YouTube Partner Program: How to Monetize with Only 500 Subscribers

If you're a small creator on YouTube, get ready to monetize your channel faster than ever in 2025. The YouTube Partner Program changes have made it so you won't need as many subscribers or as much watch time to join up.

You can apply for the YouTube Partner Program once you have the following:

• 500 subscribers
• Three public uploads in the last 90 days
• 3,000 public watch hours in the previous 12 months

Alternatively, you can join the program without 3,000 watch hours, but instead, you'll need 3 million public YouTube Shorts views in the last 90 days.

Image credit: Official YouTube Blog

These options are much lower than the old requirements, which were 1,000 subscribers plus 4,000 watch hours or 10 million public Shorts views.

Best of all, these rules offer early access to some monetization features. YouTube announced the changes in a recent blog post, stating:

"These new partners will unlock access to fan funding features like channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, Super Thanks, and the ability to promote their own products with YouTube Shopping."

What About YouTube AdSense Revenue?

One drawback to these changes is that they don't give full access to the YPP. You'll get plenty of fan-funding options but must satisfy the old monetization requirements to unlock ad revenue.

So, while 500 subs, three videos, and 3,000 watch hours get you into the program, that's just the beginning. You will still need 1,000 subs plus 4,000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views to monetize with ads.

The good news is that once you're in the YPP, you're in. You don't need to re-apply after reaching older milestones, and you'll unlock the revenue tools you didn't have before.

We know these changes are a lot to take in, so if you need extra details, watch this video to learn more about the new and improved YPP.

What This Means for Small Creators

Lowering the monetization requirements on YouTube is a fantastic idea. New creators have a chance to make money faster, and the opportunity may motivate them to grow a successful channel. YouTube is looking for ways to listen to, empathize with, and solve problems for small creators, which is always good.

On the flip side, small creators will only get some of what they want from this deal. They can access fan funding, but making money is only possible with an engaged community. And they may need more than 500 subscribers to earn satisfying revenue. A larger creator, with, say, 10,000 subscribers, has an easier time getting video donations, member subscriptions, or product sales because they have more chances to earn.

For example, if only 1% of 10,000 subscribers choose to fund a creator, that's still 100 active "customers." With 500 subscribers, 1% participation amounts to five customers.

So regardless of how fast you join the YPP, you need an authentic community to seize the entire opportunity. The first step is learning how to gain real subscribers on YouTube!

Maximizing Revenue with Fan Funding Features

The new 500-subscriber tier lets you plan your monetization journey sooner. Channel Memberships offer a great way to earn steady monthly income from loyal fans. With these perks, you can start earning even without meeting the ad revenue benchmark.

Create clear membership levels that give actual benefits. For example, you might add exclusive videos, behind-the-scenes clips, custom emojis, or members-only live streams. Keep your perks simple and useful for your fans.

Set prices that feel fair. Start with tiers around $1.99 to $4.99, then consider higher-priced levels with extra benefits for devoted fans. Remind your audience of these perks during videos and live sessions. Keep in mind that YouTube takes 30% of membership earnings.