YouTube is lowering the barrier to be eligible for its monetization program

YouTube has recently announced a significant change to its monetization program, the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). The platform is lowering the eligibility requirements for creators to access monetization tools, making it easier for more creators to earn revenue from their content. This is great news for aspiring YouTubers who may have previously struggled to meet the previous requirements. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of this new policy, explore the implications for creators, and discuss YouTube’s efforts to support content creators in their journey toward monetization.

New Eligibility Criteria:

1. Subscriber Count:

Previously, creators needed to have at least 1,000 subscribers to qualify for YPP. Now, YouTube has reduced the requirement to 500 subscribers, allowing smaller channels to access monetization tools.

2. Upload Frequency:

Creators are now required to have at least three public uploads in the last 90 days. This criterion ensures that creators are actively producing content for their audiences.

3. Watch Hours or Shorts Views:

The previous requirements were 4,000 watch hours in the past year or 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days. YouTube has now revised these requirements to either 3,000 watch hours in the past year or 3 million Shorts views in the last 90 days. This change recognizes the importance of Shorts as a growing content format and allows creators who excel in this area to monetize their content more easily.

Benefits of Meeting the New Threshold:

Once creators meet the new eligibility criteria, they can apply to join YPP and gain access to various monetization tools. These tools include tipping options like Super Thanks, Super Chat, and Super Stickers, subscription tools like channel memberships, and the opportunity to promote their own merchandise with YouTube Shopping. These features empower creators to engage with their audience and generate revenue through different avenues.

Implications for Long Video Creators:

The new requirement of three public uploads in the last 90 days may pose a challenge for creators who primarily focus on producing longer-form content. While these creators may gather millions of views on their videos, they may not have enough material to produce multiple videos within the given time frame. It will be interesting to see how YouTube addresses this concern and potentially revises the criteria to accommodate a diverse range of content creators.

Expansion and Future Plans:

Initially, YouTube is implementing these changes in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Taiwan, and South Korea. However, the platform plans to roll out the new eligibility criteria to other countries where YPP is available. This expansion opens up opportunities for creators worldwide to access monetization tools and earn revenue from their content.

YouTube’s Shopping Affiliate Pilot Program:

In addition to the changes in YPP, YouTube is also expanding its Shopping affiliate program. Creators with more than 20,000 subscribers who are already part of YPP will now be eligible to tag products in their videos and Shorts, allowing them to earn commissions from sales. This initiative aligns with YouTube’s efforts to provide creators with additional revenue streams and capitalize on the growing trend of influencer marketing.

Upcoming Details at VidCon Conference:

YouTube has promised to provide further details about these new programs at the VidCon conference, which is a highly anticipated event for content creators. This conference will serve as a platform for YouTube to explain the changes, address any concerns or questions from creators, and showcase the opportunities that lie ahead.

YouTube‘s decision to lower the eligibility requirements for its monetization program is a positive step towards supporting creators and democratizing the earning potential on the platform. By expanding access to monetization tools and introducing new features like the Shopping affiliate program, YouTube is empowering creators of all sizes to monetize their content and build sustainable careers. Aspiring YouTubers should seize this opportunity to grow their channels, engage with their audience, and explore the various revenue streams available to them.