"How have you paid them with your lifetime (whatever that means)?"
Occasionally I watch TV (the oldschool satellite thing) or drive around and see ads.
> Follow-up: If you like someone's YouTube content, how would you suggest they be compensated?
If they have a Patreon, I go that route sometimes... but generally: I don't. It's a hobby for me, if it's your business, it's on you to find ways how to monetize it, just like I have to do with my business :)