Guide · updated October 2026
YouTube monetization requirements (2026)
To earn ad revenue on YouTube, a channel has to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Here are the thresholds, the steps to apply, how long review takes and why channels get rejected — plus a free way to check whether any channel is already monetized.
Check if a channel is monetized
Thresholds
YouTube sets these thresholds and can change them — confirm in YouTube Studio › Earn before you plan.
| Tier | Subscribers | Watch time / views | What you unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ad revenue sharing (full) | 1,000 | 4,000 valid public watch hours in 12 months, OR 10M valid public Shorts views in 90 days | Long-form and Shorts ad revenue, plus fan funding features |
| Lower tier (where available) | 500 | 3 public uploads in 90 days + 3,000 watch hours in 12 months, OR 3M Shorts views in 90 days | Memberships, Super Thanks, Super Chat, YouTube Shopping — no ad revenue yet |
Other requirements
- ✓ Live in a country or region where the YouTube Partner Program is available.
- ✓ Follow the monetization policies and Community Guidelines, with no active Community Guidelines strikes.
- ✓ Turn on 2-Step Verification for your Google account.
- ✓ Have (or create) an AdSense account to get paid.
How to apply
- ✓ Go to YouTube Studio › Earn and click Apply once the channel is eligible.
- ✓ Accept the base program terms.
- ✓ Link or create an AdSense account.
- ✓ Wait for review — YouTube says it usually takes about a month, sometimes longer.
- ✓ If rejected: fix the stated issue, wait out the cooldown and reapply.
Why channels get rejected
AI-made channels can still be monetized if every video has its own value and realistic synthetic images or voices are disclosed.
- ✓ Reused or repetitive, mass-produced content with little difference between videos.
- ✓ Re-reading or compiling other people’s content without adding value.
- ✓ Copyrighted music, movies or images.
- ✓ Watch time mostly from deleted or unlisted videos, or invalid traffic (bought views).
Reach the threshold faster with data
Channels that reach 4,000 hours quickly usually pick a niche with demand and few strong channels. Use DeepNiche Niche Dig to see the Niche Score and small channels going viral before you start, and the free Channel Check to see whether channels in that niche are monetized and roughly how much they earn.
FAQ
How long does YouTube monetization review take?
Usually about a month after you apply. Reaching the threshold itself depends on niche and upload frequency — many channels take 3–12 months.
Can Shorts-only channels be monetized?
Yes. With 1,000 subscribers and 10M valid Shorts views in 90 days you can apply. Shorts revenue comes from a shared ad pool, so it usually pays less per view than long-form.
How can I tell if another channel is monetized?
YouTube does not publish it. DeepNiche’s free Channel Check reads ad signals on public videos and gives a verdict with a confidence level.