YouTube announces new monetization eligibility criteria, making it even more challenging for some of the new creators to make money.
YouTube’s creator monetization policies are shifting and will make it much more difficult for new creators to monetize their videos and Shorts with ad revenue sharing.
Online video platform YouTube announced changes to the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), which are the criteria creators must meet in order to be able to monetize their videos through advertising.
The adjustments will affect smaller creators particularly, especially those who have been using YouTube Shorts, with view and watch-time requirements being increased for qualification.
But YouTube said that current members of the Partner Program will not be affected.
YouTube Double monetisation requirements.
The most significant changes are for creators seeking to participate in YouTube’s advertising revenue-sharing program.
YouTube VP of Creator Product Amjad Hanif stated the updates were to ensure that revenue-sharing rewards those creators who consistently help users engage with their video content.
The new requirements go into effect Feb. 1.
More Watch Hours for Long-Form Creators.
If you’re creating traditional YouTube videos, you’ll now need:
8,000 qualified watch hours for the past 12 months.
At least 1,000 subscribers
Creators used to need to have not only:
4,000 qualified watch hours
1,000 subscribers
The rise has implications for new creators, who will need double the engagement from their audience to generate ad revenue.
It may take months or years to achieve thousands of hours of view time for many of the smaller channels.
This means it will be tougher for shorts creators.
Creators that mostly focus on short-form videos may experience the most significant change.
YouTube Shorts emerged as one of YouTube’s hottest content types, directly challenging TikTok and Instagram Reels.
But now, to monetize Shorts, they will have to perform much more.
Creators will need:
20,000,000 qualified Shorts views in 90 days
1,000 subscribers
The former criteria were:
10 million views of Shorts in 90 days
1,000 subscribers
This will double the threshold for creators who want to monetize via Shorts revenue sharing.
For short, it will take a consistent performance to monetize.
YouTube is also changing how creators can keep their access to Shorts monetization.
Earlier creators with the qualification had the ability to keep earning despite their poor performance in Shorts.
Creators of Shorts will have to keep up with under the new system:
10 million Shorts views every 90 days
He said they could lose eligibility for Shorts revenue if they don’t maintain that level.
YouTube explained, however, that creators can continue to monetize longer video content as long as they are not opting out of the Partner Program.
Why YouTube is upping its requirements.
The updates are a response to the creator economy’s rise, YouTube has said.
The platform now has about 3 million creators who are part of the Partner Program, which in previous years had less competition for monetization.
With increased requirements, the company believes that it will ensure that revenue is allocated to creators who are continually publishing engaging content.
Since the launch of the permanent Shorts revenue-sharing model in 2023, the Shorts ecosystem has also undergone a significant transformation, YouTube claims.
YouTube is keen to see evidence of sustained audience engagement from creators who earn payouts as their Shorts views can swing wildly.
The Challenge for Smaller Creators
YouTube thinks the adjustments will help enhance the top quality of its monetization system, but some creators are worried the new guidelines will make it more difficult to grow.
Some of the difficulties small creators are already having are:
Increasing competition
Algorithm changes
Lower organic reach
Challenges to monetize views
The changes could make monetization “much, much tougher” for smaller channels, according to creator Austen Tosone.
In fact, it is really hard for many new creators to consistently get millions of views on their Shorts.
One great video might be enough, but under the new system, a viral video could be required.
YouTube finds its way beyond of advertising.YouTube goes beyond advertising.
In addition to tougher criteria, YouTube claims it will offer creators more earning potential.
There are more monetization options on the platform, such as:
Incentive-based milestone payouts
Shopping bonuses
Trend-based earning opportunities
YouTube has stated that it would like creators to have a variety of income streams and not just ad revenue.
It’s a general trend throughout all social media platforms.
Other companies are also testing new creator payment models to keep influencers engaged, such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
For future creators, this is what it means.
The new requirements point towards a more professional creator economy at YouTube.
The platform is focusing on creators who can produce the following:
High engagement
Returning viewers
Strong audience loyalty
Regular content performance
To make it big for new creators, they will need more than a once in a while viral video.
Creators might need to work on:
Establishing a niche that is clearly defined.
Establishing regular upload times
Developing loyal communities
Using multiple revenue streams
YouTube is now a new reality for monetization.
As one of the most powerful platforms for creators, it is getting more and more competitive to join the YouTube monetization program.
The platform is encouraging creators who can sustain an audience, instead of those who achieve quick viral growth.
The takeaway for creators is:
Though a viral moment can attract attention, regular audience growth is the key to long-term earning potential.
