YouTube monetization requirements in 2026
It is helpful to distinguish the stage that unlocks early YPP features from the stage that unlocks ad and YouTube Premium revenue sharing. This guide summarizes official YouTube help as reviewed on September 30, 2026.
Current monetization requirements at a glance
| Stage | Subscribers | Additional requirements | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded YPP | 500 | 3 public uploads in 90 days + 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views | Memberships, Supers, Shopping, and more |
| Ad revenue | 1,000 | 4,000 watch hours in 12 months or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days | Watch Page ads, Shorts Feed ads, and Premium |
What does the 500-subscriber stage unlock?
In regions with expanded YPP, you can apply with 500 subscribers, 3 public uploads in the last 90 days, and either 3,000 valid watch hours in the last 12 months or 3 million valid Shorts views in 90 days. This grants access to selected features such as memberships, Super Chat, Super Thanks, and Shopping, rather than full ad revenue sharing.
Ad revenue sharing requires 1,000 subscribers
As of September 2026, ad and YouTube Premium revenue sharing requires 1,000 subscribers + 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months or 1,000 subscribers + 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days. Watch time from the Shorts Feed does not count toward the 4,000-hour threshold.
Changes announced for February 1, 2027
YouTube has announced that, from February 1, 2027, the ad and Premium entry thresholds for new applicants will become 1,000 subscribers + 8,000 qualified watch hours or 1,000 subscribers + 20 million qualified Shorts views in the last 90 days. The currently announced 500-subscriber fan-funding and Shopping thresholds remain unchanged.
We plan to update this page when requirements change. Before applying, check the Earn tab in YouTube Studio and the official help documentation again.
How do I estimate earnings after qualifying?
Ad revenue is not calculated by multiplying subscribers by a fixed rate. Views and RPM are more useful for estimates. The YouTube Revenue Calculator estimates monthly and yearly earnings from views and RPM.
Work backward from KRW 1, 3, or 5 million per month using different RPM assumptions.
Official references
Expanded YouTube Partner ProgramYouTube Partner Program eligibilityWays to earn on YouTube
Last reviewed: September 30, 2026