YouTube Monetization Requirements in 2025: Everything You Need to Know
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YouTube's Updated Monetization Requirements
YouTube has significantly updated its monetization requirements in 2025, making it easier for creators to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). The most notable change is the reduction in the subscriber requirement from 1,000 to 500 subscribers, opening doors for many smaller creators.
Current Requirements to Join YPP
To qualify for monetization on YouTube in 2025, creators need to meet the following criteria:
- 500+ subscribers (reduced from the previous 1,000 requirement)
- 3,000+ watch hours in the last 12 months OR 3 million Shorts views in the last 90 days
- 3+ public uploads in the last 90 days
- An active account that follows YouTube's Community Guidelines
Learn more about monetizing YouTube Shorts as an alternative path to meeting these requirements.
The Shorts-Specific Path
YouTube has continued to emphasize Shorts as an alternative path to monetization. Creators focusing on short-form content can qualify with 3 million Shorts views in the last 90 days, even if they haven't reached the watch hours threshold.
Monetization Features Available
Once accepted into YPP, creators gain access to various monetization features:
- Ad revenue sharing
- Channel memberships
- Super Chat and Super Stickers
- Shopping features
- YouTube Premium revenue sharing
Once monetized, you can explore additional revenue streams beyond just ad revenue.
Application Process
The application process remains straightforward. Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply through YouTube Studio:
- Go to YouTube Studio
- Click on "Monetization" in the left menu
- Follow the steps to set up an AdSense account (if you don't already have one)
- Agree to the YPP terms
- Wait for review (typically takes 1-2 weeks)
Maintaining Eligibility
Remember that meeting the requirements once isn't enough. YouTube regularly reviews channels in the Partner Program to ensure they continue to meet the eligibility criteria and follow community guidelines.
Conclusion
The lowered threshold for YouTube monetization is great news for emerging creators. With just 500 subscribers and either 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views, the path to earning revenue from your content has become more accessible than ever before.
Understanding YouTube's RPM and CPM metrics will help you maximize your earnings once monetized.
Use our YouTube Monetization Checker to see if your channel qualifies under these new requirements!
