YouTube Revamps Monetization Requirements, Boosts Creator Earnings

Published by
Lethabo Ntsoane
  • YouTube lowers requirements for monetization tools under YPP: 500 subscribers and either 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views.
  • Shopping affiliate program expanded for U.S. creators with over 20,000 subscribers, allowing them to earn commissions by tagging products in videos and Shorts.
  • Changes aim to empower creators and provide increased earning potential through accessible monetization tools.

In a significant move aimed at empowering content creators, YouTube has announced a reduction in the requirements for accessing monetization tools under the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Additionally, the popular video-sharing platform is expanding its shopping affiliate program for eligible creators in the United States. The changes are expected to foster a more inclusive environment and provide increased earning potential for creators on the platform.

Under the revised criteria, creators seeking monetization opportunities must now have a minimum of 500 subscribers, three public uploads within the past 90 days, and either 3,000 watch hours in the past year or 3 million Shorts views in the last 90 days. These new requirements represent a notable decrease from the previous threshold of 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours in the past year or 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days.

The YouTube Partner Program enables creators to monetize their content through various means, including Super Thanks, Super Chat, and Super Stickers, which allow viewers to financially support their favorite creators. In addition, eligible creators gain access to subscription tools such as channel memberships and the ability to promote their own merchandise using YouTube Shopping.

The decision to lower the eligibility criteria for YPP is part of YouTube’s ongoing commitment to supporting creators and fostering a diverse community. By expanding access to monetization tools, the platform aims to empower creators at different stages of their journey, enabling them to turn their passion into a sustainable source of income.

However, the introduction of a requirement for three public uploads in the last 90 days has raised concerns among creators who specialize in longer-format videos. Some worry that the time constraint may pose challenges in consistently producing multiple videos while still achieving significant viewership.

The updated eligibility criteria are currently being implemented in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Taiwan, and South Korea. YouTube plans to roll out the changes to other countries where the YouTube Partner Program is available in the near future, further extending opportunities for creators worldwide.

Alongside the YPP updates, YouTube is also expanding its Shopping affiliate pilot program for creators in the United States. Creators who are already part of YPP and have over 20,000 subscribers will be able to tag products within their videos and Shorts, providing them with a means to earn a commission from affiliated sales. This expansion builds upon the introduction of shopping-related features for Shorts, which were initially launched in November of the previous year.

To provide creators with additional insights and details about these new programs, YouTube will be sharing more information during the upcoming VidCon conference. This conference serves as a platform for industry professionals and content creators to come together, exchange ideas, and explore new opportunities within the digital content landscape.

These updates come on the heels of YouTube’s recent policy change in March, where the platform modified its rules regarding the use of profanity at the beginning of videos. Previously, any video containing profanity within the first 15 seconds, even if it was an older upload, would be disqualified. The revised policy now permits profanity in the first seven seconds, particularly in music videos.

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Lethabo Ntsoane

Lethabo Ntsoane holds a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from the University of South Africa. He is a Financial Product commentator at Rateweb. He is an expect financial product analyst with years of experience in reviewing products and offering commentary. Lethabo majors in financial news, reviews and financial tips. He can be contacted: Email: lethabo@rateweb.co.za Twitter: @NtsoaneLethabo