YouTube Monetization Requirements: Complete Checklist for 2025

Want to start earning from your YouTube channel? Here's everything you need to know about qualifying for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

Current Requirements (2025)

To apply for monetization, you must have:

1. Subscriber Threshold

1,000 subscribers minimum

2. Watch Time Requirement

Choose ONE of these options:

• 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months (long-form videos), OR
• 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days

3. Location

YPP must be available in your country (check the full list)

4. Channel Requirements

• ✅ Follow all YouTube monetization policies
• ✅ No active Community Guidelines strikes
• ✅ Two-step verification enabled
• ✅ AdSense account linked

Understanding Watch Hours

What Counts?

• ✅ Public videos only
• ✅ Views from all traffic sources
• ✅ Embedded videos on other sites
• ✅ Live stream watch time

What Doesn't Count?

• ❌ Unlisted or private videos
• ❌ Deleted videos
• ❌ YouTube ads
• ❌ Your own views on your videos

How Long Does It Take?

Average Timeline:

• Beginner creators: 6-18 months
• Consistent uploaders: 3-12 months
• Viral hit strategy: 1-6 months (rare)

Factors That Speed It Up:

1. Upload frequency - 2-3 videos per week
2. Niche selection - High-demand topics
3. SEO optimization - Better discoverability
4. Thumbnail quality - Higher CTR
5. Watch time optimization - Longer videos, better retention

Strategies to Reach 4,000 Hours Faster

1. Create Longer Content

• 10+ minute videos generate more watch time
• But only if you maintain viewer retention!
• Don't add fluff - provide value throughout

2. Optimize for Suggested Videos

• Watch time comes from suggestions, not just search
• Create series or playlists
• Use end screens to keep viewers watching

3. Focus on Retention

• Hook viewers in first 10 seconds
• Pattern interrupts every 30-60 seconds
• Deliver on thumbnail/title promise

4. Live Streams Count!

• Live watch time counts toward 4,000 hours
• Longer streams = more watch time
• Q&A sessions, tutorials, gaming streams all work

The Shorts Path to Monetization

New Option (2023+):

• 10 million Shorts views in 90 days
• Easier for Shorts creators
• Lower revenue potential than long-form

Shorts Revenue:

• Paid from Shorts Fund
• Typically $0.01-0.03 per 1,000 views
• Long-form ads pay $2-10+ per 1,000 views (varies by niche)

After You Hit the Requirements

Application Process:

1. Apply in YouTube Studio
2. YouTube reviews your channel (typically 1-4 weeks)
3. You'll get an email with the decision
4. If approved, set up AdSense
5. Ads start showing immediately

Rejection Reasons:

• Reused content (compilations, stock footage)
• Content doesn't meet policies
• Spam or misleading metadata
• Copyright issues

Track Your Progress

Use our Monetization Tracker to:

• See how many watch hours you need
• Calculate days to monetization
• Track subscribers growth
• Get optimization tips

Revenue Expectations

First Month Earnings (Typical):

• Small channels (1K subs): $20-100
• Medium channels (10K subs): $200-1,000
• Large channels (100K subs): $2,000-10,000+

Factors Affecting Revenue:

• Niche (Finance pays more than gaming)
• Audience location (US/UK/Canada = higher CPM)
• Video length (more ad placements)
• Watch time (more ads shown)
• CTR on ads (how many viewers click)

Beyond AdSense Revenue

Other Monetization Options:

1. Channel Memberships (1K subs required)
2. Super Chat/Super Thanks (available at monetization)
3. Merch Shelf (10K subs required)
4. Sponsored videos (any subscriber count)
5. Affiliate marketing (no requirements)

Final Checklist

Before applying for YPP:

• [ ] 1,000+ subscribers
• [ ] 4,000+ watch hours (or 10M Shorts views)
• [ ] No Community Guidelines strikes
• [ ] Original content only
• [ ] AdSense account ready
• [ ] Two-step verification enabled
• [ ] Channel follows all policies

Conclusion

Monetization is a milestone, not the endgame. Focus on creating valuable content, and the numbers will follow. Once you're monetized, revenue grows with your channel.

Related Tools:

• Monetization Progress Tracker
• Earnings Calculator
• Channel Growth Calculator