YouTube have introduced a new lower set of requirements, allowing smaller creators to apply to YPP earlier and start earning money.

Last year, YouTube introduced a new threshold to their Partner Program aimed at Shorts creators, as well as the ability for Shorts to be monetized. During the announcement, YouTube also mentioned creators would soon be able to “access fan funding sooner”. YouTube have now given more details and started rolling out this update.

To be clear, while the eligibility requirements for turning on monetization from ad revenue and Premium subscriptions are staying the same, YouTube are introducing new thresholds specifically for smaller creators to apply sooner and start earning from features introducing channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, Super Thanks, Shopping and YouTube Creator Support.

  • Channel memberships: lets viewers join your channel through monthly payments and get access to members-only perks you offer, like badges, emoji, and other goods.
  • Super Chat & Super Stickers: your fans can buy Super Chats to highlight their message within live chat or Super Stickers to get a fun animated image that surfaces in live chat.
  • Super Thanks:  lets you earn revenue from viewers who want to show extra gratitude for your videos.
  • Shopping: lets you connect your official merchandise store to YouTube and showcase your products.

What are the new YPP eligibility requirements?

The YPP requirements for earning revenue sharing through ads and Premium subscriptions are staying the same:

  • 1,000 subscribers
  • And either:
    • 4,000 valid public watch hours on longform video in the last 365 days
    • Or 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days
Image Credit: YouTube

The new lower thresholds to access fan funding features and Creator Support are:

  • 500 subscribers
  • 3 valid public uploads in the last 90 days
  • And either:
    • 3,000 valid public watch hours on longform video in the last 365 days
    • Or 3 million public Short views in the last 90 days
Image Credit: YouTube

These lower requirements should help creators access monetization features earlier, while an additional upload requirement ensures channels are active. As creators grow and hit the higher criteria, they will automatically be eligible to earn ad and Premium subscription revenue, without having to go through the full YPP application process.

This lower tier will be available in US, UK, Canada, Taiwan and South Korea over the next month, before coming to all YPP eligible countries later in the year. To see if you have hit the requirements and have access yet, head to YouTube Studio on desktop, then Earn in the left side panel. On mobile, open the YouTube Studio app and tap Earn in the bottom menu. Here you will be able to see your progress to hitting these thresholds and sign up to receive an email when you become eligibile.

While you’re waiting for your YouTube channel to grow, so you can start generating revenue on the video platform, don’t forget, RouteNote are partnered with YouTube to help artists of all sizes monetize their music with Content ID. It’s completely free to get started! Find out more here.