YouTube Partner Program: requirements, review and how payment works
The YouTube Partner Program is how a channel starts earning on YouTube. This guide explains what you need before you apply, what happens during review, and how much of the money you keep. To test your own channel against the numbers, use our YouTube monetization checker, and see the rest of our creator monetization guides.
By the Chelure Enterprises Editorial Team. Last reviewed . How we check our sources.
Requirements to join
| Requirement | What YouTube lists |
|---|---|
| Channel policies | Follow the YouTube channel monetization policies and accept the partner agreement |
| Location | Live in a country or region where YPP is available |
| Strikes | No active Community Guidelines strikes |
| Security | 2-Step Verification turned on for your Google Account |
| Features | Access to advanced features on YouTube |
| Payments | One active AdSense for YouTube account linked to the channel (or set one up in YouTube Studio) |
| Path 1 | 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 qualified watch hours in the last 12 months |
| Path 2 | 1,000 subscribers and 10 million qualified Shorts views in the last 90 days |
Watch hours from the Shorts feed do not count towards the 4,000-hour path. Only public long-form videos count as qualified watch hours; private, unlisted and deleted videos, ad campaigns and Shorts do not. For Shorts, only public Shorts shown in the Shorts feed count (image posts do not). Changes to these thresholds take effect on 1 February 2027: see the 2027 transition timeline.
How to apply
- In YouTube Studio, open Earn and select Apply now.
- Review and accept the base terms.
- Set up, or link, an active AdSense for YouTube account.
- Your application shows as In progress under Get reviewed.
What the review looks at
YouTube says automated systems and human reviewers assess the whole channel against its policies. Decisions typically take about one month, applications are handled in the order received, and some need more than one review. Meeting the numbers does not guarantee acceptance.
If you are rejected
You can appeal within 21 days, or keep uploading and reapply after 30 days. After a repeat rejection, YouTube says to wait 90 days before trying again.
How much of the money you keep
| Source of revenue | Creator share (YouTube revenue share page) |
|---|---|
| Ads on public long-form videos (Watch Page ads) | 55% of net revenues |
| Shorts Feed ads | 45% of the revenue allocated to you from the Creator Pool |
| Channel memberships and Super Chat | 70% of net revenues |
YouTube's revenue-share page does not give a percentage for YouTube Premium. Your actual terms are in YouTube Studio under Settings, then Agreements. To turn views into an income estimate, read YouTube RPM explained.
Keeping monetization
Monetization can be switched off for violating YouTube's monetization policies, whatever your watch hours or subscriber count. YouTube also says monetization may be turned off for a channel with no video uploads or Posts tab activity for six months or more.
Frequently asked questions
What is the YouTube Partner Program?
The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is the programme that lets creators earn from ads, memberships and other features on YouTube. You apply in YouTube Studio, and YouTube reviews the whole channel against its monetization policies.
How many subscribers and watch hours do I need?
Today YouTube lists two paths: 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 qualified watch hours in the last 12 months, or 1,000 subscribers and 10 million qualified Shorts views in the last 90 days. The entry thresholds change for new applicants on 1 February 2027.
How long does YPP review take?
YouTube says decisions typically take about one month, though delays can occur, and some applications need more than one review. Meeting the thresholds does not guarantee acceptance.
What if my application is rejected?
You can appeal within 21 days, or keep uploading and reapply after 30 days. If this is not your first rejection or you have already reapplied, YouTube says to wait 90 days.
What share of the money do creators get?
YouTube's revenue share page says 55 percent of net revenue from ads on public long-form videos, 45 percent of the revenue allocated to you from the Shorts Creator Pool, and 70 percent of net revenue from channel memberships and Super Chat. Your own agreement in YouTube Studio governs your actual share.
Can I lose monetization after joining?
Yes. Channels that violate monetization policies lose monetization regardless of watch hours or subscribers, and YouTube says monetization may be turned off for channels with no uploads or Posts activity for six months or more.
Sources
- YouTube Help: YouTube Partner Program overview, eligibility and application
- YouTube Help: Revenue share
- YouTube Help: Upcoming YPP changes (February 2027)
Primary sources opened on November 13, 2026. Prices come from our verified price table (see the methodology).