YouTube Lowers Monetization Requirements for Small Channels (Only 500 Subs Required)

You no longer need 1000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours to get into the YouTube partner program.

What? 

Is that really true? 

Absolutely! 

YouTube has lowered the eligibility requirements to 500 subscribers,  3 valid public uploads in the last 90 days, and either 3000 valid public watch hours in the past year, or 3 million public Shorts views in the past 90 days. Once your channel meets these requirements, you’ll be able to unlock channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, Super Thanks, and the ability to promote your own products through YouTube shopping.

Later, I’ll share more details on what you need to join the Expanded YouTube partner program and where to apply.

Get My New Shorts Course: Mastering YouTube Shorts: The Complete Guide
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Another great feature is that you have access to the creator support team via live chat and email. Watch this video to learn how to get in touch with YouTube customer support. You’ll also be given access to the copyright match tool, which automatically flags copyrighted material you may use in your videos.

This is great news for small channels because it means you can start making money from your channel right away.

Currently, YouTube is rolling out these new features to the US, UK, Canada, Taiwan, and South Korea. As your channel grows, you’ll be able to unlock the ability to generate revenue through YouTube advertising and YouTube premium subscriptions.

Keep in mind the eligibility requirements to unlock revenue sharing for YouTube videos still requires 1000 subscribers and 4,000 public watch hours, or 1000 subscribers and 10 million valid public short views in the past 90 days.

Unfortunately, public watch hours from Shorts views in the Shorts feed won’t count towards 4,000 public watch hours.

What you need to join the Expanded YouTube Partner Program.

  • Besides the criteria which I mentioned perviously, you also need to follow YouTube channel monetization policies.
  • Have a channel based in Canada, Taiwan, South Korea, United Kingdom, or United States.
  • Make sure two step verification is turned on for your Google account
  • Have one active AdSense account that you’ll link to your channel.

Where to apply for the extended YouTube partner program

  • If you’re on your computer, sign into YouTube studio
  • Click on the earn link in the left hand column.
  • Click apply now to review and accept the base terms
  • Set up an AdSense account or link to an existing AdSense account.
  • When you’re finished, human reviewers will review your channel to make sure that you followed the policies and guidelines from YouTube. You can check the Earn section in YouTube Studio any time to see the status of your application and get notified when you’re eligible.

If you’re on an iPhone or Android device, tap the YouTube Studio mobile app on your phone, then tap Earn at the bottom menu and follow the prompts. Typically, it takes about a month.

Here’s a strong warning from YouTube…

YouTube may turn off monetization for your channel if you haven’t uploaded a video or post due community tab for 6 months or more. Therefore, stay active on your channel to keep making money.

Is it possible to still make money from YouTube channel if you’re not a YouTube partner and don’t have 500 or a 1000 subscribers? 

Absolutely watch this video for “10 ways to monetize YouTube channel without being a YouTube partner” 

You’d be glad you did.

Get My New Shorts Course: Mastering YouTube Shorts: The Complete Guide
Click here for more info

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