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 FrequencyAverage Time
Daily3-6 months
3x per week6-12 months
Weekly12-24 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

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