YouTube Monetization Changes: New Requirements Explained
YouTube has announced significant changes to its Partner Program monetization requirements, making it easier for smaller creators to start earning.
YouTube's updated Partner Program introduces tiered monetization with lower entry requirements. Creators can now access certain monetization features at 500 subscribers with 3,000 watch hours (or 3 million Shorts views), down from the previous 1,000 subscriber requirement. Full monetization with ad revenue sharing still requires 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours. The changes also expand Shorts monetization, with a dedicated revenue pool for short-form content. Additionally, YouTube is rolling out more monetization features including expanded Super Chat availability and member-only Shorts.
New Monetization Requirements
YouTube now offers two tiers of Partner Program access. The new lower tier requires 500 subscribers plus either 3,000 watch hours in the past 12 months OR 3 million Shorts views in the past 90 days. This grants access to Super Chat, Super Thanks, channel memberships, and the merchandise shelf. The full tier maintains traditional requirements: 1,000 subscribers plus 4,000 watch hours OR 10 million Shorts views in 90 days. Full tier access includes ad revenue sharing alongside all lower-tier features.
Shorts Monetization Updates
YouTube Shorts now has its own monetization pathway. The platform pools ad revenue from the Shorts feed and distributes a portion to creators based on their share of Shorts views. Creators receive 45% of this allocated revenue. While per-view earnings are lower than long-form content, Shorts' potential for massive view counts can result in meaningful revenue. The 3 million Shorts views path to partnership recognition also validates Shorts-focused creators alongside traditional long-form creators.
Additional Monetization Features
Beyond the threshold changes, YouTube is expanding monetization options. Super Chat and Super Stickers are now available to more creators at lower thresholds. Channel memberships have gained new features including member-exclusive Shorts and posts. The merchandise shelf integration has expanded partnerships with more print-on-demand and e-commerce platforms. YouTube is also testing additional revenue features including tipping, NFT integrations, and enhanced course/educational content monetization.
🎯 Why Influencers Should Care
Lower requirements mean faster path to earning revenue
New Shorts monetization validates short-form content strategies
Early access to features like Super Chat builds community monetization
Changes signal YouTube's commitment to supporting smaller creators
Understanding requirements helps set realistic milestone goals
🚀 Action Steps
Review YouTube Studio analytics to see how close you are to each tier's requirements. This helps prioritize your strategy.
If you're far from watch hour requirements, adding Shorts could provide an alternative path through the 3 million views threshold.
As soon as you meet lower-tier requirements, apply. Getting in the program early builds your monetization track record.
Once available, actively promote channel memberships. They provide recurring revenue more stable than ad-based income.
Use YouTube monetization alongside other income streams like brand deals and affiliate marketing for stability.