Is This Channel Monetized? How to Check YouTube Monetization Status (2025)
Last updated: December 23, 2024
Wondering "is this channel monetized?" Whether you're checking your own channel or analyzing competitors, understanding how to verify monetization status is essential. This guide shows you how to use a YT monetization checker and understand what it means when a channel is monetized.
Table of contents
- What does it mean to be monetized?
- How to check if a channel is monetized
- Using our monetization checker tool
- Monetization requirements
- Signs a channel is monetized
- Understanding monetization status
- How to become eligible
- FAQs
What does it mean to be monetized?
A monetized YouTube channel is one that has been approved for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and can earn money from ads, memberships, and other revenue streams. When you ask "is this channel monetized?", you're checking if the channel meets YouTube's requirements and has been approved for monetization.
Monetized channels can:
- Earn revenue from ads displayed on their videos
- Offer channel memberships to subscribers
- Receive Super Chat and Super Stickers during live streams
- Sell merchandise through YouTube
- Earn from YouTube Premium revenue
- Access additional monetization features
How to check if a channel is monetized
There are several ways to check "is this channel monetized?":
Method 1: Using our monetization checker tool
The easiest way is using our YT monetization checker:
- Visit our monetization checker tool
- Enter the channel URL, channel ID, or channel handle
- Click "Check Monetization" or "Analyze"
- View detailed monetization status including:
- Current subscriber count
- Watch time hours
- Progress toward requirements
- Monetization eligibility status
- Estimated time to reach eligibility
Our YT monetization checker provides instant, accurate information about any channel's monetization status.
Method 2: Check your own channel in YouTube Studio
For your own channel:
- Go to YouTube Studio
- Navigate to "Monetization" in the left sidebar
- View your monetization status and requirements
- Check if you're eligible or already monetized
Method 3: Look for monetization indicators
Public indicators that suggest monetization:
- Ads on videos: If you see ads, the channel is likely monetized
- Channel memberships: "Join" button indicates monetization
- Super Chat enabled: Live streams with Super Chat are monetized
- Merchandise shelf: Selling products indicates monetization
Note: These are indicators, not definitive proof. Use a YT monetization checker for accurate status.
Using our monetization checker tool
Our free YT monetization checker offers:
- Instant checking: Quick monetization status for any channel
- Detailed information: Subscriber count, watch time, and requirements
- Progress tracking: See how close a channel is to eligibility
- Free to use: No registration required
- Accurate data: Real-time information from YouTube
What information you'll get
- Monetization status: Eligible, not eligible, or under review
- Subscriber count: Current number of subscribers
- Watch time: Public watch hours in the past 12 months
- Requirements progress: How close to meeting requirements
- Eligibility estimate: Estimated time to reach eligibility
Monetization requirements
To answer "is this channel monetized?", you need to understand the requirements:
Current requirements (2025)
- 1,000 subscribers: Minimum subscriber threshold
- 4,000 watch hours: Valid public watch time in the past 12 months
- AdSense account: Approved Google AdSense account
- Content compliance: Follows YouTube Community Guidelines
- No active strikes: No Community Guidelines violations
- Location: YouTube Partner Program available in your country
Additional considerations
- Content quality: Original, high-quality content
- Copyright compliance: No copyright violations
- Advertiser-friendly: Content suitable for advertisers
- Active channel: Regular uploads and engagement
Signs a channel is monetized
When checking "is this channel monetized?", look for these indicators:
Visual indicators
- Ads on videos: Pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll ads
- Channel memberships: "Join" button visible to subscribers
- Super Chat/Super Stickers: Available during live streams
- Merchandise shelf: Products displayed on channel page
- YouTube Premium revenue: Channel earns from Premium subscribers
Channel features
- Monetization badge: Some channels display monetization status
- Revenue features: Access to all monetization tools
- Analytics access: Detailed revenue and performance data
- Creator support: Access to YouTube Creator Support
Understanding monetization status
When using a YT monetization checker, you'll see different statuses:
Eligible (Monetized)
- Status: Channel meets all requirements and is approved
- Meaning: Channel can earn money from ads and other features
- Indicators: Ads visible, monetization features active
Not Eligible
- Status: Channel doesn't meet requirements yet
- Reasons: Missing subscribers, watch time, or other requirements
- Action: Continue creating content to reach thresholds
Under Review
- Status: Application submitted, awaiting YouTube review
- Timeline: Usually takes a few days to a few weeks
- Action: Wait for review completion
Demonetized
- Status: Previously monetized but lost eligibility
- Reasons: Policy violations, strikes, or requirement changes
- Action: Address issues and reapply if eligible
How to become eligible
If you're asking "is this channel monetized?" about your own channel and it's not yet eligible:
Build subscribers
- Consistent content: Upload regularly to attract subscribers
- Engage audience: Respond to comments and build community
- Optimize thumbnails: Create eye-catching thumbnails
- Use SEO: Optimize titles, descriptions, and tags
- Cross-promote: Share on social media and other platforms
Increase watch time
- Create longer videos: Videos 8+ minutes can have more ads
- Improve retention: Keep viewers watching with engaging content
- Use playlists: Organize content to increase watch time
- Optimize for search: Help viewers find your content
- Create series: Encourage viewers to watch multiple videos
Maintain compliance
- Follow guidelines: Adhere to YouTube Community Guidelines
- Avoid strikes: Don't violate policies
- Original content: Create unique, original videos
- Copyright compliance: Only use content you have rights to
FAQs
How can I check if a channel is monetized?
Use our YT monetization checker tool. Enter the channel URL, ID, or handle to instantly see monetization status, subscriber count, watch time, and eligibility information.
Is this channel monetized? How do I know?
The most accurate way is using a YT monetization checker tool. You can also look for ads on videos, channel memberships, or check YouTube Studio if it's your own channel.
What are the requirements to be monetized?
You need 1,000 subscribers, 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months, an approved AdSense account, and compliance with YouTube policies. Use our monetization checker to see your progress.
Can I check if someone else's channel is monetized?
Yes, you can use our YT monetization checker to check any public channel's monetization status. This is public information that helps with competitor analysis and research.
How long does it take to get monetized?
After meeting requirements and applying, YouTube typically reviews applications within a few days to a few weeks. The time to reach requirements varies based on content quality, consistency, and audience growth.
What happens if I don't meet the requirements?
If you don't meet requirements, your channel won't be eligible for monetization. Continue creating content, building your audience, and increasing watch time. Use our monetization checker to track your progress.
Can a channel be demonetized?
Yes, channels can be demonetized due to policy violations, strikes, or failing to maintain requirements. If demonetized, address the issues and reapply once eligible again.
Do I need 1,000 subscribers to be monetized?
Yes, 1,000 subscribers is one of the requirements, along with 4,000 watch hours. Both must be met to be eligible for the YouTube Partner Program.
Is there a free monetization checker?
Yes, our YT monetization checker is completely free to use. No registration or payment required.
How accurate are monetization checker tools?
Our YT monetization checker uses real-time data from YouTube's API, providing accurate information about subscriber counts, watch time, and monetization eligibility. However, exact monetization approval status may require checking YouTube Studio for your own channel.