YouTube Tightens Monetization Rules for Creators

Starting February 1, 2027, creators aiming to monetize their channels through YouTube’s Partner Program (YPP) will need to hit new benchmarks: at least 1,000 subscribers and either 8,000 qualified watch hours in the past year or 20 million qualified Shorts views within the last 90 days. This marks a significant increase from the current requirements of 1,000 subscribers with 4,000 watch hours or 1,000 subscribers with 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days. Additionally, to earn from the Shorts Creators Pool, creators must maintain 10 million Shorts views over a 90-day period, although falling below this threshold won’t lead to removal from YPP.

YouTube is also introducing a more affordable Premium Lite subscription, which will be available in all regions where Premium is offered. The revenue from subscriptions is shared with creators based on watch time and views, with 55% allocated to long-form content and 45% to Shorts. YouTube notes that creators can expect increased earnings as Premium subscribers typically generate more revenue than ad views.

These changes come as YouTube aims to position itself more like a premium TV service, similar to Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney Plus, rather than just a video-sharing platform. This year, YouTube has secured deals to air shows featuring prominent figures like Trevor Noah and has rolled out a feature that allows creators to organize their videos into seasons.

There are also new stipulations for creators to continue earning from ads and subscriptions through YPP. They must maintain either 1,000 watch hours in the past year, 1 million Shorts views, or upload two long-form videos or five Shorts every 90 days. According to existing policies, creators will be removed from YPP if they haven’t uploaded a video or posted content in the Posts tab for six months. Those already in the program must accept the new terms by January 31, 2027, to continue monetizing their content.