YouTube will raise its YPP monetization rules for new creators from February 1, 2027. The YouTube Partner Program will require 8,000 qualified watch hours in 365 days or 20 million qualified Shorts views in 90 days.
The subscriber requirement will remain at 1,000 for ad and Premium revenue sharing. YouTube says the change will help reward active creators as platform viewing continues to grow.
YouTube announced the update on August 10, 2026, covering new creators worldwide who want ad and Premium revenue. The company said, “we’re making the first significant changes since 2018” to keep rewarding active creators.
The new YouTube monetization target doubles the earlier 4,000 watch hours requirement. The Shorts route also rises from 10 million to 20 million qualified views.
Existing YPP members will not face the higher entry threshold under the new rules. However, Shorts monetization will have a separate ongoing requirement from February 1.
Channels need 10 million qualified Shorts views within 90 days to earn Shorts ad and subscription revenue. Channels below that mark will remain in YPP and keep earning from long-form videos.
Shorts earnings will return once the channel crosses 10 million qualified views again. YouTube says Shorts currently receive more than 200 billion daily views worldwide.
The YouTube Partner Program will also add new earning opportunities through Shopping, brand deals and creator incentives. YouTube says the 500-subscriber Fan Funding and Shopping entry rules will remain unchanged.
Creators should check YouTube Studio for updated terms before the new rules start. The changes mark YouTube’s biggest YPP update since 2018.
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