YouTube tightens Shorts monetization requirements starting in 2027
Starting February 1, 2027, YouTube is raising the entry thresholds for the Partner Program. To earn ad revenue from Shorts, creators will need twice as many views, and for access to overall ad revenue and Premium, more watch hours. This is a step toward making short videos generate «meaningful» income, but only for a select few.
The new Shorts monetization rules will affect everyone planning to earn on the platform. If you’re just starting your YouTube journey, it’s important to understand how the landscape will change in the coming years.
New requirements for the Partner Program
Currently, joining the YouTube Partner Program requires 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours per year or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days. Starting February 2027, new applicants will need to reach 8,000 watch hours over 365 days or 20 million Shorts views in 90 days.
Current program participants retain their terms—thresholds remain unchanged for them. This grandfather clause protects already-earning creators from sudden changes.
Restrictions on Shorts ads
Separately, requirements for accessing Shorts ad revenue are being tightened. Regardless of how you enter the Partner Program, to earn a share of ad revenue from short videos, you’ll need at least 10 million Shorts views in 90 days.
If a creator drops below this threshold, their Shorts ads are automatically disabled but resume once views exceed the mark again. This makes Shorts monetization more exclusive and geared toward large channels.
Why YouTube is doing this
According to YouTube’s Vice President of Creator Products, Amjad Hanif, the changes are based on «the growth of the creator ecosystem over recent years.» In a video on the Creator Insider channel, he emphasized that the goal is to make Shorts ads a «meaningful» source of income.
To earn real money from Shorts, you need millions of views—hence the new requirements. YouTube is deliberately restricting access to ad revenue, pushing smaller creators toward alternative monetization methods.
What doesn’t change: Fan Funding and new incentives
Requirements for Fan Funding remain the same: 500 subscribers, three uploads in 90 days, and either 3,000 watch hours per year or 3 million Shorts views in 90 days. This allows smaller channels to receive direct fan support.
YouTube’s blog states: «We’re expanding earning opportunities by introducing new incentives rather than relying solely on ads.» For channels below the 10 million view threshold, bonuses for achieving goals will be introduced, such as for YouTube Shopping, brand deals, and participating in trends. Details are promised later.
Impact on creators
YouTube’s Partner Program has existed for nearly 20 years and continues to generate income for millions of creators. However, the revenue structure is shifting: more creators are earning through direct funding methods.
The new rules acknowledge this trend but don’t abandon those who rely on ads. Current partners retain their terms, while newcomers will have to work harder to get into the program.
Frequently asked questions
When do the new requirements take effect?
Starting February 1, 2027.
What are the new thresholds for joining the Partner Program?
You need 8,000 watch hours over 365 days or 20 million Shorts views in 90 days.
What happens to current Partner Program participants?
Their terms won’t change—they retain the old thresholds.
How do I now earn ad revenue from Shorts?
You need to reach 10 million Shorts views in 90 days, regardless of your Partner Program status.
What alternatives exist for smaller channels?
Fan Funding (500 subscribers, 3 uploads, 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views) and new bonus programs that will be introduced later.
Bottom line: YouTube is betting on quality and scale. If you plan to grow a channel, focus on a long-term strategy: combine Shorts with long-form videos, use Fan Funding, and keep an eye on new bonus programs. Adapt to changes early—and your channel will remain profitable.
