YouTube Monetization Requirements 2024
Everything you need to know about joining the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and starting to earn money from your videos.
YouTube Partner Program Requirements
Getting accepted into the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is the first major milestone for any creator looking to earn money from their videos. YouTube offers two distinct paths to monetization, each designed for different types of content creators. Understanding which path suits your content strategy is crucial for reaching monetization faster.
Both paths share the same core requirements around policy compliance and account setup, but differ significantly in how you prove your channel's viability. The traditional path focuses on sustained viewer engagement through watch time, while the Shorts path rewards viral, high-volume content creation.
Path 1: Standard Long-Form Content
This is the traditional route most YouTube creators take. It rewards channels that can consistently hold viewer attention through longer-form content. The 4,000 watch hours requirement ensures your content isn't just getting clicks—it's keeping people engaged.
- 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months
- Follow YouTube's monetization policies
- Live in an eligible country
- Have an AdSense account linked
- Have 2-step verification on your Google account
Best for: Tutorial channels, vlogs, educational content, reviews, and any creator focused on building a loyal audience through quality long-form videos.
Path 2: YouTube Shorts
Introduced to compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels, this path is ideal for creators who excel at creating viral short-form content. The 10 million views threshold is high, but Shorts can rack up views much faster than traditional videos if your content hits the algorithm right.
- 1,000 subscribers
- 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days
- All other requirements same as above
Can you use both paths? Absolutely. Many creators combine both strategies—creating Shorts to drive discovery while building watch hours through longer videos. You only need to meet one path's requirements, but pursuing both can accelerate your timeline to monetization.
What Happens After You Qualify?
Hitting the subscriber and watch hour thresholds is just the beginning. Once you meet the requirements, you'll need to formally apply to the YouTube Partner Program and wait for YouTube to review your channel. This review process ensures your content aligns with YouTube's policies and advertiser-friendly guidelines.
The entire process from application to first payment typically takes 2-6 weeks, assuming your channel is approved on the first try. Here's exactly what to expect:
- Apply to YPP in YouTube Studio
Navigate to the Monetization tab and click "Apply." You'll agree to YouTube's terms and connect your AdSense account (or create one if you don't have it).
- YouTube reviews your channel (typically 1-4 weeks)
Human reviewers examine your content to ensure it follows Community Guidelines and advertiser-friendly policies. They look for original content, proper use of copyrighted material, and compliance with all policies.
- If approved, link your AdSense account
If you didn't link it during application, you'll need to connect your Google AdSense account. This is how YouTube will pay you.
- Set your ad preferences
Choose which types of ads you want on your videos (display, overlay, skippable, non-skippable, etc.). More ad types generally means more revenue.
- Start earning!
Ads will start showing on your videos immediately. You'll see earnings in YouTube Studio Analytics, and payments are issued monthly once you hit the $100 threshold.
Other Monetization Features & Their Requirements
Joining the YouTube Partner Program unlocks ad revenue, but it's just the start. YouTube offers additional monetization features as your channel grows, each with its own subscriber requirements. These features can often earn you more than ad revenue alone, especially for channels with highly engaged audiences.
As you hit certain subscriber milestones, new revenue opportunities become available. Planning for these features early can help you maximize your earnings as your channel grows. Here's what unlocks at each level:
Channel Memberships
Let your most loyal viewers support you monthly in exchange for exclusive perks like custom badges, emojis, and members-only content. This creates predictable recurring revenue that's often more stable than ad income.
- 30,000 subscribers (or 1,000 for gaming channels)
- Must be 18+ years old
Typical earnings: Channels with 50K subs average 100-300 members paying $4.99/month, or $500-$1,500 monthly recurring revenue.
Super Chat & Super Thanks
Viewers can pay to have their messages highlighted during your live streams and Premieres. Super Thanks extends this to regular video uploads, letting viewers show appreciation through tipping. Popular among streamers and creators who interact with their audience in real-time.
- Must be in YouTube Partner Program
- Must be 18+ years old
- Available during live streams and Premieres
Typical earnings: Active live streamers can earn $50-$500+ per stream from Super Chat, depending on audience size and engagement.
YouTube Premium Revenue
When YouTube Premium members watch your content (ad-free), you still earn money based on their watch time. This is calculated from YouTube's Premium subscription fees and distributed to creators based on how much Premium members watch your videos.
- Automatically eligible once in YPP
- Earn based on Premium member watch time
Bonus: Premium revenue often has higher RPM than ad revenue since there are no ad blockers reducing your income.
Merchandise Shelf
Sell your merchandise directly below your videos through YouTube's official merchandise shelf. This integrates with approved merchandise partners like Teespring, making it easy for viewers to buy your products without leaving YouTube.
- 10,000 subscribers
- Must be 18+ years old
Pro tip: You can sell merchandise at any subscriber count by linking to external stores in your description—this feature just makes it more prominent.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Tips to Reach Monetization Faster
Most creators take 6-12 months to reach monetization requirements, but with the right strategy, some hit it in 3-6 months. The key is understanding that YouTube rewards consistency, audience retention, and niche authority more than random viral hits. Here's how to accelerate your path to monetization:
Content Strategy
Your content approach is everything. Random uploads won't cut it—you need a deliberate strategy that builds watch time and subscriber loyalty simultaneously.
- Post consistently: Upload 2-3 videos per week on a set schedule. The algorithm rewards consistency, and viewers subscribe when they know when to expect new content.
- Create longer videos: 8-15 minute videos with strong retention accumulate watch hours faster than 3-minute videos. Don't pad for length—make every minute valuable.
- Focus on a niche: A channel about "everything" gets subscribers slowly. A channel about "budget travel in Southeast Asia" attracts a specific, engaged audience that watches more of your content.
Growth Tactics
Getting eyeballs on your content is half the battle. These tactics help you grow faster without relying purely on the YouTube algorithm.
- Optimize for SEO: Research keywords people actually search for. Use them naturally in your titles, descriptions, and tags. Tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ can help identify opportunities.
- Promote on other platforms: Share clips on Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Twitter. Drive your existing social media followers to your YouTube channel. Every view counts toward watch hours.
- Create playlists: Group related videos into series. When someone finishes one video, YouTube auto-plays the next in your playlist, multiplying your watch time per viewer.
Reality check: Most channels that successfully monetize post 50-100+ videos before hitting requirements. If you're at video 10 and not there yet, you're not behind—you're right on track. Keep going.