YouTube Monetization Requirements 2026: Everything You Need

YouTube Partner Program Requirements (2026)

To join the YouTube Partner Program, you need:

✅ **1,000 subscribers**

✅ **4,000 watch hours** (last 12 months) OR **10 million Shorts views** (last 90 days)

✅ **Follow YouTube's monetization policies**

✅ **Have AdSense account linked**

✅ **Live in an eligible country**

YouTube added a new path for Shorts creators:

1,000 subscribers

10 million Shorts views in 90 days

Average time to monetization:

**Aggressive uploading** (daily): 3-6 months

**Regular uploading** (2-3x/week): 6-12 months

**Casual uploading** (weekly): 12-18 months

1. **Focus on watch time** - Longer videos = more watch hours

2. **Create searchable content** - Tutorials and how-tos rank well

3. **Be consistent** - YouTube rewards regular uploaders

4. **Engage your audience** - Comments boost algorithm ranking

5. **Promote on other platforms** - Bring viewers from TikTok, Instagram

You can enable ads on all videos

Access to memberships (at 1,000 subs)

Super Chat and Super Stickers

Merch shelf (at 1,000 subs)

YouTube Shopping features

Calculate your potential earnings with our [Calculator](/calculator)!