Yes, YouTube likes can be an important factor in making money on YouTube. While having more YouTube views is certainly a great way to increase revenue, the number of likes and subscribers also play a role in determining how much money someone can make from their YouTube videos.
A higher like count on your video content demonstrates that you have an engaged fanbase and social media success which will attract brands looking for influencers.
Additionally, having many YouTube subscribers, YouTube likes, or YouTube comments means that viewers are more likely to share your content with others, thereby increasing the reach and viewership of your channel. This increased viewership brings even more ad revenue to YouTube creators and helps to ensure their continued success. That is all YouTube Partner Program stands for, to make your YouTube engagement keep going. In conclusion, likes and subscriptions both play an important part in helping creators earn money through their YouTube ventures.