YouTube Raises Monetization Requirements for New Creators

YouTube is raising the bar for creators who want to start earning money from their videos. 

The platform has announced new monetization requirements that will make it harder for new channels to qualify for advertising and subscription-based earnings.

Starting February 1, new creators will need 8,000 qualified watch hours within the past 12 months or 20 million qualified Shorts views within 90 days to become eligible. 

Previously, creators needed 4,000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views, along with 1,000 subscribers.

The change applies to creators trying to enter the YouTube Partner Program. Existing members will not be affected by the new entry requirements.

Shorts Creators Face Higher Pressure

YouTube is also changing the requirements for earning money through its Shorts Creators Pool. 

Channels will need to reach 10 million Shorts views within a 90-day period to continue receiving Shorts-related revenue.

Creators who fall below the threshold can remain in the YouTube Partner Program and continue earning from eligible long-form content. 

Their Shorts earnings can resume after they reach the required view count again.

This could create additional pressure for creators who depend heavily on Shorts. 

Maintaining consistent views may become more important than simply producing an occasional viral video.

Why YouTube Is Raising the Bar

YouTube says the changes reflect the platform’s rapid growth. 

Shorts now receive more than 200 billion views every day, while viewers watch more than one billion hours of YouTube content on televisions each day.

The company is also expanding its more affordable Premium Lite subscription to additional markets. 

Creators can receive a portion of subscription revenue based on how much members watch their content.

For new creators, the updated YouTube monetization requirements mean that building an audience may take more time and effort. 

Creating useful content, maintaining a regular publishing schedule, and encouraging viewers to return will become increasingly important.

Creators should also avoid relying entirely on one format. 

Combining Shorts with longer videos can provide more opportunities to grow an audience and generate revenue.

Conclusion

YouTube’s new monetization requirements make the path to earning money more challenging for new creators, especially those focused on Shorts. 

However, the changes do not remove opportunities for creators who consistently produce valuable content. 

Building a loyal audience, maintaining steady engagement, and using different video formats can help creators work toward monetization and build a stronger presence on YouTube.