YouTube Monetization Requirements 2026: Full Checklist
Complete checklist of YouTube monetization requirements for 2026. Learn exactly what you need to earn money from your videos: subscribers, watch hours, policies, and step-by-step application guide.
Key Takeaways
- Basic threshold: 1,000 subscribers + 4,000 watch hours OR 10 million Shorts views
- Lower threshold (500 subs + 3,000 hours) unlocks fan funding but not ad revenue
- Policy compliance is mandatory—strikes can disqualify you
- AdSense account must be linked and approved
- Review process takes 2-4 weeks after applying
- Some features require additional thresholds (10K subs for Stories, etc.)
YouTube monetization requirements in 2026 include: 1,000 subscribers, 4,000 public watch hours in the past 12 months (or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days), compliance with all YouTube policies, 2-step verification, and a linked AdSense account. Meeting these requirements makes you eligible to apply for the YouTube Partner Program and start earning from ads, memberships, and more.
Key Takeaways
- Basic threshold: 1,000 subscribers + 4,000 watch hours OR 10 million Shorts views
- Lower threshold (500 subs + 3,000 hours) unlocks fan funding but not ad revenue
- Policy compliance is mandatory—strikes can disqualify you
- AdSense account must be linked and approved
- Review process takes 2-4 weeks after applying
- Some features require additional thresholds (10K subs for Stories, etc.)
Complete YouTube Monetization Checklist
✅ Core Requirements Checklist
| Requirement | Status | How to Check |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000+ subscribers | □ | YouTube Studio → Analytics |
| 4,000 watch hours (12 months) | □ | YouTube Studio → Monetization |
| OR 10M Shorts views (90 days) | □ | YouTube Studio → Monetization |
| No active Community Guidelines strikes | □ | YouTube Studio → Channel → Settings |
| No active copyright strikes | □ | YouTube Studio → Copyright |
| 2-step verification enabled | □ | Google Account → Security |
| AdSense account linked | □ | YouTube Studio → Monetization |
| Located in eligible country | □ | Check YouTube's country list |
| 18+ years old | □ | Or guardian manages AdSense |
| Advanced features enabled | □ | YouTube Studio → Settings → Channel |
✅ Content Requirements Checklist
| Requirement | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Original content | □ | Not reused from other sources |
| Advertiser-friendly | □ | No excessive profanity, violence, etc. |
| Not repetitious | □ | Meaningful variety in content |
| Active channel | □ | Uploaded in last 6 months |
| Public videos | □ | Watch hours from public content only |
Monetization Thresholds Explained
Standard YouTube Partner Program
Path 1: Watch Hours
- 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 public watch hours in past 12 months
- Timeline: 6-18 months for most creators
Path 2: Shorts Views
- 1,000 subscribers
- 10 million public Shorts views in past 90 days
- Timeline: Varies greatly (some achieve in weeks)
Expanded YPP Access (Fan Funding)
| Requirement | Standard | Expanded |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | 1,000 | 500 |
| Watch Hours | 4,000 | 3,000 |
| OR Shorts Views | 10 million | 3 million |
| Ad Revenue | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Fan Funding | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Expanded Access Unlocks:
- Channel memberships
- Super Chat
- Super Thanks
- Super Stickers
- YouTube Shopping
Feature-Specific Requirements
Different monetization features have different thresholds:
| Feature | Subscribers | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Ad Revenue | 1,000 | YPP membership |
| Channel Memberships | 1,000 | YPP membership, 18+ |
| Super Chat | 1,000 | Live streaming enabled |
| Super Thanks | 1,000 | YPP membership |
| Merchandise Shelf | 1,000 | Approved merch partner |
| YouTube Shopping | 1,000 | Shopping partner linked |
| Shorts Fund | None | Views-based allocation |
| Community Tab | 500 | Automatic |
| Custom Thumbnails | 0 | Phone verification |
| Videos over 15 min | 0 | Phone verification |
| External Links | 1,000 | YPP membership |
Watch Hours Explained
What Counts as Watch Time
| Content Type | Counts? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public long-form videos | ✅ Yes | Main source |
| Live streams | ✅ Yes | Counts during and replay |
| Premieres | ✅ Yes | Counts as views |
| Unlisted videos | ❌ No | Must be public |
| Private videos | ❌ No | Not viewable |
| Deleted videos | ❌ No | Even if previously counted |
| Shorts (<60 sec) | ❌ No | Different metric |
| Embedded views | ✅ Yes | From external sites |
| Playlist views | ✅ Yes | Counts normally |
Watch Hours Math
Formula
Total Minutes Watched ÷ 60 = Watch Hours
Example
240,000 minutes ÷ 60 = 4,000 hours ✅
To get 4,000 hours you need:
| Video Length | Views Needed | At 50% Retention |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 96,000 views | 192,000 views |
| 10 minutes | 48,000 views | 96,000 views |
| 20 minutes | 24,000 views | 48,000 views |
| 60 minutes | 8,000 views | 16,000 views |
Fastest Ways to Build Watch Hours
1. Create Longer Content
- 10-20 minute videos optimal
- More watch time per view
- Enables mid-roll ads later
2. Improve Audience Retention
- Strong hook in first 15 seconds
- Deliver value throughout
- Use pattern interrupts
3. Build Video Library
- Evergreen content keeps earning
- More videos = more opportunities
- Consistency compounds
4. Playlists and Series
- Auto-play next video
- Encourage binge watching
- End screens to next video
5. Live Streaming
- Hours accumulate during stream
- Replay views also count
- Build community engagement
Subscriber Requirements
Getting to 1,000 Subscribers
| Strategy | Effectiveness | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Consistent uploads | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium |
| SEO optimization | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Low |
| Engaging thumbnails | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium |
| Call to action | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Low |
| Community engagement | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High |
| Collaborations | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High |
| Shorts for discovery | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Low |
Timeline Expectations
| Niche | Average Time to 1K |
|---|---|
| Gaming | 6-12 months |
| Education | 3-8 months |
| Tech | 4-10 months |
| Entertainment | 4-12 months |
| How-to/Tutorial | 3-6 months |
| Vlogging | 8-18 months |
Policy Compliance Requirements
Community Guidelines You Must Follow
| Policy Area | What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Spam & Deceptive Practices | Fake engagement, scams, misleading content |
| Sensitive Content | Graphic violence, dangerous acts |
| Violent or Dangerous Content | Promoting harm, dangerous challenges |
| Regulated Goods | Drugs, weapons, counterfeit |
| Misinformation | Medical, election, dangerous misinfo |
| Harassment & Cyberbullying | Targeting individuals |
| Hate Speech | Attacks on protected groups |
| Child Safety | Any content exploiting minors |
Advertiser-Friendly Guidelines
To maximize ad revenue, content should avoid:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Inappropriate language | Excessive profanity |
| Violence | Graphic or gratuitous violence |
| Adult content | Sexual themes or nudity |
| Harmful or dangerous acts | Stunts, challenges |
| Hateful content | Discrimination, hate speech |
| Controversial issues | Graphic discussion of sensitive topics |
| Drug-related content | Promotion or use of drugs |
| Firearms-related content | Sales, misuse of weapons |
| Tobacco-related content | Promotion of tobacco products |
Strikes and Their Impact
| Strike Type | Duration | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Community Guidelines Warning | No duration | Warning only |
| 1st Strike | 90 days | Temporary restrictions |
| 2nd Strike | 90 days | More restrictions |
| 3rd Strike | Permanent | Channel terminated |
| Copyright Strike | 90 days | Limitations on features |
AdSense Requirements
Setting Up AdSense
Step 1
Apply through YouTube Studio → Monetization
Step 2
Choose to create new account or link existing
Step 3
Enter your legal name and address
Step 4
Complete tax information
Step 5
Set up payment method (when you reach $100)
AdSense Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18+ (or guardian) |
| Valid address | For payments and verification |
| Tax information | Required for payments |
| Not previously banned | No terminated AdSense accounts |
| Policy compliance | AdSense policies in addition to YouTube |
Payment Thresholds
| Payment Method | Minimum Threshold |
|---|---|
| Wire Transfer | $100 |
| Check | $100 |
| EFT (US) | $100 |
| Western Union | $100 |
Application Process
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1
Open YouTube Studio
Step 2
Click "Monetization" in left sidebar
Step 3
Check requirements status
Step 4
If eligible, click "Apply Now"
Step 5
Accept YouTube Partner Program terms
Step 6
Connect AdSense account
Step 7
Set monetization preferences
Step 8
Wait for review (2-4 weeks)
What Happens During Review
YouTube checks:
- Channel content for policy compliance
- Content originality
- Community Guidelines history
- Copyright status
- Overall channel quality
If You Get Rejected
Common Reasons:
- Reused content
- Policy violations
- Insufficient original content
- Repetitious content
What to Do:
- 1.Read the rejection reason carefully
- 2.Fix identified issues
- 3.Remove or improve problematic content
- 4.Wait 30 days
- 5.Reapply
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1How long does it take to get monetized on YouTube?
Most creators reach monetization requirements in 6-18 months with consistent weekly uploads. After applying, the review process takes 2-4 weeks. Total time from starting to earning varies from 3 months to 2+ years depending on niche, content quality, and upload consistency.
Q2Do I need both subscribers AND watch hours?
Yes. You need BOTH 1,000 subscribers AND 4,000 watch hours (or 10 million Shorts views). Meeting only one requirement doesn't qualify you. Both metrics measure different aspects of channel health—audience size and content engagement.
Q3Can I buy subscribers to reach 1,000?
No. Buying subscribers violates YouTube's policies and can result in channel termination. Purchased subscribers also don't watch your content, so you won't reach watch hour requirements. YouTube's systems detect and remove fake subscribers.
Q4What if my watch hours drop below 4,000 after approval?
Once accepted into YPP, you remain monetized even if watch hours temporarily drop below 4,000. However, extremely inactive channels may be reviewed. Continue uploading to maintain your standing.
Q5Can I monetize videos with copyrighted music?
Using copyrighted music without permission typically results in a Content ID claim. The copyright holder may claim ad revenue on your video. To keep full monetization, use YouTube Audio Library, licensed music, or royalty-free sources.
Q6How much money will I make once monetized?
Earnings vary dramatically. A channel with 100,000 monthly views might earn $100-1,000 from ads depending on niche and audience location. Finance/tech content earns higher CPM ($10-30) than gaming ($2-5). Most small channels earn $1-5 per 1,000 views (RPM).
Conclusion
Meeting YouTube's monetization requirements is achievable with consistent effort. Focus on creating quality original content, building genuine audience engagement, and following all policies.
Your checklist:
- 1.□ 1,000 subscribers
- 2.□ 4,000 watch hours (or 10M Shorts views)
- 3.□ No Community Guidelines strikes
- 4.□ No copyright strikes
- 5.□ 2-step verification enabled
- 6.□ AdSense account ready
- 7.□ Content is original and advertiser-friendly
Once you meet these requirements, apply through YouTube Studio and wait for review. Monetization is just the beginning—successful creators diversify revenue through sponsorships, memberships, and products.
Related Resources:
- YouTube Partner Program Complete Guide
- How to Make Money on YouTube
- YouTube Studio Dashboard Guide
Written By
NoteLM Team
The NoteLM team specializes in AI-powered video summarization and learning tools. We are passionate about making video content more accessible and efficient for learners worldwide.
AI/ML DevelopmentVideo ProcessingEducational Technology
Sources & References
Last verified: January 11, 2026
Requirements may change. Check YouTube Studio for current eligibility status.
Was this article helpful?