If you’re a video creator who wants to make money online, you’re going to want to know how to join the YouTube Partner Program to start monetizing your content and earn a profit!
The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is YouTube's official monetization program that unlocks earning features for creators. Once your channel meets YouTube's eligibility requirements and follows their content policies, you can apply to start making money from your videos.
Think of YPP as YouTube's way of saying your channel is ready for business. After you apply through YouTube Studio and get approved, you'll gain access to monetization tools like ad revenue, channel memberships, and more, depending on which tier you qualify for.
Stop Guessing. Start Growing.
Join 20M+ creators using vidIQ to get more views, subscribers, and success on YouTube.
YouTube currently offers multiple eligibility tiers. One lets creators start earning earlier, while the higher tier unlocks full ad and Premium revenue sharing.
Tier 1: Early Access to Fan Funding and Shopping Features
To qualify for early YPP access, your channel must have:
This tier grants access to features like Super Chats, Super Stickers, Channel Memberships, and YouTube Shopping, which helps creators generate revenue through fan interactions and product promotions.
Tier 2: Full Monetization Including Ad Revenue
To unlock full monetization features, your channel must have:
Image credit: Official YouTube Blog
Achieving this tier unlocks full monetization capabilities, including revenue from ads and YouTube Premium.
These updates lower the barrier to entry, allowing emerging creators to monetize their content sooner. The emphasis on Shorts views reflects YouTube's focus on short-form content, providing an additional avenue for audience growth. However, creators need to stick to YouTube's monetization policies and community guidelines.
Overall, the 2026 YouTube Partner Program changes offer more opportunities for creators to earn income and grow their channels. It’s another way to help create a more inclusive and dynamic creator ecosystem.
When you’re ready to apply to the YPP, you can complete the application in the YouTube Studio. Just click ‘Earn’ in the studio’s left navigation menu.
That’ll bring you to the YPP application page, which requires four steps:
According to YouTube’s support page, it typically takes about one month to be accepted. However, plenty of creators have been accepted before then, so keep checking your email.
Meeting the numbers does not guarantee approval. Rejections usually fall into a few predictable categories.
Common reasons include:
If rejected, YouTube usually explains the primary reason inside YouTube Studio.
Not getting into the YPP is disappointing, but don't worry. You can always re-apply to the program. The process for re-applying has changed, though, so review the details below carefully!
If you apply and are rejected for the first time, you’ll have 21 days to appeal the decision. Then you'll have to wait another 30 days before re-applying.
If you’re rejected a second time, you’ll still have 21 days to appeal, but you can only re-apply after 90 days.
While this may seem harsh, it’s a balanced approach because YouTube is prioritizing new applicants over repeat ones. Use the time to fix anything unsavory on your channel, such as multiple copyright claims or videos that violate YouTube’s Community Guidelines.
Once you’re approved for the YouTube Partner Program, how you earn depends on the type of content you publish.
Long-form videos:
For standard YouTube videos, creators receive 55% of ad revenue, while YouTube keeps 45%. This applies to ads shown on eligible long-form videos and to YouTube Premium revenue, which is paid out based on watch time.
YouTube Shorts:
Shorts monetization follows a different model. Ad revenue from Shorts is first pooled together. After music licensing costs are deducted, 45% of the remaining revenue is distributed to creators. Your payout depends on your share of total eligible Shorts views.
What affects earnings:
Actual earnings vary based on factors like viewer location, niche, ad demand, watch time, and how often ads are shown. Revenue sharing terms can change, so always treat these percentages as guidance rather than guarantees.
Getting into YPP is less about immediate income and more about unlocking long term leverage for your channel.
Once approved, creators gain:
Key mindset shift: Most creators do not see meaningful income on day one. YPP is the gate that allows growth to compound.
Joining the YouTube Partner Program is not a finish line. It is proof your channel is built on a foundation YouTube is willing to support.
But... if you just can't wait, here are five ways to monetize your content outside of the YouTube Partnership Program.
Yes. YouTube’s early access tier starts at 500 subscribers, provided you meet the upload and watch time or Shorts view requirements.
Yes. Shorts views can count toward eligibility using a 90-day view window, depending on the tier.
You usually set up and link AdSense during the YPP application process in YouTube Studio.
You may not be eligible yet, or YPP may not be available in your region. YouTube also lets you opt in for notifications when you get close.
Reviews typically take about a month, though timing varies by channel.
20k+ 5 Star Reviews
Ready to put this into action?
Use vidIQ to find your next video idea, pick better keywords, and optimize every upload.
Lydia Sweatt is a writer who loves balancing her article/blog time indoors with a healthy dose of nature. She bikes, hikes, and identifies edible plants along the way.
Mar 28, 2025
4 min read
Mar 1, 2025
4 min read
Jan 9, 2023
4 min read
Sep 3, 2021
5 min read
Dec 5, 2020
6 min read
Aug 8, 2020
5 min read
