YouTube Tightens Monetization Rules

YouTube is making it tougher for new creators to qualify for monetization through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Starting February 1, 2027, creators seeking ad and YouTube Premium revenue sharing will need at least 1,000 subscribers and either 8,000 qualified watch hours in the previous 365 days or 20 million qualified Shorts views in the previous 90 days. The new watch-time requirement is double the current 4,000-hour threshold, while the Shorts requirement has also doubled from 10 million to 20 million views.

The changes are aimed at strengthening the quality and consistency of the creator ecosystem. Existing YPP members will not be affected by the higher entry threshold, although YouTube is also introducing requirements for creators to remain active and continue earning through the programme. For Shorts revenue from the Shorts Creator Pool, creators will need to maintain 10 million qualified Shorts views over 90 days. YouTube is also expanding its Premium Lite subscription to markets where Premium is available. In India, Premium Lite costs ₹89 per month, while the regular individual Premium plan is priced at ₹149.