YouTube Monetization Requirements: How to Get Monetized

Monetization Overview

YouTube monetization means earning money from your videos. The primary path is the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), which lets you earn from ads shown on your content. But ad revenue is just one of several ways creators make money.

Getting monetized requires meeting specific thresholds. This protects the platform from spam and ensures advertisers that their ads appear on real channels with real audiences. Once approved, you unlock multiple revenue features.

Important: Do not try to shortcut these requirements by buying fake subscribers or views. YouTube detects this, and it can result in channel termination. See our guide on why fake growth destroys channels.

YouTube Monetization Requirements Checklist

To join the YouTube Partner Program in 2026, you need to meet ALL of these requirements:

• 1,000 subscribers on your channel
• 4,000 public watch hours in the last 12 months OR 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days
• No active Community Guidelines strikes on your channel
• Two-step verification enabled on your Google account
• Access to advanced features in YouTube Studio
• An AdSense account linked to your channel
• Live in an eligible country where the Partner Program is available
• Follow YouTube monetization policies and advertiser-friendly content guidelines

You can track your progress in YouTube Studio under the Earn tab. YouTube shows your current subscriber count and watch hour total.

YouTube Partner Program

The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is YouTube's official creator monetization system. Once accepted, you can earn from:

• Ad revenue: Earn a share of advertising shown on your videos
• YouTube Premium revenue: Earn when Premium members watch your content
• Channel memberships: Offer paid monthly memberships to your subscribers
• Super Chat and Super Stickers: Earn from highlighted messages during live streams
• Super Thanks: Earn from viewer tips on videos
• Shopping: Sell products directly from your videos and channel

For actual earnings numbers, see our guide on how much YouTube pays.

How to Apply for Monetization

Once you meet the requirements, here is how to apply:

1. Open YouTube Studio and click Earn in the left menu
2. Click Apply if you see that option (it only appears when eligible)
3. Read and agree to the Partner Program terms
4. Sign up for Google AdSense or connect an existing account
5. Set your monetization preferences (ad types you want to show)
6. Submit your channel for review

YouTube typically reviews applications within 2 to 4 weeks. During review, they check that your channel follows community guidelines and that your content is advertiser-friendly. Continue uploading quality content while you wait.

What to Do While You Wait

If you have not hit the thresholds yet, here is how to get there faster:

For Subscribers

• Create content that gives viewers a reason to come back. Series and recurring formats help.
• Ask for the subscribe after delivering value, not at the start
• Focus on your niche. Scattered content confuses potential subscribers.
• Check your subscriber conversion rate to see which videos convert best

For Watch Hours

• Improve retention so viewers watch longer
• Create longer videos if the content supports it (but do not pad with filler)
• Use playlists to encourage viewers to watch multiple videos
• Focus on evergreen topics that get views for months or years

For Shorts Views

• Post consistently. Shorts benefit from volume.
• Hook in the first second. Shorts viewers scroll fast.
• Link Shorts back to your long form content to build a fuller channel

Revenue Streams Explained

Here is how to make money on YouTube through different revenue streams:

Ad Revenue

Once in YPP, you can enable ads on videos. YouTube takes 45%, you keep 55%. Earnings vary widely by niche, audience location, and seasonality. Finance and business content typically earns more than entertainment.

Sponsorships

Brands pay creators to feature products or services. Does not require YPP. Rates vary from $20 per thousand views for small creators to much more for established channels. Always disclose sponsored content.

Affiliate Marketing

Promote products and earn commission on sales through your links. Does not require YPP. Amazon Associates is common, but many companies have affiliate programs. Works well for review and tutorial content.

Merchandise

Sell branded products through YouTube's merch shelf or external stores. Works best when you have an engaged audience who identifies with your brand.

Digital Products and Services

Sell courses, templates, coaching, or consulting related to your expertise. Often the highest earning potential for educational creators.

Affiliate Marketing Basics for Beginners

Affiliate marketing lets you earn before hitting monetization thresholds. Here is how to start:

1. Join affiliate programs related to your niche. Amazon Associates accepts most creators. Many brands have their own programs.
2. Mention products naturally in your content when relevant. Do not force it.
3. Add affiliate links in your video description with a clear disclosure
4. Tell viewers about the links in the video. “Links in the description” is sufficient.
5. Track what converts to focus on products your audience actually buys

Commission rates vary. Amazon pays 1% to 10% depending on category. Software and subscription services often pay higher percentages or recurring commissions.

Realistic Expectations

Be realistic about YouTube income:

• Most channels earn little: The median YouTube channel makes very little money. Reaching 1,000 subscribers is an accomplishment most creators never achieve.
• Ad revenue alone is rarely enough: Even with 100,000 subscribers, ad revenue might be $500 to $2,000 per month. Successful creators diversify.
• Niche matters: Finance and business content pays more per view than entertainment or gaming. Choose your niche wisely if income is a priority.
• It takes time: Building a sustainable income typically takes years, not months. Plan accordingly.
• Consistency compounds: Channels that upload regularly build audiences faster than those that post sporadically.

For specific numbers, see our guide on how much YouTube pays.

Monetization Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying fake subscribers or views: Gets your channel terminated. There are no shortcuts.
• Focusing only on ad revenue: Sponsorships, affiliates, and products often pay more. Diversify.
• Ignoring community guidelines: Strikes can delay or prevent monetization. Know the rules.
• Rushing content to hit thresholds: Low quality videos hurt your channel long term even if they get you monetized faster.
• Not disclosing sponsorships: Required by law in most countries and by YouTube policy. Always disclose.
• Expecting immediate income: Monetization is a milestone, not a destination. Keep improving.