How YouTube monetization works
YouTube monetization depends on your channel, content and the features available in your country. Joining the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) can give you access to ads, fan funding and other ways to earn, but reaching a subscriber or viewing threshold does not automatically mean approval.
Two eligibility levels
In eligible countries, earlier access to selected fan-funding and Shopping features requires 500 subscribers, three public uploads in 90 days, and either 3,000 qualified public watch hours in 12 months or 3 million qualified Shorts views in 90 days. Advertising revenue has a higher threshold: 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 qualified public watch hours in 12 months or 10 million qualified Shorts views in 90 days. Feature-specific rules still apply.
Check what counts before planning your growth
Shorts Feed watch time does not count toward the long-form watch-hour threshold. Views and watch time from paid advertising campaigns do not count toward YPP thresholds; qualifying organic follow-on viewing can. Use the progress shown in Studio’s Earn section to check where your channel stands.
Apply through YouTube Studio
Open YouTube Studio and select Earn. Review your channel’s eligibility, enable the required account security, check policy compliance and follow the application steps when available. YouTube reviews the channel, and individual monetization features may require additional terms or eligibility. For the current requirements, consult YouTube’s YPP overview and expanded-program guidance.
Build a realistic earning plan
Focus on original videos that your audience chooses to watch and return to. Track retention, audience response and eligible revenue sources separately. Neither a subscriber count nor approval guarantees a particular income; production costs, audience and advertiser demand all matter. Check the current monetization options before relying on a feature.