YouTube Partner Program changes: the 31 January and 1 February 2027 timeline
YouTube has set two dates: existing partners must accept updated terms by 31 January 2027, and the changes take effect on 1 February 2027. This page covers the transition and what existing partners must do. For the thresholds themselves, use the YouTube monetization checker, which switches to the new rules on that date, or the Partner Program guide. More guides are in creator monetization.
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Timeline
| Date | What happens (per YouTube's help page) |
|---|---|
| Until 31 January 2027 | Existing partners accept the updated terms in YouTube Studio; fan-funding creators who enabled it before 2023 move to the Commerce Product Module |
| 31 January 2027 | Deadline to accept (MCNs for owned-and-operated channels; affiliate channels themselves) |
| 1 February 2027 | Changes take effect: new entry thresholds for applicants, channel-activity requirement for existing partners, Shorts Creator Pool threshold; unaccepted terms stop earning |
| Any time after | A creator or channel that did not accept can regain access by accepting the updated terms in YouTube Studio |
What existing partners must accept
In YouTube Studio, accept the Watch Page Monetization Module, the Shorts Monetization Module, and the Commerce Product Module where it applies. Creators who enabled fan funding before 2023 must move to the Commerce Product Module by 31 January 2027. YouTube states there are no changes to eligibility, how those products work or the revenue share.
If you do not accept by the deadline
- You are not removed from the Partner Program, and YouTube says your decision does not affect your YPP status.
- From 1 February 2027 you stop earning from the monetization features tied to the terms you have not accepted.
- You can regain access at any time by accepting the updated terms in YouTube Studio.
Multi-channel networks
| Channel type | Who must accept | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Owned-and-operated | The managing MCN | 31 January 2027 |
| Affiliate | The channel itself | 31 January 2027 (can regain access later by accepting) |
The channel-activity requirement for existing partners
From 1 February 2027, existing partners are checked for channel activity: a channel is active if it meets any one of 1,000 qualified watch hours in the past 365 days, 1 million qualified Shorts views in the last 90 days, or 2 long-form videos or 5 Shorts uploaded every 90 days. A channel that drops below the requirements gets an extended 90-day window to meet either the 1,000 watch hours or 1 million Shorts views requirement. Whether your channel meets it is one of the checks in our monetization checker.
Shorts earnings from February
The Shorts rule that comes in on the same date is explained in how Shorts monetization works. YouTube also says missing the Shorts threshold does not remove a creator from YPP or affect other earnings, including long-form.
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline for existing YouTube partners?
31 January 2027. Existing partners must accept the updated terms in YouTube Studio by then. The changes take effect on 1 February 2027.
What happens if I do not accept the updated terms?
YouTube says you are not removed from the Partner Program and your decision does not affect your YPP status, but from 1 February 2027 you stop earning from the associated monetization features. You can regain access at any time by accepting the terms in YouTube Studio.
Which terms do I have to accept?
The Watch Page Monetization Module, the Shorts Monetization Module and, where it applies, the Commerce Product Module. Creators who enabled fan funding before 2023 must move to the Commerce Product Module by 31 January 2027; YouTube says eligibility, how the products work and the revenue share do not change.
Do existing partners have to meet the new entry thresholds?
No. YouTube says an existing partner's YPP status is not affected by the new entry thresholds. Existing partners are instead subject to a channel-activity requirement from 1 February 2027.
What about channels managed by a network (MCN)?
For owned-and-operated channels, the managing network must accept by 31 January 2027. For affiliate channels, the channels themselves must accept by 31 January 2027, and if they miss it they can regain access later by accepting.
Is there a grace period?
The only explicit grace period on YouTube's page is a 90-day window to restore active status if a channel drops below the activity requirements. The page describes no grace period for monetization features after 1 February 2027, beyond being able to regain access by accepting the terms later.
Sources
- YouTube Help: Upcoming YPP changes (February 2027)
- YouTube Help: YouTube Partner Program overview
- YouTube Help: Shorts monetization policies
Primary sources opened on November 13, 2026. Prices come from our verified price table (see the methodology).