To earn ad revenue, YouTube asks for 1,000 subscribers plus either 4,000 public watch hours in the last 365 days or 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days. For channels applying from February 1, 2027, YouTube has announced higher thresholds: 8,000 watch hours in the last 365 days or 20 million Shorts views in the last 90 days.
The two levels of the Partner Program
| Ad revenue | Channel memberships (lower tier) | |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | 1,000 subscribers | 500 subscribers |
| Uploads | – | 3 public uploads in the last 90 days |
| Long videos | 4,000 public watch hours in the last 365 days | 3,000 public watch hours in the last 365 days |
| or Shorts | 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days | 3 million Shorts views in the last 90 days |
You need the subscribers and one of the two paths. Watch hours from Shorts in the Shorts feed do not count toward the watch-hours path.
What changes on February 1, 2027
YouTube announced on its official blog, on August 10, 2026, the first major change to the program in years:
- Higher entry thresholds for new applicants: 8,000 watch hours in the last 365 days or 20 million Shorts views in the last 90 days. The post does not mention a change to the subscriber requirement.
- Channels already in the program are not affected by the new entry thresholds.
- Shorts revenue sharing will only apply to channels with 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days. Others keep earning from long-form videos, and Shorts sharing resumes automatically when they cross the threshold again.
- Memberships and shopping keep their current thresholds.
If you are close to today’s thresholds, keep an eye on the Earn section of YouTube Studio: it shows the requirements that apply to your channel.
Other conditions
- Live in a country or region where the program is available.
- Follow YouTube’s channel monetization policies, which include the Community Guidelines.
- Keep the channel active: YouTube Help says monetization may be turned off on channels with no uploads or posts for six months or more.
How to apply, step by step
- Sign in to YouTube, click your profile picture and open YouTube Studio.
- In the left menu, click Earn, then Apply Now.
- Click Start to review and accept the Base terms.
- Click Start to set up an AdSense for YouTube account, or link an existing active one.
- Wait for the review. YouTube Help says a decision typically takes about a month, sometimes longer.
If your application is rejected
According to YouTube Help, you can appeal within 21 days, or keep uploading original content and reapply after 30 days. If it is not your first rejection, or you have already reapplied, the wait is 90 days.
Sources: YouTube Help, Partner Program overview and eligibility, how to apply, and the YouTube Official Blog. Checked on October 11, 2026.
FAQ
Can I get monetized with only Shorts?
Yes, through the Shorts path: 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days today, or 20 million Shorts views in the last 90 days for new applicants from February 1, 2027.
Do private or unlisted videos count?
No. The thresholds refer to public watch hours and public uploads.
Does reaching the numbers guarantee approval?
No. The numbers let you apply; YouTube then reviews the channel against its policies.