YouTube Empowers Creators with Lower Eligibility Requirements for Monetization

YouTube has taken a significant step towards supporting content creators by reducing the eligibility requirements for its YouTube Partner Program (YPP), making it easier for creators to monetize their content. This move comes as part of YouTube’s commitment to empowering creators and fostering a thriving creator community.

Under the new conditions, creators are now required to have a minimum of 500 subscribers, three public uploads in the last 90 days, and either 3,000 watch hours in the past year or 3 million Shorts views in the last 90 days. Previously, the requirements were set at a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours in the past year or 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days.

Meeting the new threshold allows creators to apply for the YouTube Partner Program, granting them access to a range of monetization tools. These tools include Super Thanks, Super Chat, Super Stickers, channel memberships, and the ability to promote merchandise through YouTube Shopping. By expanding the availability of these features, YouTube aims to provide creators with more opportunities to generate revenue from their content.

Relevant Read: YouTube Partner Program paves new methods for content creators to earn revenue on the platform

While the updated eligibility criteria offer greater accessibility, one notable aspect is the requirement for three video uploads per 90 days. This criterion may present challenges for creators who produce longer videos and may not have enough material to upload multiple videos within the given timeframe, despite attracting a substantial number of views.

The new eligibility criteria are being implemented in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Taiwan, and South Korea, with plans for further expansion to other countries where the YouTube Partner Program is available.

In addition to the revised eligibility requirements, YouTube is expanding its Shopping affiliate program for U.S.-based creators who are already part of the YouTube Partner Program and have over 20,000 subscribers. This expansion enables these creators to tag products in their videos and Shorts, earning a commission from resulting sales. Initially introduced for select U.S.-based creators in November, these shopping-related features have proven to be a valuable source of revenue generation.

YouTube is set to share more details and discuss these new programs at the upcoming VidCon conference, further emphasizing its commitment to supporting creators and fostering their success.

YouTube has been actively introducing new monetization tools for Shorts creators. In February, the platform began sharing ad revenue with creators for Shorts, showcasing its dedication to nurturing the growth of this popular content format. During the Q4 2022 earnings call, YouTube announced that Shorts had achieved an impressive milestone of surpassing 50 billion daily views. This places it in direct competition with Meta’s Reels feature, which recorded 140 billion daily views across Instagram and Facebook.

In its continuous efforts to empower creators, YouTube introduced Creator Music, a tool that allows artists to earn money by allowing their music to be used in videos. Furthermore, YouTube introduced a new metric in March to track an artist’s reach across various formats, including Shorts, providing a comprehensive measurement of their impact and success.

With these recent updates and initiatives, YouTube remains at the forefront of providing creators with an expansive platform to showcase their talent, connect with their audience, and thrive in the digital landscape.