YouTube Partner Program Requirements
To earn ad revenue on YouTube you need to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). There are two tiers, and each needs a subscriber count plus either watch hours or Shorts views. This guide covers the requirements, the application steps, and common mistakes. Use the calculator to see how far your channel is.
Tier 1 and tier 2 at a glance
| Requirement | Tier 1 (fan funding etc.) | Tier 2 (ad revenue sharing) |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | 500 | 1,000 |
| Long-form watch hours (last 12 months) | 3,000 | 4,000 |
| Or Shorts views (last 90 days) | 3 million | 10 million |
| Public uploads (last 90 days) | 3 or more | Not applicable |
How watch hours count
Watch time is the total time viewers spent watching your public long-form videos over the last 12 months. Private videos and videos you have deleted may not count, and Shorts watch time is not included in the long-form requirement. For example, a 3.5-minute average view with 12,000 views per month adds up to about 700 watch hours a month, so reaching 4,000 hours at that pace takes roughly six months.
Monetizing with Shorts
Shorts-focused channels can meet the requirement with public Shorts views over the last 90 days instead of watch hours. The subscriber requirement still applies. Shorts views come more easily, but note that earnings per view are much lower than long-form.
Application steps
- Sign in to YouTube Studio and open Monetization from the left menu.
- If you meet the requirements, choose Apply.
- Turn on 2-step verification and accept the terms.
- Link a Google AdSense account, or create one, and complete payment details and address verification.
- Your channel goes through review. It can take some time, and the result appears in YouTube Studio and by email.
- Once approved, ads can run on your videos and revenue starts to accrue. Payments are made once you reach the payment threshold.
Common mistakes
- Assuming revenue starts automatically. You must apply and pass review.
- Reused or repetitive content. Channels built on reposted or templated videos can be held back in review.
- Policy strikes. Copyright or community guidelines strikes can block an application.
- Wrong AdSense details. Mismatched name or address delays payments.
FAQ
How many subscribers do I need to be monetized on YouTube?
Tier 2 (ad revenue sharing) needs 1,000 subscribers, and tier 1 (fan funding and similar features) needs 500. You also need either the watch-hour or the Shorts-view requirement.
Can I monetize with only Shorts?
Yes. Meet the Shorts view requirement over the last 90 days (3 million for tier 1, 10 million for tier 2) along with the subscriber requirement.
Do I earn money as soon as I meet the requirements?
No. You must apply and pass review before revenue starts.
Which watch time counts?
Watch time on public long-form videos over the last 12 months counts. Shorts watch time is not included, and Shorts are judged on views instead.
Related guides
For monetization eligibility and combined long-form and Shorts earnings, use the YouTube Monetization Calculator.