How Much Money Did I Make Vlogging On YouTube In 2023? Was It Worth It?

[@mb692100]

Hey North Star... You earned every penny of that $2,557.06. Vlogging is hard work, like carrying a second job along with you while you're hiking. And you did it and built your channel without making appeals to the lust of the eyes, without glorifying the use of alcohol, and by keeping your videos "clean" so that they can recommended to any parents for their young children to watch. Now that's the kind of KZbin sensation and social media influencer we need more of.

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thanks Blenn! I appreciate it! Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@Sadie04074]

Good summation!

[@darrellsheffield8283]

We vote for more hiking and outdoor related videos!

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thanks Darrell!!

[@mb692100]

There's an invisible gift under your Christmas tree. Hey, North Star... This Christmas may come with a little extra sweetness for you that otherwise would not be there were it not for your AT thru hike and channel. For underneath your Christmas tree will be an invisible gift. Though you won't see its contents with your eyes, you will feel them in your heart, deep down in your soul where feelings are nourished and sustained. In that invisible gift box will be... respect, appreciation, admiration, and a recognition of not only what you accomplished in your thru hike, but who you are as a person...your character, the essence of North Star... real and spontaneous, genuine and unpretentious. All the elements that have made you one of the most beloved thru hikers on KZbin and all sent with care from more that 5,500 confirmed Audreyites. I suspect that in the days ahead, when the way is hard, pressures are heavy, answers are few, and the call of the trail is overwhelming, that the contents of that invisible gift will sustain you, warm your heart with gratitude and remind you that the source of that invisible gift, the source of all our gifts, is the One whose birth we celebrate on Christmas day. Merry Christmas, North Star.

[@AudreyGibson573]

Merry Christmas, Blenn! I always look forward to reading your comments.

[@jamesadams2334]

North Star, your A.T. videos were incredible. So open, so honest, so teaching, I began wanting to see more almost immediately. Please keep up the good work and I hope that you get the chance to do more hiking. I loved the fact that you were so open about your hardships and hard times. The difficulties that you suffered thru, you put out there for all to see and it made your videos seem like we were hiking with you. Thank you and good luck with the future. As far as Trail Magic goes, I throw a St. Patrick's Day party ( March 16, 17, and 18) for the new class of hikers at Gooch Gap. I've done it every year since 2003. We usually end up with around 20 hikers and 10 Alumni overnight for the party. Gooch is about day three for most hikers and it is just about at the point where the hikers start wondering what they got themselves into. We have a good time, usually serve hotdogs or pizza and in the mornings donuts and the Alumni hang out, answer questions and help raise the confidence of the new thru hikers. Hope you can make it. geek

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you for the nice comment, geek! That is really special what you do at Gooch Gap! I hope you have a Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@jamesadams2334]

Merry Christmas to you and your family also.@@AudreyGibson573

[@chriscon8463]

Your videos are great, Audrey! You’re an inspiration to your students & us novice hikers, too. I’m not sure how much work goes into each video, but I bet it’s a ton! Hopefully that extra income helps offset things a bit.

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you, Chris! I appreciate it.

[@chriscon8463]

@@AudreyGibson573 also…Merry Christmas!

[@amerphoto1]

So happy that you began receiving compensation for your videos! I followed quite a few vlogers on the AT and you definitely had one of the best video series. I will be following a few this year as they start north, but I will always look for our “Audrey, North Star”with the most beautiful smile!

[@AudreyGibson573]

That is so so nice of you! I appreciate you following along! 😊 Happy Holidays!!!

[@amerphoto1]

Happy Holidays to you and your family Audry! @@AudreyGibson573

[@cb750k1974]

$2,557. Hooray!

[@AudreyGibson573]

Yeah!

[@cbhelo]

Really enjoyed your AT documentary. You deserve every penny.

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you! I appreciate that.

[@hikingheatherb]

I hope i am blessed to be a recipient of your trail magic on my 2024 AT thru-hike. May your New Year be filled with peace and joy.

[@AudreyGibson573]

That would be so cool!!! Best of luck to you!

[@dannymcclendon1105]

Congrats! You were one of my favorite hikers on the AT in 2023. I really like your wall background collection of your accomplishments! I hope you keep making videos! Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you, Danny!! Your comment made my day! Merry Christmas to you as well! 🎄

[@randypeterson4146]

Congratulations North Star 🙌🙌...You do such an awesome job with your vlogging..It's been our pleasure to have found your channel😊

[@AudreyGibson573]

I appreciate it, Randy!

[@gabriele1975]

Congratulations! Not too shabby of a paycheck. But I know you worked for it.

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you, Gabriele!

[@jasonjones5213]

Congrats! Nice to be making a little money doing something you love.I remember your April fools joke.My heart dropped.But it was funnier than hell.

[@AudreyGibson573]

Hahahaha I think I tricked a lot of people that day! 🤣

[@1jrcarreto]

Merry Christmas!

[@AudreyGibson573]

Merry Christmas to you!

[@АлександрПавленко-ъ9ж]

👍👍👍👍👍🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@user-zl6cl1ql3n]

You get more Beautiful everytime I see you. Another great video. Take care

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you for the nice compliment!

[@trlwlkr]

So glad to hear that you’re making some cash with your videos. I think I have watched every video you have posted and I have enjoyed them all. Thank you for sharing your life and adventures with all of us. God bless and Merry Christmas!

[@AudreyGibson573]

I am so flattered and appreciative! Thank you for your ongoing support!!

[@Larry_M6790]

Congratulations Audrey! It definitely helps offset the cost of the trip. Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you Larry! Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@brianrhodes1114]

Glad you are getting some money out of all your hard work. I can easily see this increasing. We consider you a friend, even though we haven’t met in person. To us that is priceless!

[@AudreyGibson573]

I appreciate you and Michelle!!!

[@richardross7219]

Nice video. Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year. Good Luck, Rick

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you Rick! 🎄 Merry Christmas!

[@beckyumphrey2626]

My husband and I love.your channel. You are beautiful with a gorgeous smile. Merry Christmas.

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you Becky! I appreciate you guys watching. Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@MrMorton]

Your journey and videos have been wonderful! Thank you! I hope you have a beautiful holiday and a wonderful new year🎉 🌸🧡

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you, Mr. Morton!! Happy Holidays!!!

[@Woody.D828]

You are Awesome to be kind about the ugly comments -- I have a degree in Photography and the effort (along with the joys) for capturing -- editing and the management of production of video/vlogs are not easy tasks. -- Be Proud -- you are a Winner and very inspirational. -- Thanks - we have enjoyed you find the JOY in your JOurneY..!

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thanks Woody Dotson!

[@sarahbenyshek9572]

Cant wait to see more of your videos and have a merry christmas

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you Sarah! 😊 Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@wev2344]

Good for you! Teachers need that extra pay!

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you!

[@frolege1]

That was a great explanation .. thank you

[@AudreyGibson573]

😁

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

First of your videos I have seen. I hike the North Country Trail. I subscribed and liked your video.

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you, Rebecca! My hiking partner Stairmaster lives near the NCT!

[@joankline343]

Audrey I've really enjoyed following you on the Appalachian trail and was pleased to see that you were still traveling, having fun and enjoying life to the fullest. You're looking healthier and happier by the day. Thanks to you and your boyfriend for sharing your adventures with us. Congratulations on the money earned from KZbin! Your videos are always uplifting, encouraging, inspiring, wholesome and fun and you deserve that and more. I can't wait to see your skiing adventures with your brother. I'm sure that will be a blast. Thanks again for another great video! God Bless 💖

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you Joan!!! I’m looking forward to our adventure. Thank you for following along with my videos.

[@paavoviuhko7250]

I am still subscribed and I started at the beginning to watch your videos. A very enjoyable experience. I loved your humor and your relaxed attitude. Thanks for your sharing of the adventure.

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you for watching and commenting! I appreciate it.

[@DanJackson-nl5om]

Audrey, I have watched every single video since that awful day on your practice hike. I told my wife, “she will never make it!” I love it when people surprise me! I loved your vlog and cheered every one. My favorite was when you spotted the plane overhead and commented it was probably your dad. ( I am about his age). Thank you! P.S. Go ahead and marry Joe!

[@AudreyGibson573]

You’re the best, Dan! Thank you for your comment and following along. I’m glad I was able to prove you wrong. 😝 Give Remington some trouble on his channel from NORTH⭐️STAR haha

[@thislittlelifeaustin]

Heck yeah! 💥

[@AudreyGibson573]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@jprender823]

That $.06 put you over the top! 😅😅 Happy Holidays

[@AudreyGibson573]

😝 Happy Holidays! Thanks for watching!

[@TheJhtlag]

Hopefully, she'll invest that $.06 and watch it grow ;^)

[@jeannenimmo5]

Well, that's pretty cool - making a little 'scratch' while doing something enjoyable and, in some sense, epic, as well. Also, like the idea of you 'paying it forward,' so to speak, by providing trail magic for others. There's no better way to say 'thank you' to the Trail and its followers. Good holidays. Be well, stay safe. 🥾

[@AudreyGibson573]

I think we all feel called to give back after being spoiled time after time by trail angels! 💖

[@jonashenriksen2862]

Enjoyed your vlogs, funny and inspirational 😊

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you! I appreciate you saying that.

[@brentlarson9451]

Great job, North Star! Best wishes for the new year. 😊

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you, Patriarch! Happy New Year to you!!!

[@brentlarson9451]

⁠And Happy New Year to you as well, North Star!

[@tophatbanjo]

Wow, a whole year ago?? I remember that first video of yours. I remember when you had that run-in with the dead body and whatnot. I'll be starting at Amicalola on March 15th!

[@AudreyGibson573]

Omg, March 15?! That is so exciting!!! Maybe I’ll get to treat you to some trail magic.

[@tophatbanjo]

Heh! I'm taking my fiddle, so look for the guy with a fiddle, and I'll keep an eye out for you :)@@AudreyGibson573

[@rickemerick9618]

Looking forward to the trail magic videos.

[@AudreyGibson573]

I can’t wait to be back on the AT!

[@brg1965]

So interesting. Thanks for pulling back the curtain on this. Obviously not a way to pay the bills, but extra $ is always nice! I look forward to seeing your ski trip w your brother. Merry X-mas!

[@AudreyGibson573]

It was something I was curious about when watching other AT vloggers. Hopefully it helps someone gauge whether or not it would be worth it for them. Merry Christmas! 🎄 I appreciate you watching and commenting! 😁

[@gerrylo9359]

I like your channel. Thank you.

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you Gerry! I appreciate it.

[@tomellis3218]

I so enjoy watching your videos & look forward to seeing more whether life style, travel and/or hiking oh and not to forget cooking. ❤😊

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you Tom! Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@lindamoon8981]

Enjoy your video s Audrey. I’m glad you were able to earn some money doing what you love. How much do you think the 6 months of hiking cost you? You may have said in a past video, but I was just wondering how much it cost after deducting what you made. I’m glad you plan to keep on videoing your adventures!

[@AudreyGibson573]

I don’t know the exact amount, but I budgeted around $1,500 per month. It was nice to have the KZbin earning as a cushion.

[@youngAThart]

Congrats on the monetization! A lil extra change in your pocket never hurts, right? 👍

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thank you! It’s not enough to quit my job, but was pretty neat to have while on trail!

[@g.s.ballard]

Makin bank bro!

[@AudreyGibson573]

Hi Remi dawg! 🐾

[@g.s.ballard]

@@AudreyGibson573 fantastic 2023! I'm wishing you all the best in 2024!

[@xungnham1388]

Hey Northstar. Congratulations on that takehome. I'm...surprised that thru hiking videos have that high of a CPM. Usually when I look at channels across different domains, I usually use $4 CPM to estimate what they're making. I guess we're an above average spendy audience. Hopefully you can build on that from here. I've been watching all your videos; even while I was on trail. I realize its been a rather one-side form of sharing...Well, Happy Holidays. -Lighthouse

[@AudreyGibson573]

Lighthouse!!!! I hope you’re doing well. I miss your presence! Happy Holidays to you as well! 😁

[@tophatbanjo]

Audrey, now that you're done with the AT, you need to do something in your life that you can vlog and that people will want to watch! Hmm...I know! Learn to fly those small airplanes! You could film your lessons and you studying and your first solo and going on the required cross-country flights and stuff. That would be interesting to watch. I learned to fly in the 1970s, but that was before good cameras and a place to post film on, heh!

[@AudreyGibson573]

That’s ironic that you mention this… getting my pilot’s license is on my list!! 👀

[@tophatbanjo]

You could do it, it's not really that hard. It does cost a whole lot more than it did in the days I was doing it. I ended up with about 4,000 hours in 152s and 172s, I had a Bowers Flybaby for a while too that I flew around Alabama and the panhandle of Florida. My eyes are so bad now, I can't get a medical anymore. I know I can convert to a Sport Pilot rating and then a medical isn't needed, but I'd really not be comfortable taking anyone flying outside the pattern. Meh.

[@tracykooken2606]

Trail magic !!!! That's guna b way awesome !! Can't wait 2 c that 1 !! I wonder where and what 😳 😂. I'm not a ski guy but 4 u I'll watch 😅.

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thanks Tracy!!!

[@jacobrohlman1763]

Sugar momma!! Glad you made some compensation on the vids Northstar. -S’mores

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thanks S’mores! Hope you’re having an awesome holiday season!

[@stevewright2241]

Nice part is, it helped fund your AT trip.

[@AudreyGibson573]

For sure! So thankful for that.

[@Self_Proppelled]

The PCT is calling you! Daily vlogs will boost your income and you get months of lovely scenery.

[@AudreyGibson573]

I would love to do the PCT and CDT!

[@fredgarvin5964]

Thank you

[@AudreyGibson573]

Thanks Fred!

[@TroutWest]

$200 a month is really good for your channel size. A lot of "attractive" female outdoors/hiking/vlogging channels show a lot of booty and build up 100K+ subs pulling in $4K+ a month. You'll get there no doubt if you keep posting.... I've done pretty well between my patreon, and YT. I bought two Jeep Grand Cherokees, ($120,000) and taken a LOT of trips all on YT dime. It's worth doing.

[@AudreyGibson573]

I appreciate the $200/month!

[@TroutWest]

@@AudreyGibson573 Heck yeah, not bad at all.

[@trakyboy5128]

😂 ok now I'm truly laughing at the whole full circle thing 😅 !!! I meant that as sourcasm(🤭). I don't know if you know but there's a way to look up a YTer finances. And I think Feb 2023 (?) They started to " share Revenue " With its creators. I believe u keep 45% ....thus the WEE little bit U meantioned 😂. I feel VERY honored to be " on " ur channel Miss Audrey 👋🤗😂. The very best of wishes not just on the YT thing but the holidays also !!!!!! Ur awesome 😎

[@AudreyGibson573]

You know I’m just poking fun at you!!! I appreciate you following along! 😁

[@MikeM.nomiles]

Enjoyed them. Just dont figure out ur hourly rate for time spent editing, uploading,..... 😉

[@AudreyGibson573]

Hope you’re doing well, Mike! Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@MikeM.nomiles]

@@AudreyGibson573 same to you & Joe 🎄🎁

[@brooks8792]

How much is that per hour of work?

[@AudreyGibson573]

Oh man, it would be hard to figure! Lots of time spent editing, but worth it to have the memories from the trail.

[@brooks8792]

@@AudreyGibson573 Enjoying your work and hobbies is the most important thing. Congratulations on earning from something you love!

[@MikeM.nomiles]

Still here??

[@AudreyGibson573]

Still on KZbin! Just taking a break from social media.

[@KrunchDAV]

PLEASE pronounce the name Appalachian trail CORRECTLY! Thank you!

[@AudreyGibson573]

It’s not in me, Jerry!

[@KrunchDAV]

@@AudreyGibson573 😆