YouTube will tighten the rules for monetizing content on the platform. Starting February 1, 2027, creators who want to join the YouTube Partner Program will have to reach higher audience goals to start receiving money for the videos they publish.
YouTube changes monetization rules and doubles requirements to make money
YouTube will tighten the rules for monetizing content on the platform. Starting February 1, 2027, creators who want to join the YouTube Partner Program will have to reach higher audience goals to start receiving money for the videos they...
According to the new requirements, it will be necessary to reach at least one thousand subscribers and accumulate 8 thousand valid hours of video viewing in the last 12 months. Another possibility will be to reach 20 million valid views of Shorts in a period of 90 days.
- Currently, YouTube requires 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid hours of viewing over a year or 10 million views of Shorts in the previous 90 days.
- This way, the company will maintain the minimum number of subscribers, but will double the criteria related to the audience.
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According to the new requirements, it will be necessary to reach at least one thousand subscribers and accumulate 8 thousand valid hours of video viewing in the last 12 months. Another possibility will be to reach 20 million valid views of Shorts in a period of 90 days.
Currently, YouTube requires 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid hours of viewing over a year or 10 million views of Shorts in the previous 90 days. This way, the company will maintain the minimum number of subscribers, but will double the criteria related to the audience.
The change will also directly affect those who produce Shorts. To continue earning through the modality, creators will need to maintain the 10 million views mark every 90 days. Those who do not reach this level will remain in the Partner Program, but will no longer receive remuneration as long as they are below the target.
YouTube also creates requirements for already monetized channels
Changes will not be restricted to new participants. Creators who already make money on YouTube will also need to maintain a minimum level of activity and viewership.
According to the new rules, monetized channels will have to register at least a thousand hours of viewing per year or reach 1 million hours of viewing in Shorts.
YouTube, however, will allow creators to meet the requirement through posting frequency. Anyone who publishes at least two long-form videos or five Shorts every 90 days will be able to continue in the program even without reaching the established viewing goals.
Channels that stop publishing completely may be removed from the YouTube Partner Program.
YouTube bets on expanding Premium Lite
Despite the tightening of conditions for monetization, the platform believes that creators will continue to find opportunities to increase revenue.
One of the bets is the expansion of YouTube Premium Lite, the cheapest version of the platform's subscription. According to the company, the plan will be available in all markets where YouTube Premium is already offered.
“With these additional subscribers, content creators can expect higher earnings,” YouTube said when announcing the changes.
The new rules come into force on February 1, 2027 and will affect both those who want to start monetizing videos and creators who are already part of the Partner Program.
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