TRYIT
YouTube monetization requirements
To join the YouTube Partner Program you need 1,000 subscribers plus either 4,000 public watch hours in the last 12 months or 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days. Watch hours from Shorts views in the Shorts feed do not count toward the 4,000 hours (YouTube Help, checked 2026-10-15).
The two ways to qualify
| Path | Subscribers | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Long-form | 1,000 | 4,000 public watch hours in the last 12 months |
| Shorts | 1,000 | 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days |
Either one is enough. Select Get notified in the Earn area of YouTube Studio and YouTube emails you once you qualify.
Examples
| Channel | Can it apply? |
|---|---|
| 1,200 subscribers · 4,500 watch hours in 12 months | Yes, through the long-form path. |
| 900 subscribers · 9,000 watch hours in 12 months | Not yet. It needs 1,000 subscribers first. |
| 3,000 subscribers · 4 million Shorts views in 90 days · 500 watch hours | Not yet. It needs 10 million Shorts views or 4,000 watch hours. |
| 1,500 subscribers · 12 million Shorts views in 90 days | Yes, through the Shorts path. |
What does not count
- Private, unlisted and deleted videos
- Views and watch time from ad campaigns
- YouTube Shorts watch time (the 4,000 hours are long-form public videos only)
- Livestreams that are unlisted, deleted or not kept as a video
Making a video private or deleting it removes its watch hours too, so be careful when tidying up your channel while you are still working toward the threshold.
Before you apply
- Follow the YouTube channel monetization policies.
- Live in a country or region where the YouTube Partner Program is available.
- Have no active Community Guidelines strikes.
- Turn on 2-Step Verification for your Google account.
- Have access to YouTube's advanced features.
- Have one AdSense for YouTube account linked, or be ready to set one up in YouTube Studio.
How to apply
- Open the Earn area in YouTube Studio.
- Select Apply and accept the base terms.
- Set up or link an AdSense for YouTube account.
- When the review step shows In progress, your application is in.
How long does review take?
YouTube says it typically takes about a month. If your first application is not accepted, you can appeal within 21 days or re-apply after 30 days; after a second rejection, you can try again after 90 days.
After you are approved
Dropping below the thresholds later does not remove you right away, but YouTube may turn off monetization on channels that have not uploaded a video or posted for 6 months or more.
What changes on February 1, 2027
YouTube is introducing updates to the YouTube Partner Program from February 1, 2027. Channels that already monetize need to review and accept the updated terms in YouTube Studio by January 31, 2027 to keep monetizing fully. Check YouTube Help for what changes.
How much could you earn?
Put your daily views into the YouTube money calculator for a rough range. If you are aiming for 10 million Shorts views, start from the Reels and Shorts trends to see which topics are taking off.
YouTube can change these rules. Check the latest on YouTube Help before applying. This guide reflects the page as checked on October 15, 2026.
Can I monetize with Shorts only?
Yes. With 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days you can apply with Shorts alone.
Does Shorts watch time count toward 4,000 hours?
No. Watch hours from Shorts views in the Shorts feed do not count toward the 4,000 public watch hours.
Is monetization automatic once I qualify?
No. You apply yourself, and YouTube reviews the whole channel against its policies before approving it.
Where do I check my progress?
In the Earn area of YouTube Studio, which shows your subscribers, watch hours and Shorts views against the thresholds.
What changes in 2027?
YouTube is updating the YouTube Partner Program from February 1, 2027. Monetizing channels need to accept the updated terms in YouTube Studio by January 31, 2027.
Will I lose monetization if I drop below 1,000 subscribers?
Not right away. Monetization can be turned off for policy violations or after 6 months or more without uploads or posts.