The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) allows eligible creators to monetize their content and access various YouTube earning features. If you're building a channel and want to make money from your videos, understanding the current YPP requirements is an important step.
YouTube has different eligibility levels, so reaching 500 subscribers can provide access to some monetization features, while the higher 1,000-subscriber threshold is required for ad revenue sharing.
Note
YPP requirements can change over time and some features depend on your country or region. Always check the Earn section in YouTube Studio for your channel's current eligibility.
What Is the YouTube Partner Program?
YPP is YouTube's official program for creators who want access to monetization tools, revenue sharing, creator support, and other benefits.
Being accepted into YPP doesn't automatically mean every monetization feature will be available. Different features can have their own requirements, and YouTube reviews channels to ensure they follow its policies.
The Basic Requirements
Before applying, your channel must meet several general requirements. YouTube currently requires creators to:
- Follow YouTube's channel monetization policies.
- Live in a country or region where YPP is available.
- Have no active Community Guidelines strikes.
- Turn on two-step verification for their Google Account.
- Have access to YouTube's advanced features.
- Have one active AdSense for YouTube account linked to the channel, or be ready to create one through YouTube Studio.
Meeting these conditions is important even if you've already reached the required subscriber and watch-time numbers.
The 500-Subscriber Level
YouTube's expanded Partner Program provides earlier access to certain monetization features in eligible countries.
Creators can qualify with:
- 500 subscribers
- 3 valid public uploads in the last 90 days
- Either 3,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months or 3 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
This level can provide access to features such as fan-funding options and selected Shopping features, depending on eligibility and location.
The 1,000-Subscriber Requirement
For the full YPP threshold that can unlock revenue sharing from ads and YouTube Premium, you need to meet one of these two paths:
Long-Form Video Path
- 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 valid public watch hours during the previous 12 months
Shorts Path
- 1,000 subscribers
- 10 million valid public Shorts views during the previous 90 days.
Importantly, watch hours generated from views of Shorts in the Shorts Feed do not count toward the 4,000 public watch-hour requirement.
Warning
Simply reaching 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours does not guarantee acceptance. YouTube reviews your channel to determine whether it follows its monetization policies.
What Counts as Original Content?
YouTube expects monetized channels to follow its monetization policies. Your content should provide meaningful value and should not simply reuse other people's material without sufficient originality or transformation.
Think beyond simply meeting the numbers. A channel with original, useful, entertaining, or informative videos is in a much stronger position during the review process.
How Do You Apply?
Once your channel becomes eligible, you can apply through YouTube Studio.
Go to YouTube Studio → Earn → Apply Now. You'll need to review and accept the relevant terms and set up or link an active AdSense for YouTube account. Your channel then goes through YouTube's review process.
You can monitor your eligibility and application status through the Earn section of YouTube Studio.
What Can You Earn From?
Once you're accepted and meet the requirements for individual features, YouTube can provide several monetization options.
These can include:
- Advertising revenue
- YouTube Premium revenue
- Channel memberships
- Super Chat
- Super Stickers
- Super Thanks
- Shopping features
The exact features available depend on your eligibility, location, and the applicable YouTube programs.
For example, YouTube currently states that partners who accept the Watch Page Monetization Module receive 55% of net ad revenue from ads on eligible public videos, while the Commerce Product Module provides 70% of net revenues from channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks.
Final Thoughts
Getting into the YouTube Partner Program is about more than reaching a subscriber target. You need to build an active channel, create original content, follow YouTube's policies, and meet the appropriate eligibility requirements.
Start by focusing on valuable videos and a consistent upload strategy. As your channel grows, monitor the Earn section in YouTube Studio so you know which YPP milestone you're working toward.