YouTube Monetization Requirements 2026: Complete Eligibility Checklist
Everything you need to know about YouTube monetization requirements in 2026. Updated eligibility criteria, subscriber threshold changes, and compliance guidelines.
Check Your Eligibility
Use our free monetization checker to see if your channel meets all requirements.
Monetization Requirements Breakdown
Subscriber Requirement
You need at least 500 subscribers to qualify for monetization. This was reduced from 1,000 in 2026.
Watch Hours Requirement
You need 3,000 public watch hours in the last 12 months. This must be from public videos, not private or unlisted.
Shorts Views Alternative
Instead of watch hours, you can qualify with 3 million Shorts views in the last 90 days. This gives creators more flexibility.
Recent Uploads
You must have at least 3 public uploads within the last 90 days. This ensures your channel is active.
Community Guidelines
Your channel must comply with YouTube's Community Guidelines. No active strikes or violations allowed.
Complete Eligibility Checklist
Use this checklist to verify your channel meets all monetization requirements:
What Changed in 2026?
Subscriber Requirement Reduced
YouTube reduced the subscriber requirement from 1,000 to 500, making monetization more accessible for smaller creators.
Shorts Views Alternative
Creators can now qualify with 3 million Shorts views in 90 days instead of watch hours, giving Shorts creators a path to monetization.
Faster Review Process
YouTube has streamlined the review process, with most applications reviewed within 1-2 weeks.
Common Issues That Prevent Monetization
Community Guidelines Strikes
Any active strikes on your channel will prevent monetization. Resolve all strikes before applying.
Copyright Strikes
Copyright violations can prevent monetization. Ensure all your content is original or properly licensed.
Insufficient Watch Hours
Make sure your watch hours are from public videos and within the last 12 months. Private or unlisted videos don't count.
Inactive Channel
You need at least 3 public uploads in the last 90 days. Make sure your channel is actively posting content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do watch hours expire?
Watch hours must be from the last 12 months. Older watch hours don't count toward the 3,000-hour requirement.
Can I use Shorts views instead of watch hours?
Yes! You can qualify with either 3,000 watch hours OR 3 million Shorts views in 90 days. This gives creators flexibility in how they build their channel.
Do private or unlisted videos count?
No, only public videos count toward watch hours and subscriber requirements. Private and unlisted videos don't contribute to monetization eligibility.
What if I have a strike but it expires?
Once a strike expires (typically after 90 days), you can apply for monetization. However, multiple strikes or severe violations may have longer-term impacts.
Check Your Monetization Eligibility
Use our free monetization checker to verify if your channel meets all requirements.
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