20+ Best YouTube Niches to Start a Channel in 2025 (High CPM & Low Competition)

Why is It Important to Choose a YouTube Niche?

We do not deny that your channel niche is not a constant variable that cannot be changed. On the contrary, you can go through the top YouTube niches before you find the one that suits you best. On the other hand, we do not recommend creators from our Mediacube MCN to change their content niches too often and radically. If the content topics are related, you will be able to form a clear and recognizable personal brand and avoid questions and bewilderment among your audience.

If you think that after quickly choosing a niche it’s already time to ask yourself how to monetize your YouTube channel, then slow down. In fact, choosing your niche is not that easy. By following some criteria, you can do it efficiently, without spending months (even years) developing in a niche that will not bring you the maximum profit you deserve. These criteria include:

• Creator’s country
• Number of competitors in the niche
• Target audience and its characteristics
• Creator’s experience in a specific niche
• Cost of content production in your niche

Having worked through all these issues, you will understand which YouTube niche will be the most successful for you. For example, a video from the “cars” niche will be much more expensive than a video from the movie review niche. So choose wisely.

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20+ Most Popular YouTube Niches

How about a selection of YouTube channel ideas for beginners? Or maybe you are an experienced creator who wants to radically change the subject of your channel? In any case, here’s a selection of YouTube niches with low competition, with real examples and references for those who are ready to invest in the development of their channel today. By the way, when you finally figure out the content niches, don’t forget to learn how to apply for a YouTube Partner Program, so that you can immediately start earning from your content.

1. Eco-friendly & Recycle 

• CPM: $8–$12
• Audience: Gen Z, Millennials
• Monetization: Sponsored videos, paid guides, affiliate marketing

Quite an unusual, but relevant in 2025 YouTube niche, which is worth paying attention to. Why? There is a simple explanation. In the past few years, social media have been full of videos on the topic of natural disasters, overconsumption of natural resources that are used to produce clothing/equipment, etc. Therefore, now more than ever, blogs that raise the topic of helping nature and recycling old things are relevant. So, you will not only cover relevant topics, give things a “second life”, but also make an impressive contribution to saving our planet.

Do such channels get impressive coverage? Undoubtedly: yes! It is not by accident that we include ecology in the selection of YouTube channel ideas, since more and more brands are joining the ecology movement and creating entire collections dedicated to helping nature and made from recyclable materials. For this reason, brands and advertisers are constantly looking for creators who could be good in presenting such a product organically.

2. Sport & Fitness

• CPM: $1.60–$10
• Audience: From 16 to 60
• Monetization: Sponsorships, paid training programs, affiliate links

Who doesn’t dream of becoming slim and athletic? It is this pain that has let brands make money for decades. And not only brands: there are dozens of channels with free workouts and nutrition plans. Can we include fitness in the top profitable YouTube niches if there are so many materials available for free? Of course, we can. Many popular fitness creators and trainers create both physical products (sports nutrition, fitness uniforms, training paraphernalia) and intellectual products (training courses, online marathons, guides and books). We can confidently call this channel focus one of the most popular YouTube niches, because physical attractiveness and sports will always be relevant among a wide range of viewers. 

Don’t believe us? Here’s an example of a popular creator in sports and fitness who is known all over the world.

3. How-to & Other Tutorials 

• CPM: $4–$25
• Audience: From 7 to 70
• Monetization: E-books, affiliate marketing

It is obvious that each of us uses tutorials on a daily basis. Why should you pay attention to this YouTube niche? If you are an expert on a topic and can simply explain the basics of a popular request in your expert niche, then the chances that you will gain popularity are close to 100%. Moreover, such channels often create their own courses and paid lessons that bring quite an impressive income to their creators. We are sure that even if you open your subscription list, there will definitely be at least one “How-to” channel there. Trends are literally filled with videos with the titles like “How to lose weight in 2 weeks”, “How to manage your money”, “How to make a ramen”, and so on. We look for answers to our questions in the format of such requests literally every day. Therefore, this is literally the most compelling reason to make videos of this format as often as possible. By the way, this format is suitable for both long videos and YouTube Shorts.

Based on the experience of the creators we work with, this niche has all the rights to be included in the list of most profitable YouTube niches among other YouTube channels. By the way, this niche is also suitable for those who want to start a faceless YouTube channel.

4. Travel Vlogs 

• CPM: $3.85–$7
• Audience: From 14 to 34
• Monetization: Sponsored videos, affiliate links, selling custom tours

In our opinion, one of the most interesting YouTube channel ideas. When COVID 19 broke out and traveling became really complicated, the number of travel channels has grown significantly. It is understandable: people’s interest in traveling will never change, and the possibility of “online travel” without leaving home sounds very tempting. Viewers can see different parts of the world in one day. Why can this niche be called profitable? Due to the large number of loyal and default-positive audiences, it will be initially easier for the advertiser to create a positive impression of their product if they buy advertising on such a channel. And if a creator wants to earn money without advertisers, they can create their own guide to picturesque places and establishments in different countries, as well as custom tours of countries. Here’s how you can monetize your hobby.

By the way, in this YouTube niche, it is not necessary to constantly travel abroad. You can start with videos from your hometown if you know some interesting places and facts. This way, you will attract even more tourists to your city and get even more prospects for cooperation. 

5. Cooking & Recipes 

• CPM: $2.50–$8
• Audience: From 25 to 45
• Monetization: Cookbooks and guides, sponsored videos, affiliate links

A great idea how creatively and usefully you can grow your YouTube channel both in long videos and in Shorts. Food will always remain one of the important parts of our lives. Let’s face it: zoomers are not as good at cooking as millennials. That’s why the younger generation is increasingly looking for recipes (even seemingly simple ones) on YouTube. Can this topic be considered one of the top YouTube niches? Well, the numbers speak for themselves. Here’s an example of a creator who surprises us not only with his recipes, but also with an impressive number of views on his videos.

6. Planning & Productivity Advice

• CPM: $5–$13
• Audience: From 18 to 35
• Monetization: Paid courses, mobile apps, affiliate marketing

Does it seem to you that the cult of productivity has come to an end? Well, you’re wrong. In fact, people have become even more interested in this YouTube niche. And it is clear why: time management has become a new valuable currency in the market of success. Therefore, literally every other person is interested in the topic of planning and optimizing their time. The choice of topics in this niche is quite extensive, which reduces the number of competitors: from business advice to a review of planning apps. One way or another, any of your content in this niche will definitely go viral in a fairly short period of time.

7. Psychology & Motivation 

• CPM: $12–$15
• Audience: Remote workers aged 18 to 34
• Monetization: Paid courses, meditation apps, sponsored videos

When, for example, creators ask themselves how much does YouTube pay for 1 million views and learn that high earnings can only be achieved through constant work, they will definitely need a motivational video (and not just one). In general, viewers always need a “motivational pill” in those situations when their internal strength is no longer enough. With the growth of social media and the number of videos with attributes of success (cars, brands, travel), we all strive for better performance in one thing or another. Why not become a living motivation for those who will definitely benefit from it? The peculiarity of this YouTube niche is that a video on literally any topic can become psychological or motivational with minor changes to the script. And you can bring your unique approach to this topic.

8. Scientific Experiments

• CPM: $2–$8
• Audience: From 10 to 28
• Monetization: Sponsored videos, paid educational products

We don’t know about you, but we are huge fans of channels with scientific experiments. Firstly, it looks unique and unusual. Secondly, videos from this YouTube niche are not so easy to repeat, so the competition in this area is small. Moreover, there are dozens of advertisers who will be happy to see their product in such a creative video format. Of course, there is a “but”: the production of such videos can be expensive and time-consuming. Nevertheless, this is an opportunity to create an unusual video, which would definitely stand out on YouTube. This channel topic cannot be included in the list of YouTube channel ideas for beginners, but if you are a creator who wants to upgrade your channel, then this solution is just for you.

9. DIY

• CPM: $5–$13
• Audience: From 12 to 60
• Monetization: Affiliate links, sponsored videos, selling guides and lessons

Back in the 2010s, viewers were crazy about DIY crafts that you can make without leaving your home. With the growth of upcycling and recycling, DIY has gained new popularity. Do you know how to make something custom from your old clothes? Share it. Have you assembled an interesting device that makes your life easier? Feel free to share it in the Shorts format. Believe me, you will have no equal in this YouTube niche if you share unique ideas. Moreover, not only your videos, but also DIY ideas can become a whole business in the future. Dozens of channels have already built their successful careers on this format. Why don’t you become the next pioneer of some new handicraft movement?

10. Fashion & Style

• CPM: $2–$50
• Audience: From 17 to 35
• Monetization: Affiliate marketing, sponsored videos, creating your own brand, paid guides

Although fashion is cyclical, it does not mean that you shouldn’t make content in this niche. Let’s agree with the possible opinion: there are quite a lot of stylists and fashion influencers. But if you analyze, you will understand that many of them are the same, and their content is boring and repetitive. Why don’t you bring creativity to this niche? It’s like with thumbnail ideas: it seems like all the ideas have long been used and everything is familiar, but when combining different elements, it is still possible to do something unique and new. The same thing with fashion: share your vision of style with the world and then you can successfully monetize your content. Moreover, there are many famous advertisers in the fashion industry who are looking for microbloggers right now. 

11. Quizzes & Mind Games 

• CPM: $3–$10
• Audience: From 18 to 45
• Monetization: Sponsored videos, paid quizzes, affiliate links

Another interesting topic from the most profitable YouTube niches. It may seem that channels of this kind are not popular. This is not true! Often, when people gather at home, they look for quizzes or games for a large number of people. Mostly, such games are paid, and if you create a free analogue, you will get a super loyal and constant audience on your channel. Moreover, in the future, you will be able to create paid games that will sell better due to the formed personal brand. Of course, the path to developing such a channel is far from fast. Nevertheless, it can be interesting and teach you a lot of things.

12. Finances 

• CPM: $12–$40
• Audience: From 25 to 47
• Monetization: Affiliate marketing, sponsored videos, paid courses

Quite a serious topic for a channel, right? We get your doubts: finances and all monetary matters are more often talked about on TV. With the growing popularity of the fintech sphere and the growing influence of the Internet on money, we are increasingly thinking about smart investments in cryptocurrency and other financial investments. But how can you find reliable, verified information about new financial trends? Of course, through an expert on YouTube. However, it is important to double-check the reliability of the information, since recently there have been more and more cases of fraud in the cryptocurrency sphere. In any case, if you are interested in the topic of finance and know how to properly present the material, then it’s time to focus on this YouTube niche. Moreover, in recent years, more and more fintech apps have appeared that need advertising. Who knows, maybe they will become your future advertisers.

13. IT & Programming  

• CPM: $7–$30
• Audience: From 17 to 35
• Monetization: Paid courses, affiliate links, sponsored videos

If you ask any of your friends in what area they want to get quality hard skills and work with them, you will definitely hear the answer IT. Why? Not all of us immediately understand that we want to learn a new programming language when entering a university. But it is the IT sphere that allows you to quickly learn something new remotely and immediately start working. So, where do you get that “quality knowledge”? Again, from YouTube creators. Sometimes experts from large companies run their own channels to pass on knowledge and be part of one of the most profitable YouTube niches. Moreover, the competition is really small, since such experts are not always inclined to shoot videos for YouTube.

14. Art Lessons 

• CPM: $5–$13
• Audience: From 13 to 60
• Monetization: Selling lessons/courses, affiliate links

Surely you know Bob Ross and his painting tutorials. And a couple of years ago, it seemed that the drawing sphere was not so interesting and profitable on YouTube. In our opinion, the less popular the topic, the higher the probability of making a breakthrough in this YouTube niche. Drawing lessons, life hacks from the art world and other creativity that your creative flair is capable of… Give free rein to your imagination and you will discover a new world of unusual content that not only calms viewers after a hard day at work, but also inspires new ideas. We do not guarantee that you will quickly become the new Aivazovsky, but we assure you that you will be able to monetize such content.

15. Book and Movie Reviews

• CPM: $2–$8
• Audience: From 15 to 35
• Monetization: Sponsored videos, affiliate links, merch, and paid selections

Do you often find yourself looking for a new movie or book for the evening, but can’t find a suitable option on your own? Sure you do. In this case, creators in the cinema and literature niche come to the rescue. Does it seem that this is not profitable at all? But it is. With an abundance of paid services for watching movies and listening to audiobooks, creators of this YouTube niche will definitely not go unnoticed by both the audience and advertisers. After all, before watching something for a fee, viewers will probably watch a free review and make sure whether it is worth spending their money or not. There are no restrictions on the format in the niche, so you can shoot both long videos and Shorts: both formats can find their way into the Recommendations.

16. Gaming

• CPM: $1.40–$6
• Audience: From 15 to 37
• Monetization: Sponsored videos, donations, affiliate links

One of the YouTube channel ideas that is not only entertaining to watch as a viewer, but also interesting to film as a creator. It is no secret that games have always been a big part of the content on YouTube. It is unlikely that anything will change in the next 10 years. So, many creators earn not only from advertising deals with partners, but also through live streaming on YouTube and Twitch, where viewers are happy to donate to their favorite gamers. A big plus of this niche is that you can literally monetize your hobby. Isn’t that a dream-come-true?

17. Child Psychology and Parenting

• CPM: $4–$12
• Audience: From 28 to 40
• Monetization: Paid courses, author’s books, guides, affiliate links

Surely you remember how your parents read books on raising children in order to understand you better. Do modern parents do this often? We doubt that. Expert videos on child psychology have long replaced books. And you know what? They are really popular. Which is logical: a single video can replace a visit to a psychologist. If you really have high-quality personal experience or the right education, then feel free to monetize this YouTube niche. As a result, after building a reliable personal brand, you will be able to create your own information products and make your activities even more profitable. The main thing at this point is not to copy someone else’s work and not to violate the rules of YouTube Content ID.

18. Social Media/ Influencers News

• CPM: $3–$10
• Audience: From 13 to 30
• Monetization: Sponsored videos, affiliate links, merch

We all love to be up to date with the latest news. But it’s not that easy to keep up with them if you monitor each news portal yourself. Why don’t you become a news anchor yourself, on your channel? Although collecting news from social media and the lives of influencers can be a painstaking and difficult task, the result will definitely please you. Advertisers really love channels of this niche and are willing to cooperate with them. In addition to this, you will become recognizable among viewers and eventually be able to call yourself an influencer. And for this you don’t need to work on TV at all.

19. Goods & Services Review

• CPM: $4–$15
• Audience: From 18 to 35
• Monetization: Affiliate marketing, sponsored reviews, your own brand

We often see similar topics on TikTok. Recently, this niche has finally come back to life on YouTube. Remember: around 10 years ago, every creator made reviews of purchases or services and received even more audience loyalty. Will this YouTube niche soon become the most popular and profitable? Anything is possible, so quickly take it into service and start filming right now! For example, videos of a similar niche are now often found in YouTube Shorts. Therefore, there is a chance to quickly get into Recommendations if you film a short review in Shorts. 

20. Historical Videos

• CPM: $3–$8
• Audience: From 25 to 50
• Monetization: Sponsorship, merch

Leave all negative reactions to this phrase in the past: history can actually be interesting. But only if it is presented correctly and in a visually exciting way, of course. There are a couple of channels on YouTube that use this unique YouTube channel idea. They choose a certain time period and tell about its events through entertaining animation. It is not necessary to repeat this, creativity is always in high esteem. Maybe it is your presentation that will hook advertisers and viewers.

21. Cars

• CPM: $4–$12
• Audience: From 25 to 45
• Monetization: Sponsored content, affiliate programs

What does every man do before buying a new car? Watch a review on YouTube, of course. Another plus of this topic is that it is among the top YouTube niches with low competition. What is surprising: even despite the huge number of advertisers and other third-party opportunities to monetize your channel. There is a reason for this: such content is quite expensive to produce without the necessary connections and networking. If the latter point is your strong point, then feel free to join a new topic and amaze all users with your interesting content.

22. Pets & Animals

• CPM: $1–$5
• Audience: From 7 to 50
• Monetization: Sponsored videos, pet products sales, affiliate links

Who said that pets cannot be monetized? On the contrary, such a topic can be safely included in the list of top YouTube niches. Literally all people love to watch animals. Therefore, we can safely say that the target audience of such a niche is very extensive: from children to retirees. And, of course, it is obvious that one such video between work tasks can be a cool stress relief in the middle of the working day. Not only you and I understand this, but also advertisers, so they literally dream of appearing in a video of channels in such a niche. And you can also turn your pet into a whole brand or a media personality. Why not? It is important to say that in this YouTube niche, the creator’s country does not matter, since channels with animals are popular literally everywhere. It seems that every brand has shot at least one video using animals to increase coverage in social media and promote their products and services. It is clear why: cute animals always attract attention and, thus, sell the product.

23. ASMR

• CPM: $2–$10
• Audience: From 18 to 50
• Monetization: Sponsored videos, sale of original audio recordings, donations

If you are a frequent TikTok user, you already know how popular this niche is. Why not re-shoot it on YouTube? Some creators have already switched to YouTube or duplicate content on both social networks. One way or another, among YouTube Shorts users there will definitely be many who will watch your content on rewind for hours. And this is what will help you earn a lot… And much more!

In addition, you can shoot both long and short videos for YouTube Shorts. The thing is that there is an audience for each format: people can use long videos as meditation before bed, and short videos can serve as a tool for calming down in the middle of the working day.

Conclusion

Although there are quite a lot of niches, we are sure that you will be able to choose the one that will be interesting and profitable for you. Or now you can experiment with different niches, creating one of the new YouTube channel ideas, which we will write about in our Blog. And when you figure out the topic of your channel, it’s time to think about monetizing your content. The most convenient and fastest way to do this is with the MC Pay fintech app, just check it out.