HOW TO MONETIZE ON YOUTUBE'S PARTNER PROGRAM AS A CREATOR

YouTube is approaching its 20th anniversary, and in that time, we have watched it evolve from a simple platform for sharing home videos, into a global hub hosting over 63.8 million creators. During YouTube’s lifespan, it has empowered individuals to transform their passion into lucrative careers. In the last 3 years alone, YouTube paid over a whopping $70 billion to its creator community, making it one of the best platforms for creators looking to monetize their content. 

Getting Monetized on YouTube

To access YouTube's large creator payout pool, you must join YouTube’s Partner Program (YPP). In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to qualify for the YouTube Partner Programme, including key requirements and tips for boosting your eligibility. We’ll also break down the revenue share model so you know what to expect once you’re in.

Already a YouTube Partner Programme member? Check out 11 ways you can maximize your earnings on YouTube!

What is YouTube's Partner Programme (YPP)?

Just two years after its launch in 2005, YouTube introduced the YouTube Partner Programme, becoming the first social platform to allow creators to earn money directly from their content. This programme enabled channels that met its specific subscriber and public watch hour thresholds to monetize their YouTube videos through ads. 

Today, the YouTube Partner Programme is larger than ever, with over 3 million creators worldwide. It offers various monetization features and remains one of the few platforms providing revenue share for its creators.

How does YouTube’s Partner Programme work, and what is the revenue split?

YouTube’s Partner Programme offers a profitable opportunity for creators to earn money through video ads on their content. It works by Google AdSense generating revenue based on viewer interactions, such as clicks and views on the ads displayed in videos. YouTube then shares this revenue, giving 55% to the creator and retaining 45% for itself. 

How to monetize Shorts on YouTube?

For creators aiming to monetize their YouTube Shorts content, the revenue share differs. The YouTube Shorts platform provides exclusive tools and features designed to enhance creators' reach and engagement. These features include trending filters, live streaming capabilities, and music options, all of which can improve a creator's monetization potential. However, because these additional tools require technological development and maintenance, YouTube takes a larger share of the revenue. The current revenue split is YouTube receiving 55%, while the creator gets 45%.

Curious about maximizing earnings with YouTube Shorts? Check out our guide here. 

What are YouTube’s Partner Programme Requirements for Monetization?

To start monetizing through YouTube's Partner Programme, creators must meet specific YouTube Partner Programme eligibility thresholds. 

For exclusive benefits, such as promoting your products on shopping or fan funding features, your channel must have the following:

• 500 Subscribers and
• 3 valid public uploads in the last 90 days and
• 3,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months

Or through YouTube Shorts:

• 500 Subscribers and
• 3 valid public uploads in the last 90 days and
• 3 Million Valid public YouTube Shorts views in the last 90 days

To reach full monetization, including ad revenue sharing, you’ll need:

1,000 subscribers, plus either:

• 4,000 public watch hours on your main YouTube feed in a year or
• 10 million short views in 90 days

How to Enable Monetization on YouTube 

Once accepted onto the YouTube Partner Programme, you can turn on monetization. Do this before or after uploading content. 

To increase your revenue, you will want to turn on monetization for as many videos as possible: 

Here’s how you do it:

1. Head to YouTube Studio
2. Click “Content’ in the left navigation bar.
3. Select the video to monetize
4. Click “Monetization” in the left menu. 
5. Choose which ads you want to display.
6. Click “Save”

 Video Content Requirements 

To maximize revenue it is important to follow YouTube’s monetization guidelines. 

YouTube has provided key points to ensure your content aligns with:

• Keep content in the PG to PG-13 range to maintain monetization. 
• Your content should be original and authentic. This means:
• If borrowing content from someone else (e.g., reaction videos), you should change it significantly to make it your own. This ensures it can be monetized.
• Avoid duplicating or creating repetitive content; videos should be for the enjoyment or education of viewers. 

This blog just covers a summary of how to monetize on YouTube. Reading YouTube's full Community Guidelines or AdSense Program Policies will help you understand content for monetization and how to get started. 

If you want to learn more ways to monetize on YouTube, check out 11 ways to monetize through YouTube.