Looking to make money on YouTube with a monetized YouTube channel? Let’s see what it’s all about.
What Is YouTube Monetization?
YouTube monetization is the process of earning money through your video content on the platform. With billions of users and countless hours of content consumed daily, YouTube has become more than just a video-sharing site, it’s a legitimate income source for creators, brands, and entrepreneurs.
Monetization typically starts once you’re accepted into the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), which allows you to earn from ads shown before, during, or after your videos. But YouTube offers far more than just ad revenue. Creators can also generate income through features like Super Thanks and Super Chat, where viewers tip during live streams or on-demand videos, and channel memberships, which give fans access to exclusive content for a monthly fee. YouTube Premium revenue is another stream, paying creators when premium subscribers watch their content without ads. There’s also YouTube Shopping and the merchandise shelf, ideal for creators selling physical products or brand merch directly from their channels.
What are the YouTube monetization requirements?
To monetize your YouTube channel, you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). This program allows creators to earn revenue from ads, YouTube Premium views, memberships, Super Chat, and other monetization features. At the time of writing this article, the threshold to qualify includes having:
- At least 1,000 subscribers
and - 4,000 public watch hours in the past 12 months,
or alternatively, - 10 million Shorts views within 90 days.
Your channel must also follow YouTube’s community guidelines, have no active strikes, and be based in a country where the program is available, YouTube Partner Program availability. Two-step verification must be enabled on your Google account, and you’ll need to connect an approved AdSense account.
YouTube also offers a lower-tier monetization option that unlocks fan funding features earlier. To qualify for this level, you’ll need:
- At least 500 subscribers
- A minimum of 3 public video uploads in the last 90 days
- Either 3,000 watch hours in the past 12 months or 3 million Shorts views in the last 90 days
This earlier access tier gives you tools like Super Chat, Super Thanks, and channel memberships, though it doesn’t include ad revenue yet.
How to Apply for YouTube Monetization
To apply for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and begin earning money from your content, first ensure your channel meets all eligibility criteria. Once you have enough subscribers, watch time (or Shorts views), and comply with YouTube’s policies, you can submit your application through YouTube Studio. This process involves accepting the YPP terms, linking a valid AdSense account, and entering the review phase. YouTube then evaluates your channel manually and via automated systems to ensure compliance with monetization and community standards. Here are the main steps in brief:
- Open YouTube Studio and navigate to the “Monetization” tab (dollar sign icon) once you meet the eligibility thresholds.
- Click “Apply Now”, accept the YouTube Partner Program terms, and then either link or create a Google AdSense account to receive payments.
- After submitting these steps, your channel status will show as “In review”. YouTube typically reviews applications within about 30 days.
- If approved, you’ll gain access to monetize features like ad revenue, Super Chat, memberships, shopping, and premium income. If denied, you’ll receive feedback, and can reapply after 30 days once adjustments are made.
Applying is straightforward once your channel is eligible, but maintaining monetization requires ongoing compliance with YouTube’s evolving policies and content guidelines.