your followers updated

Why it works: Email has a higher engagement rate than social media and helps keep your audience close even if a platform changes its rules.

Popular tools: ConvertKit, MailerLite, Beehiiv

4. Creating Evergreen, Search-Friendly Content

Many creators now focus on making content that lasts a long time and brings in consistent views. This type of content is called “evergreen.” Examples include:

• Tutorials
• How-to guides
• Product reviews

These videos are often found through Google or YouTube search, bringing in long-term views and opportunities to grow your brand.

To plan videos more easily and visually, many creators are using tools like the best AI storyboard generator to organize their story ideas, scenes, and scripts. This helps save time and produce better-quality videos.

5. Launching a Personal Website or Blog

Having your own website or blog gives you more control. You can use it to:

• Share blog posts
• Host a digital store
• Display your work
• Collect emails
• Sell products

It’s a great way to grow your brand off social media and become more discoverable in search engines like Google.

Tip: Use SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to help your site rank higher.

6. Collaborating with Other Creators

Working with other creators can help you grow faster. These partnerships allow you to reach new audiences while staying authentic.

Collabs can include:

• Guest videos
• Podcast interviews
• Co-hosted webinars or events
• Co-creating digital products

This method builds community and helps you grow without needing ad promotions.

Real Examples of Creators Who Quit Ads

Ali Abdaal

Ali is a doctor-turned-YouTuber who now earns mainly through online courses, sponsorships, and digital products. He uses his brand to teach productivity and study tips—without depending much on ads.

Kelly Stamps

Kelly’s content is about minimalism and lifestyle. She built a loyal audience by being authentic and now earns through brand deals, merch, and memberships.

Thomas Frank

Thomas shares Notion tutorials and sells Notion templates that bring him a solid income. His brand is built on helpful content, and he uses YouTube to attract people to his store.

Helpful Tools Creators Use to Grow Their Brand

Here are some of the top tools that help creators build their business without ads:

What the Future Looks Like for Creators

In 2025, creators are more focused on freedom, ownership, and community. Ad-based models are no longer the only way to earn. People now follow creators for their personality and values, not just content

By building a brand based on trust and valuable content, creators can:

• Build long-term income
• Connect deeper with their audience
• Gain more control over their career

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to rely on ads to be a successful video creator. In fact, moving away from ads can give you more control, freedom, and long-term growth. By offering value through content, building trust with your audience, and using the right tools, you can create a strong personal brand that earns money on its own.