Music

Monday, August 4, 2025

Veteran Creator Life: How I Monetize Every Platform I Use

 By Jeffrey Barkey

Actor | Veteran | Creator | Roblox Developer / Author

🧠 From Combat Boots to Content Creation

After serving in the military, life didn’t just slow down — it hit me with a different kind of war: PTSD, financial instability, and a constant search for purpose.

But instead of letting that weigh me down, I adapted. I took my skills, grit, and story — and turned them into content across multiple platforms.

Today, I monetize my journey. Here's how I’m building income across YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Blogging, Amazon, and Roblox — as a disabled veteran creator.

🎥 1. YouTube – Even Without 1,000 Subs

Even if you're not in the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), you can still make money:

  • Affiliate links in descriptions

  • Driving traffic to Amazon Influencer storefront

  • Repurposing Shorts on TikTok and FB Reels

🔗 Example: I post videos on acting, Jeep camper life, and game dev, then link to gear I use via Amazon.

    Experiment with different channels. I have three. Jeffrey Barkey (39) for Acting. Backyard Off-Grid (2,485 subscribers) for camping, diy, product review and survival. Then Backyard games (69) for my Roblox Dev content. Don't give up! 3-5 videos a week.

📱 2. TikTok – High Engagement, Fast Traffic

TikTok is where I build trust fast. With 2,400+ followers, I:

  • Link to my blog or storefront via “link in bio”

  • Showcase Amazon products, Roblox games, or content behind-the-scenes

  • Reuse Shorts from YouTube and Facebook

💡 Tip: Use trending audio + text overlays. One viral TikTok can explode traffic to your blog/store.

🧾 3. Blogging with AdSense + Amazon = Passive Income

My blog jeffreybarkeyactor.blogspot.com is monetized with:

  • Google AdSense ads 

  • Amazon Influencer links (earn a commission)

  • Product reviews and gear guides

✅ Example Posts:

  • How to Break Into The Acting Industry

  • Veteran Creator Setup Under $100

  • My PTSD-Friendly Daily Tech Setup

📈 These posts bring recurring monthly income, especially if ranked on Google.

🛒 4. Amazon Influencer Program – No Inventory Needed

As a creator, I don’t need to buy and resell — I just recommend products I already use.

💰 I earn commission every time someone shops through my:

🎯 Categories I focus on:

  • Acting gear

  • Creator gadgets

  • Jeep camper life

  • Roblox dev tools

🕹 5. Roblox Game Development – Creative & Profitable

I develop games on Roblox — like Land Mine Obby, Lava Tower Obby — and monetize through:

  • In-game purchases

  • Game passes

  • Dev-ex (Robux → USD)

Even simple games can earn big if promoted well.

🚗 6. Facebook Reels + Monetization

Facebook Reels are another income stream:

  • I repost Shorts + TikToks

  • Engage with veteran groups

  • Link to my blog or Amazon store

📌 Bonus: Facebook Content Monetization for all content(if eligible). Start receiving stars at 1000 followers.  

🔁 How I Repurpose Content Across Platforms

One video = 5+ monetization opportunities:

PlatformPurpose
TikTok        Build trust, go viral
YouTube Shorts        Drive to blog/storefront
Facebook Reels        Earn bonuses, expand reach
Blog        Longform SEO income
Amazon                            Direct product sales
Roblox        Game monetization

🛠 Tools I Use

Want to follow in my footsteps? Here’s my creator stack:


💡 Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need a Team

I don’t have a team or big production. Just a story, a phone, and drive.

If you’re a veteran, artist, or just someone trying to break free — you can do this too. Start with what you have. Build as you go.

Your life is content. Monetize it.

👇 Want to support my journey or build your own?

🛒 Shop My Amazon Storefront
📰 Read More on My Blog
🎮 Play My Roblox Game
🎥 Subscribe on YouTube

If you need inspiration I wrote a motivational mental health book called "Life After War" available on Amazon.




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