‍

YouTube Monetization Requirements 2025: How to Qualify and Start Earning

So, you’ve been uploading videos and eagerly waiting for that sweet monetization approval. But keeping up with YouTube’s ever-changing requirements can be overwhelming, especially when its algorithms shift unpredictably, like a restless cat that just won’t sit still.

You don’t have to wait forever to turn your passion into profit on the world's biggest video platform. In this guide, we’ll break down:

• The exact subscriber & watch hour requirements (no fluff, just facts)
• Tools that help you scale your YouTube earnings (because ads aren’t your only option)

Let's dive into YouTube's 2025 monetization requirements and get you on the fast track to earning those digital dollars. 

‍

What Are the YouTube Monetization Requirements in 2025

What you need to know from the get-go is that YouTube only allows monetization in certain regions, so you’ll need to be in a country where YouTube Partner Program is active.

Next, your channel needs some traction. A sum-up of YouTube’s monetization in 2025: you’ll need 500+ subscribers, 3 recent public videos, and either 3,000 watch hours in a year or 3 million Shorts views in 90 days.

YouTube also requires you to have an active AdSense account linked to your channel since that’s how you’ll get paid. Plus, for security reasons, you’ll have to go through a two-step verification on your Google account.

‍

The YouTube Partner Program (YPP): Your Golden Ticket

First things first: to start making money on YouTube, you'll need to join the YouTube Partner Program. This is like your VIP pass to monetization features, including ads, channel memberships, and more. 

But before you can roll out the red carpet, there are some milestones to hit.

‍

How Do You Get Monetized on YouTube Based on Subscriber Count

In 2025, YouTube offers two tiers for monetization, each with its own set of perks:

Fan Funding Tier:

Requirements:

• Subscribers: At least 500.
• Public Watch Hours: 3,000 hours in the past 12 months.
• Content Uploads: Minimum of 3 public videos in the last 90 days.
• Monetization Features: Fan Funding—access to features like Super Chat, Super Stickers, and channel memberships. These allow your fans to support you directly—think of it as a virtual tip jar. 

‍

Advertising Revenue Tier:

Requirements:

• Subscribers: At least 1,000.
• Public Watch Hours: 4,000 hours in the past 12 months or 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
• Content Uploads: Minimum of 3 public videos in the last 90 days.
• Monetization Features:

1. Ad Revenue: Earn from ad placement on your videos.
2. Fan Funding: All the goodies from the 500-subscriber tier.
3. Merch Shelf: Showcase your branded merchandise directly on your channel. Time to get those custom mugs and t-shirts ready!

In a nutshell, the Fan Funding Tier is the easier entry point, letting you start earning with fewer requirements—but with limited ways to cash in. On the other hand, the Ad Revenue Tier demands a bigger audience and more watch time, but in return, it unlocks extra income streams from ads and YouTube Premium. More effort, more rewards!

‍

Pro Tip: Consistency is key. Regular uploads keep your audience engaged and help you meet these requirements faster. Plus, who doesn't love a creator who sticks to a schedule?

‍

How Much Watch Time Is Required for YouTube Monetization: Keeping Eyeballs Glued

Watch hours are a measure of how much time viewers spend watching your content. Here's the scoop:

• Long-Form Videos: you need to meet the 4,000-hour requirement, so focus on creating engaging, high-quality content that encourages viewers to stick around. Tutorials, vlogs, and storytelling videos are great for this.
• Shorts: if bite-sized content is more your style, aim for 10 million views on your Shorts within a 90-day period. 

‍Fun Fact: Did you know that watching your own videos on repeat doesn't count toward watch hours? Nice try, though! 

‍

YouTube Monetization Requirements for Shorts: Riding the Vertical Wave

YouTube Shorts has become an essential tool for anyone looking to grow their audience and earn revenue. Take Jenny Hoyos, the queen of YouTube Shorts, who gained 1.5M+ subscribers with just 97 Shorts. Most of her income comes from brand deals (the biggest one got her $15.000), merchandise, and online courses, proving that Shorts can be a powerful tool for broader monetization.

‍

Here’s a complete breakdown of YouTube’s monetization requirements for shorts:

For the YouTube Partner Program:

• Subscribers: At least 500
• Recent Uploads: Minimum of 3 public videos in the last 90 days
• Watch Time or Views: 3,000 valid public watch hours OR 3 million valid public Shorts views

‍

Full YouTube Partner Program Access (including ad revenue sharing):

• Subscribers: At least 1,000
• Watch Time or Views: 4,000 valid public watch hours OR 10 million valid public Shorts views

‍

Quick Tip: Jump on trending topics and challenges to boost your Shorts' visibility.

‍

Use platforms like Google Trends, SubBox, Buzzsumo, and Semrush to discover high-traffic keywords and trending topics. Platforms like SendShort and Epidemic Sound offer curated lists of trending topics on YouTube Shorts. These typically feature popular categories like MrBeast-style challenges, self-improvement tips, fitness tricks, and quick recipe ideas. Additionally, browse the YouTube Shorts tab and social media for popular hashtags and viral challenges.

Engage in trending challenges relevant to your niche, whether it's dance, cooking, or another theme. Motivate your audience to join in by creating their own videos and using your custom hashtag to boost engagement.

Adherence to YouTube Policies: Playing by the Rules

Before you start seeing those dollar signs, make sure you're in good standing with YouTube's guidelines:

• Community Guidelines: keep it clean, respectful, and original. Avoid content that could be considered harmful or inappropriate.
• Monetization Policies: ensure your content is advertiser-friendly. Steer clear of excessive profanity, violence, or controversial topics.
• Copyright: use only content you own or have permission to use. That catchy song you love? Make sure you use royalty-free music or get proper licenses before adding it to your video. You can use copyrighted music on YouTube without a monetization goal, but you’ll risk having YouTube's Content ID system detect copyrighted music. With the ads placed on your video, the revenue will go to the copyright owner. In worse cases, your video might be blocked.

FYI, YouTube's review team will assess your channel's compliance before granting monetization. So, dot your i's and cross your t's!

‍

How to Turn On Monetization on YouTube 

Ready to take the plunge? Here's how to get started:

1. Access YouTube Studio

Sign in to your YouTube account. Click your profile picture in the top-right corner. From the dropdown menu, select YouTube Studio.

2. Go to the Monetization Tab

In YouTube Studio, locate the left-hand menu. Click on Monetization to check your eligibility.

3. Apply for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)

If you meet the requirements, an "Apply Now" button will appear. Click it to begin the application process. Read and accept the YPP terms and conditions.

4. Set Up Google AdSense

You’ll be prompted to create or link an existing Google AdSense account. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

5. Wait for YouTube’s Review

YouTube will review your channel to ensure it follows community guidelines and monetization policies. The review process can take between 1-3 days and up to a month, so patience is key.

6. Enable Monetization on Your Videos

Once approved, go to YouTube Studio to turn on monetization for individual or all videos. Open YouTube Creator Studio and navigate to the "Earn" tab from the left-hand menu.

7. Verify Your Identity & Payment Details

To receive earnings, you must verify your identity and address through YouTube. Follow the verification process to complete the monetization setup. Now, you’re all set to start earning from your YouTube content!

‍

How Long Does It Take to Monetize a YouTube Channel 

Turning your YouTube channel into a money-making machine isn’t just about hitting “upload” and hoping for the best. Success depends on key factors like content quality, posting consistency, and how well you keep your audience hooked.

The timeline for monetization? Anywhere from a few months to a couple of years, depending on your niche and how quickly your channel gains traction. But if you want to speed things up, here’s what helps:

• Stay consistent – Regular uploads keep your audience engaged and attract new viewers.
• Make content that matters – Whether it’s entertaining, informative, or both, focus on delivering value.
• Optimize for search – Use the right keywords, attention-grabbing titles, and eye-catching thumbnails to boost visibility.
• Promote wisely – Share your videos on social media, collaborate with other creators, and engage in relevant online communities.

Reaching YouTube’s Partner Program requirements isn’t an overnight win—it takes time, patience, and a whole lot of trial and error. Keep refining your approach, stay persistent, and growth will follow.

‍

Diversify Your Revenue Beyond Ads

While ad revenue is great, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Explore additional income streams:

• Channel Memberships: Allow access to exclusive perks to subscribers who pay a monthly fee. Think behind-the-scenes content, custom emojis, and more.
• Merchandise: Use the merch shelf to sell branded products. Your fans can rock your gear while supporting your channel.
• Super Chat and Super Stickers: During live streams, viewers can purchase these to show support and get noticed. It's like getting a virtual high-five! 
• YouTube Sponsorship Deals: Partner with brands to promote their products or services in exchange for payment.
• Affiliate Marketing: Earn commissions by promoting products through tracked affiliate links in your video descriptions.
• Fan Funding: Receive direct financial support from viewers through YouTube memberships or SubBro (SubSub Fan Funding).

Pro tip: engage with your community. Respond to comments, host live Q&A sessions, and make your viewers feel valued. A loyal audience is more likely to support you financially.

‍

How to Tell if a YouTube Channel Is Monetized?

As a YouTube creator, knowing whether a channel is monetized can help you understand its revenue strategies, evaluate competition, or decide on potential collaborations. One clear sign is the subscriber count (at least 1,000 subscribers). More ways to check include:

• YouTube Monetization Checker Tools: Websites like YT Large and Is This Channel Monetized offer tools that can analyze a channel's monetization status by checking for ads, subscriber count, and other indicators.

• Channel Features: If a channel has a "Join" button, it indicates that the channel is monetized through the YouTube Partner Program.

• Presence of Ads: Channels with many videos containing ads are likely monetized. However, this isn't a definitive indicator since some channels may choose not to monetize despite meeting the requirements.

‍

Maximize Your Earnings With SubSub

Relying solely on YouTube AdSense can be unpredictable. Ad revenue fluctuates, and even with a successful channel, earnings aren’t always stable. That’s where SubSub steps in—offering a diverse ecosystem that helps creators unlock new revenue streams and build a more sustainable income.

Let’s break down how SubSub’s products can help you go beyond traditional ad earnings and take your monetization to the next level.

‍

SubSub Partner Program – Premium Perks & Expert Guidance

Making money on YouTube (or any platform) isn't just about hitting the right numbers—it’s about knowing how to scale. Whether you’re at the beginning of your YouTube journey or simply need a hand with growing your channel, the SubSub Partner Program gives you the precise insights and tips you need. 

This program connects you with monetization experts who offer insights on growing revenue, optimizing content, and accessing premium earning opportunities.  From personalized assistance to enhanced monetization options, you’ll have everything you need to grow faster and earn more.

Join SubSub as a partner and you get access to:

• Direct YouTube support—connect with a dedicated personal manager to help navigate YouTube’s policies and optimize your content strategy.
• Access to many helpful features—including SubBro (SubSub Fan Funding) to grow your community and direct fan revenue and SubBox (SubSub Analytics) to easily track competitors, analyze trends, and optimize content.
• Flexible withdrawal conditions with SubWallet—track, optimize, and withdraw earnings with just one tap. 

If you’re serious about turning content creation into a full-time career, this program helps you make smart, data-driven decisions to boost profitability.

‍

SubSub Fan Funding – Turning Your Audience into Supporters

Setting up a fan funding page is complex, overwhelming, and can limit your earning potential. With SubSub Fan Funding, your audience can contribute directly to your work, giving you a reliable income source outside of ads. 

Whether it’s one-time tips, recurring memberships, or exclusive content access, SubSub makes it easy for viewers to show their appreciation.

Here are the basics of how it works:

• Set up your personalized SubSub Fun Funding page.
• Offer exclusive videos and rich media to fans.
• Fully customize pages, pricing, and discounts.
• Encourage your fans to support your work (donations, memberships, and shop sales).

Additionally, you can set donation goals and support causes you care about.

Fan Funding’s main benefit is that you can focus more on content and less on chasing high CPMs (cost per mille). Plus, it builds a stronger community—when fans invest in your success, they become even more engaged in your content.

‍

SubSub Live – Monetize Your Content 24/7

Live streaming has become a massive revenue driver, but what if you could keep the cash flowing even when you're not live? That’s exactly what SubSub Live does. It allows creators to automate 24/7 streams, running curated content loops to engage viewers around the clock.

With SubLive, you can automate your streams, ensuring non-stop engagement and revenue—even while you sleep.

Run pre-recorded videos as live streams, and you can keep your audience entertained 24/7 while continuing to earn through ads, donations, and super chats. It’s a simple process: upload your content, set a recurring stream schedule, and let SubLive handle the rest.

Whether you have a library of past content ready to be reused or want to maintain a constant online presence, automated streaming keeps your channel active and profitable without constantly being on camera.

‍

SubSub Wallet – Instant Payouts & Cross-Platform Management

One of the biggest frustrations for creators? Waiting for payments. YouTube’s monthly payout schedule isn’t always ideal, and handling multiple revenue streams across different platforms can get messy. SubSub Wallet solves both problems by offering instant payouts and an easy way to manage earnings from various sources into one easy-to-use dashboard.

With instant withdrawals, you can access your funds anytime—directly to your bank account, PayPal, Payoneer, or even crypto wallets. If you need money before your YouTube payout, SubWallet offers advance payments so you can stay ahead.

Whether you’re earning from fan funding, brand deals, live streams, or multiple platforms, SubSub Wallet simplifies the process. Creator, influencer, or business owner—you get paid faster and can focus on what matters most: creating great content.

‍

Stay on Top of YouTube Requirements Updates

YouTube loves a good plot twist—just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, BAM! A new policy update. Stay ahead of the game (and avoid surprise demonetization) with these simple moves:

• Regularly check YouTube's official blog: It's the go-to source for all platform news.
• Join creator communities: Network with fellow creators to share tips, experiences, and support.
• Attend YouTube workshops and webinars: These can provide valuable insights and help you stay ahead of the curve.

‍

Final Thoughts

Embarking on the path to YouTube monetization is exciting, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. Focus on creating content you're passionate about, engage authentically with your audience, and the numbers will follow. 

If you're looking to diversify your income and build a more stable financial future as a creator, SubSub’s ecosystem is a must-have. Instead of relying on ad revenue alone, you can tap into fan funding, 24/7 monetization, expert guidance, and instant payouts—all designed to maximize earnings and simplify content monetization. 

👉 Perfect for creators who want expert support and premium monetization tools to grow faster and earn more.

Just remember that every big creator started small. Keep pushing, stay creative, and soon enough, you'll be celebrating your own milestones.

Plus, keep in mind that monetization policies and requirements are subject to change, so regularly check YouTube's official guidelines.

‍

FAQs

‍

How do you get monetized on YouTube?

To get monetized on YouTube, you need to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and check the eligibility requirements. Ensure your content adheres to YouTube's Community Guidelines, Terms of Service, and monetization policies. Create and link a Google AdSense account to your YouTube channel to receive payments. Once you meet the eligibility criteria, go to YouTube Studio and apply for the YouTube Partner Program.

‍

How much watch time is required for YouTube advertising revenue to monetize your channel?

To qualify for YouTube monetization, you need at least 4,000 watch hours on your videos in the past 12 months. Alternatively, you can also meet the eligibility by achieving 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.

‍

What are the YouTube monetization requirements for Shorts?

For YouTube Shorts, you need to accumulate 10 million valid public Shorts views within the last 90 days and have at least 1,000 subscribers to be eligible for the YouTube Partner Program.

‍

How to enable Fan Funding for a YouTube channel?

To enable Fan Funding on YouTube, your channel must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Have at least 500 subscribers
• Be in the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
• Have at least 3 public uploads in the last 90 days
• Be in a region where Fan Funding features (such as Super Chats, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks) are available

Once eligible, you can turn on Fan Funding options in YouTube Studio under the Monetization tab.

‍

How long does it take to monetize a YouTube channel?

The time it takes to monetize a YouTube channel depends on various factors. Earning money from ads requires 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of public watch time within 12 months or 10 million public YouTube Shorts views within 90 days. Reaching 1,000 subscribers can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on your content quality and marketing efforts.

‍

How to check if a YouTube channel is monetized?

To check if a YouTube channel is monetized, you should first look for ads placed on videos. Watch a few videos to see if advertisements are being displayed. You can also check and see if the channel offers memberships or has Super Chat enabled.

‍

How to monetize a YouTube channel on mobile?

You can monetize your YouTube channel on mobile by following these steps:

1. Open YouTube Studio App: Download and open the YouTube Studio app on your mobile device.
2. Navigate to Monetization: Tap on the menu (three horizontal lines) and select "Monetization."
3. Follow the Steps: Follow the on-screen instructions to apply for the YouTube Partner Program if you meet the eligibility criteria.
4. Set up AdSense: Link your Google AdSense account to start earning revenue from ads