YouTube monetization remains one of the most sought-after opportunities for content creators worldwide. As of 2025, YouTube has updated and clarified its monetization eligibility requirements, balancing accessibility for emerging creators with maintaining advertiser-friendly content standards. Understanding these rules is crucial for creators wanting to earn revenue from their channels sustainably and compliantly.
This comprehensive guide covers the essential YouTube monetization requirements in 2025, including subscriber thresholds, watch time, Shorts views, policy compliance, and the benefits unlocked through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
What Is YouTube Monetization?
Monetization on YouTube means earning money from videos by allowing ads, channel memberships, merchandise integrations, and other revenue streams. It formally starts when a channel is accepted into the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), which grants access to these features.
Monetization Requirements 2025: Overview
YouTube has adjusted its entry requirements to encourage newer and smaller creators while ensuring high-quality content is rewarded. The key requirements are:
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Minimum Subscribers:
To join YPP and monetize ads, YouTube requires at least 1,000 subscribers for full monetization access. There is an earlier eligibility tier at 500 subscribers that unlocks limited monetization features such as fan funding without ad revenue. -
Watch Hours or Shorts Views:
Monetization requires either:-
4,000 valid public watch hours on your channel within the past 12 months for traditional videos, OR
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10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days for Shorts-focused creators.
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The reduced threshold for Shorts acknowledges their rising popularity as a form of viewer engagement distinct from long-form video.
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Upload Frequency:
You must have uploaded at least three public videos within the past 90 days to demonstrate active channel management.
Newer Monetization Access Tier — 500 Subscribers
Recognizing that reaching 1,000 subscribers is challenging for small creators, YouTube introduced a new tier allowing channels with 500 subscribers to access fan funding features, including:
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Channel memberships
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Super Chats and Super Stickers in live streams
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Super Thanks on uploaded videos
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YouTube Shopping features
Note: This tier does not allow earning from ads but enables creators to start revenue engagement earlier.
Policy Compliance and Account Setup
Meeting numerical thresholds alone is insufficient. Creators must:
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Reside in a country where YPP is available
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Link an active Google AdSense account to receive payments
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Enable two-factor authentication on their Google account for security
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Strictly adhere to YouTube’s monetization policies and community guidelines, including no strikes or violations for reused content or harmful material.
Starting July 15, 2025, YouTube has tightened rules on repetitive or mass-produced content, clarifying that such material is not eligible for monetization.
Benefits of Joining the YouTube Partner Program
Approved channels gain access to:
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Revenue sharing from ads placed on videos
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YouTube Premium revenue from subscriber views
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Subscriber-only memberships with perks
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Features like Super Chat in live videos
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Merchandising integration via YouTube Shopping
These tools empower creators to diversify and maximize their income on the platform.
How to Check Your Eligibility
In YouTube Studio, visit Monetization to see your progress:
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Subscriber count and public videos uploaded
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Watch hours or Shorts views accumulated
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Policy compliance and community guideline status
YouTube also provides notifications when your channel meets eligibility criteria or if there are issues to resolve.
Tips to Meet Monetization Requirements Faster
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Focus on quality content to increase watch time and subscriber growth.
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Publish consistently with a content calendar to meet upload frequency.
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Promote your channel through social media and collaborations.
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Use Shorts strategically to leverage the 10 million views alternative.
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Engage your audience via comments and community posts to boost loyalty.
Read More: How to Make Money on YouTube in 2025: 9 Proven Strategies
Conclusion
YouTube monetization in 2025 offers creators more opportunities with lowered barriers and diversified earning paths. However, creators must navigate these nuanced eligibility rules carefully and maintain high content standards to benefit fully. By understanding the subscriber count, watch hours, Shorts views, and policy requirements—and actively engaging your audience—you can unlock monetization and build a thriving channel on YouTube.