YouTube continues to tighten rules for creators: starting February 1, 2027, new monetization requirements take effect, doubling the thresholds for watch hours and Shorts views. This decision will affect thousands of content creators who are just planning to join the partner program. In this article, we’ll break down all the changes, who they affect, and how to prepare for the new conditions.
New Requirements for Joining YPP
The subscriber requirement remains at 1,000. However, activity metrics for new applicants are doubled. For full access to ad revenue and YouTube Premium, you must meet one of two conditions: either 8,000 watch hours over 12 months, or 20 million Shorts views over 90 days.
- Before January 31, 2027: 4,000 hours or 10 million Shorts views.
- From February 1, 2027: 8,000 hours or 20 million Shorts views.
It’s important to understand: for scale, 8,000 hours per year is roughly 22 hours of viewing per day, and 20 million Shorts views is about 222,222 views per day. These numbers only grant the right to submit an application; YouTube still reviews the channel for compliance with monetization policies.
The reaction from creators was expected. For example, @NigelsTravels commented on vidIQ’s breakdown: «Doubling the watch hours requirement from 4,000 to 8,000 is a huge barrier for small channels.»
Who Is Affected by the New Rules?
New Creators
If you’re not yet in YPP and want to earn ad revenue, compare your metrics in Studio against the new thresholds. If you applied before February 1, 2027, but your application is still under review, transitional rules haven’t been published—check with support.
Existing Partners
If you’re already in YPP, review the new terms and ensure your channel meets the activity requirements. From February 1, 2027, a channel is considered active if it meets at least one of the following: publishing at least one long-form video or Short in the last 90 days, or 1,000 watch hours over 365 days, or 1 million Shorts views over 90 days. If a channel loses activity, you get 90 days to recover.
Tier with 500 Subscribers
Early access for channels with 500 subscribers remains unchanged: same thresholds for fan funding and Shopping features. This tier does not grant access to ads or Premium.
Shorts Creators
From February 1, 2027, for income from the Shorts Creator Pool, you need 10 million qualified views in the last 90 days. If views are lower, payouts are paused, but the channel remains in YPP, and long-form video revenue is unaffected.
What Counts as Qualified Views?
Qualified watch hours include only long-form videos that are publicly available. Not counted: views from Shorts, from ads, from private or unlisted videos, and repeat views. For Shorts, only public Shorts in the Shorts feed are counted; views from ads or unlisted videos are not included.
What to Do Before February 1, 2027?
- If you’re close to the threshold: submit your application as soon as Studio shows you meet the current requirements.
- If you’re already in YPP: accept the new terms by January 31, otherwise payouts will be paused.
- If you’re far from the threshold: choose one path—long-form or Shorts—and focus on it. You can also grow income through sponsorships, affiliate programs, and merchandise.
Why Is YouTube Raising Requirements?
YouTube explains this as a desire to encourage active creators and reflect changes in viewer behavior. The company notes over 200 billion daily Shorts views and over a billion hours of daily TV watch time.
New Earning Opportunities
YouTube is expanding Premium Lite to all countries where Premium is available. Premium Lite uses a creator pool comprising 60% of net subscription revenue, while standard Premium uses 30%. Creators receive 55% from long-form and 45% from Shorts. Future Shorts incentives related to shopping, brand deals, and trends were also announced, but details will come later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be changes for existing partners?
No, the 8,000-hour threshold applies only to new creators. Existing partners must monitor activity and Shorts rules.
Do I need 1,000 subscribers?
Yes, subscribers remain mandatory, plus one of the metrics: 8,000 hours or 20 million Shorts views.
Does the 500-subscriber tier change?
No, its requirements remain unchanged, but it doesn’t grant access to ads.
What if I’m in YPP but don’t reach 10 million Shorts views?
Payouts from the Shorts Creator Pool are paused, but the channel stays in YPP, and long-form revenue is unaffected.
What if my application is under review on February 1?
There’s no official answer. It’s recommended to apply as early as possible and contact support.
Conclusion
Raising requirements is a significant step, but creators have time to prepare. Check your metrics in Studio, choose the right format, and keep creating quality content. If you’re not yet in YPP, don’t despair—thresholds are achievable with systematic work. Start optimizing your videos today to meet the new rules by February 2027.
The key is not to panic but to act. Analyze your strategy, choose a direction, and move toward your goal. And if you need help optimizing your channel for the new requirements—subscribe to blog updates; we’ll continue to monitor changes and share practical tips.
