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Partner Program Tracker

YouTube Monetization Checklist

Track your progress toward the YouTube Partner Program requirements and get monetization-ready.

YouTube Partner Program Requirements

1,000+

Subscribers

Organic, real subscribers

4,000+

Watch Hours

Past 12 months, public videos

Note: Both requirements must be met simultaneously. You need 1,000 subscribers AND 4,000 watch hours at the same time.

1Subscriber Requirements

I have 1,000 or more subscribersSubscribers are organic (not purchased)Subscribers are real people (not bots)Consistent subscriber growth over timeActive subscriber engagement on videos

2Watch Hours Requirements

I have 4,000+ public watch hours in past 12 monthsWatch hours are from public videos (not unlisted/private)Watch hours are from long-form videos (not Shorts)Consistent watch time across multiple videosGood average view duration (40%+ recommended)No single video provides the majority of watch hours

3Content Quality

Original content created by meNo reused content from othersProper attribution for any third-party contentComplies with YouTube Community GuidelinesNo copyright strikes on channelNo active guideline strikes against channel

4Channel Review

Channel has at least 20+ public videosRegular upload schedule (weekly or more)Consistent content theme/nicheProfessional channel appearance (banner, icon, description)About section completed with relevant infoContact email available for business inquiries

5AdSense Setup

Google AdSense account createdAdSense account linked to YouTube channelPayment information added to AdSenseTax information completedPin address verified (if required)No AdSense policy violations

6Before Applying

Both requirements met simultaneously (not at different times)Reviewed channel for any policy issuesRemoved any videos that might violate policiesVerified all content is advertiser-friendlyChecked Analytics for accurate watch hoursConfirmed public video status for all content

7After Application

Application submitted through YouTube StudioMonitoring email for review decisionsContinued uploading during review periodMaintained guideline compliancePatient—review takes 1-4 weeks typicallyReady to provide additional info if requested

Tips for Faster Approval

Focus on watch hours first—most creators hit 1,000 subs before 4,000 hours
Create videos 8+ minutes long (better for watch time accumulation)
Use playlists to encourage binge-watching
Make evergreen content that continues to get views over time

Tools to Track Progress

Monetization Tracker

Track subs and watch hours

Earnings Calculator

Estimate potential income

Track Your Progress

Monetization Tools

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