YouTube Monetization Rules Set to Change With Higher Requirements
YouTube is raising the entry requirements for ad revenue sharing from February 2027, with new creators facing higher watch time and Shorts view targets under the updated rules.
YouTube creators hoping to start earning money from their channels will soon have a tougher target to meet. The platform has announced changes to its YouTube Partner Program, increasing the requirements for new creators who want to qualify for advertising and YouTube Premium revenue.
The revised rules are scheduled to take effect from February 1, 2027. Until then, the existing requirement remains 1,000 subscribers along with either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the previous 12 months or 10 million valid public Shorts views in the previous 90 days.
Under the new system, creators applying for the higher level of YPP monetization will need at least 1,000 subscribers and either 8,000 qualified watch hours during the previous 365 days or 20 million qualified Shorts views within 90 days. This effectively doubles both major viewing targets compared with the current rules.
Shorts creators face a different challenge
The change is particularly significant for creators who depend heavily on Shorts. Reaching 20 million qualified views in 90 days is a much higher bar than the current 10 million view requirement.
YouTube is also changing the way Shorts monetization works for existing partners. From the new policy period, creators will need to maintain 10 million qualified Shorts views over a 90 day period to continue earning from the Shorts Creator Pool. Falling below that figure does not mean the creator is automatically removed from YPP, and other eligible revenue sources can continue.
YouTube says the changes are aimed at creating a stronger and more consistent creator ecosystem. The platform has also been tightening its focus on original and meaningful content, with reused and repetitive material already facing restrictions under its monetization policies.
Existing creators get some relief
The new entry requirements are mainly aimed at creators who have not yet qualified for the relevant advertising and YouTube Premium revenue sharing. Creators already in the YPP are not simply being asked to reach 8,000 watch hours or 20 million Shorts views to remain monetized.
YouTube is also keeping a lower entry level for features such as channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Thanks and certain shopping features. The current lower tier requires 500 subscribers, three public uploads in the previous 90 days and either 3,000 public watch hours or 3 million public Shorts views.
Why the change matters for new channels
For someone starting a channel today, the timing could make a difference. Creators who meet the existing requirements before the new rules take effect can qualify under the current threshold, while those still building their audience may have to work toward the higher targets after the deadline.
The change also puts more pressure on creators to build a regular audience instead of depending on one viral video. Long form creators may need to focus more closely on viewer retention, while Shorts creators will have to maintain a much larger volume of qualified views.
For anyone planning to build a YouTube channel as a source of income, the message is fairly clear. Subscriber numbers still matter, but consistent viewing and original content are becoming increasingly important for reaching and maintaining monetization.
