YouTube announced changes to its monetization requirements for the Partner Program, increasing barriers to entry for new creators seeking to earn revenue on the platform. Beginning February 1st, 2027, channels will need to reach 1,000 subscribers combined with either 8,000 qualified watch hours accumulated over the past year or 20 million qualified Shorts views within the last 90 days. These thresholds represent a significant increase from the platform’s current standards, which permit monetization at 1,000 subscribers with 4,000 watch hours over the past year or 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days.
The company also introduced maintenance requirements for existing creators in the program. To continue earning from ads and subscriptions, creators must maintain either 1,000 watch hours over the past year, 1 million Shorts views, or upload two long-form videos or five Shorts every 90 days. Creators already participating in the Partner Program will be required to accept the new terms by January 31st, 2027, to preserve their monetization eligibility. The platform’s existing policy of removing creators inactive for six months remains in effect.
YouTube indicated that changes are part of a broader strategic shift toward positioning the platform as a premium television service comparable to Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney Plus. The company noted that expansion of its Premium Lite subscription offering, which will become available in all markets where YouTube Premium operates, could benefit creators through higher earnings. Revenue from Premium subscriptions is allocated to creators based on engagement metrics, with 55 percent derived from long-form content and 45 percent from Shorts, with the company noting that Premium subscribers generally generate higher creator earnings than ad-supported viewing.
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