📺 YouTube doubles thresholds for monetization

Starting February 1, 2027, YouTube will require 8,000 watch hours per year to join its Partner Program, up from 4,000. Shorts views must hit 20 million in 90 days, double the previous 10 million. Creators must also maintain 10 million Shorts views every 90 days to earn from the Shorts Creators Pool without risking removal from the program.

YouTube’s Partner Program lets creators earn money from ads and subscriptions. New rules require at least 1,000 watch hours, 1 million Shorts views, or regular uploads every 90 days to stay eligible. Six months without uploads still means removal. YouTube plans to expand Premium Lite globally, sharing subscription revenue with 55% going to long videos and 45% to Shorts.

📊@tech