How Many Subscribers to Get Paid on YouTube
Subscriber requirements for YouTube monetization
Quick Answer:
You need 1,000 subscribers
But that's not the only requirement...
Complete Requirements:
- ✓ 1,000 subscribers
- ✓ PLUS either:
- 4,000 watch hours in the last 12 months, OR
- 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days
Why 1,000 Subscribers?
YouTube uses this threshold to ensure:
- You're creating content people want to follow
- You're committed to the platform
- You understand community guidelines
- You have an engaged audience (not just random views)
Do Subscribers = Money?
No. Subscribers don't directly pay you. You earn from:
- Ad revenue (based on views, not subs)
- Channel memberships (from paying subscribers)
- Super Chat & Super Thanks
- Sponsorships (subs help, but views matter more)
Can You Get Paid with Fewer Subscribers?
Not through YouTube's Partner Program. But you can:
- Use affiliate links (no subscriber requirement)
- Sell products/services directly
- Work with sponsors (some work with smaller channels)
Average Timeline to 1,000 Subscribers:
| Posting Frequency | Average Time |
|---|---|
| Daily | 3-6 months |
| 3x per week | 6-12 months |
| Weekly | 12-24 months |
After 1,000 Subscribers - What's Next?
- 30,000 subs → Channel Memberships unlock
- 100,000 subs → Silver Play Button
- 1,000,000 subs → Gold Play Button
Related Resources
- YouTube monetization requirements - Complete YPP criteria
- How many views to get paid? - View requirements explained
- YouTube Earnings Calculator - Calculate your potential earnings
- How YouTubers make money - Beyond ad revenue
- How much YouTube pays for 1,000 views
- How many views to make $1,000?