What are the eligibility requirements for YouTube Shorts monetization?

What are the basic requirements to monetize YouTube Shorts?

To monetize YouTube Shorts, creators must first be part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). The YPP provides creators with access to YouTube resources, monetization features, and Creator Support teams. A key requirement for joining the YPP and monetizing Shorts is to have 1,000 subscribers and 10 million qualified Shorts views within the last 90 days.

Once your channel is part of the YouTube Partner Program, you will need to accept the Shorts Monetization Module. These terms allow you to earn revenue from ads and YouTube Premium in the Shorts Feed. YouTube documents that monetizing partners can earn money from ads displayed between videos in the Shorts Feed.

It is important to review and accept the updated terms in YouTube Studio by January 31, 2027, to continue fully monetizing your content. If you do not accept these updated terms by this date, you will stop earning from the associated monetization features starting February 1, 2027. While you can accept some or all of the updated monetization modules, YouTube encourages accepting all to maximize your earning potential.

What content is eligible for Shorts monetization?

For Shorts views to be eligible for revenue sharing, the content must follow YouTube's advertiser-friendly guidelines. Only views of content that meet these guidelines will count towards monetization. Qualified views are specifically those from Shorts you have set to public that appear in the Shorts Feed.

Certain types of content are not eligible for monetization. Examples of ineligible Shorts include non-original content, such as unedited clips from other creators' movies or TV shows. Reuploading other creators' content from YouTube or any other platform, or creating compilations without adding original content, will also result in ineligible views. Ensuring your Shorts are original and adhere to these guidelines is crucial for earning revenue.

How does copyright affect Shorts monetization?

Using copyright-protected material in your Shorts can significantly impact monetization. If you upload a short video created elsewhere, you must ensure that any copyrighted material used has been approved for use on YouTube. Using such material without permission could lead to a Content ID claim, which might affect your ability to monetize the video.

Furthermore, if a copyright owner, artist's label, or distributor sends a valid copyright takedown notice against your short video, it may be removed, and you could receive a copyright strike. YouTube notes that if you use copyright-protected content in Shorts created outside of YouTube's creation tools, your video may receive a Content ID claim or be removed due to a copyright removal request.

Specific rules apply to Shorts that are longer than one minute. If a Short exceeds one minute in length and contains claimed content, it will be blocked globally and will not be eligible for monetization. Depending on music licenses, some remixed Shorts that use music content can also be blocked. If audio remixes you create are muted, set to Unlisted, and scheduled for deletion, you will be emailed about the change, allowing you to download your video from YouTube Studio without the remixed audio before it is deleted.

What are the revenue sharing details for Shorts?

Monetizing partners can earn money from ads that are viewed between videos in the Shorts Feed. YouTube documents that creators who monetize their content will keep 45% of their allocated revenue. This percentage remains the same whether or not music was used in the Short.

In specific cases, if an advertiser targets an ad to a group of five or fewer channels, eligible creators can earn a direct 45% revenue share from those placements. This provides an additional opportunity for creators to earn from their Shorts content.

Are there upcoming changes to Shorts monetization eligibility?

YouTube is introducing new eligibility thresholds and ongoing requirements for monetization, with some changes taking effect on February 1, 2027. For new creators joining the YouTube Partner Program starting February 1, 2027, the entry thresholds will change to 1,000 subscribers and either 8,000 qualified watch hours in the last 365 days, or 20 million qualified Shorts views in the last 90 days.

For creators already monetizing or those who meet the thresholds for the Shorts Creator Pool, an ongoing requirement will be introduced. Starting February 1, 2027, to be eligible to earn a share of Shorts ad revenue from the Creator Pool and YouTube Premium revenue each month, you will need to maintain at least 10 million qualified Shorts views in the last 90 days.

YouTube also offers an earlier earning journey for creators. These products help creators start earning sooner when they reach 500 subscribers and either 3,000 qualified watch hours in the last year or 3 million qualified Shorts views in the last 90 days. Additionally, starting February 1, 2027, your channel will be considered active if you meet any of the following requirements: 1,000 qualified watch hours in the past 365 days, or 1 million qualified Shorts views in the last 90 days, or 2 long-form videos or 5 Shorts uploaded every 90 days.

What content policies must Shorts follow?

To monetize on YouTube, it is crucial that your channel adheres to all YouTube channel monetization policies. This includes strict adherence to policies regarding repetitious and reused content. Channels must ensure their content is original and provides significant value or commentary.

Furthermore, your channel must have no active Community Guidelines strikes. Maintaining a good standing with YouTube's Community Guidelines is a fundamental requirement for monetization. Every channel that meets the eligibility thresholds will undergo a standard review process to ensure compliance with all policies before monetization is approved.

Common questions

What is the YouTube Partner Program?

The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) grants creators enhanced access to YouTube resources, various monetization features, and direct support from YouTube's Creator Support teams. Joining the YPP is a prerequisite for monetizing content, including Shorts.

What happens if I don't accept the Shorts Monetization Module?

If you do not accept the updated terms for the Shorts Monetization Module by January 31, 2027, you will stop earning from the associated monetization features, including Shorts ad revenue, beginning February 1, 2027. Accepting these terms is essential to continue monetizing your Shorts content.

Do Shorts views count towards the 4,000 public watch hours for YPP?

No, any qualified watch hours accumulated from Shorts views within the Shorts Feed will not count towards the 4,000 qualified public watch hours threshold required for the YouTube Partner Program. This threshold typically applies to long-form video content.

Can I monetize Shorts that use music?

Yes, you can monetize Shorts that use music, and monetizing creators will keep 45% of their allocated revenue, regardless of music use. However, depending on music licenses, some remixed Shorts using music content can be blocked. If your Short is longer than one minute and contains claimed content, it will be globally blocked and not eligible for monetization.

What makes a Shorts view 'qualified'?

A Shorts view is considered 'qualified' if it comes from a public Short that appears in the Shorts Feed and adheres to YouTube's advertiser-friendly guidelines. Views from non-original content, such as unedited clips from other media, reuploaded content, or compilations without original additions, are generally not considered qualified for revenue sharing.