Passed the Thresholds, But Still Not Monetized?

It's a frustrating situation for many creators. You've hit 500 subscribers and 3,000 watch hours, but your application to the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) was rejected. Here are the most common reasons why.

1. Reused Content

This is the most common reason for rejection. YouTube wants original content. If your channel primarily consists of clips from movies, TV shows, or other YouTubers without significant original commentary or educational value, you'll likely be rejected.

2. Repetitious Content

Content that is mass-produced or programmatically generated with little variation between videos is considered 'repetitious'. This includes text-to-speech videos reading articles or low-quality slideshows.

3. Active Community Guidelines Strikes

You cannot be accepted into the YPP if you have any active Community Guidelines strikes on your channel. You must wait for them to expire.

4. Copyright Issues

While individual copyright claims won't always block monetization, having a channel full of claimed content can be a red flag for reviewers, suggesting a lack of originality.

5. Invalid Watch Time

Watch time gained from private videos, deleted videos, or ad campaigns does not count towards the 4,000-hour requirement.

6. AdSense Account Problems

You can only have one AdSense account. If you have a duplicate account or issues with your existing one, it can halt the monetization process.

7. Misleading Metadata

Using irrelevant keywords, titles, or thumbnails to trick users into clicking (clickbait) is a violation of YouTube's policies and can lead to rejection.

What to Do Next?

If you've been rejected, carefully review the reason YouTube provided. Clean up your channel by deleting or editing problematic videos, then you can re-apply after 30 days. Before you re-apply, use a youtube monetization checker to analyze your channel's health from an external perspective.