YouTube introduces stricter eligibility rules for partner program

California (Web Desk): YouTube has announced stricter monetization requirements for new content creators, making it more difficult for newcomers to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program.

According to US technology website TechCrunch, the revised policy will take effect from February 1, 2027. Under the new criteria, creators will need to accumulate 8,000 eligible watch hours over the previous 365 days or generate 20 million eligible YouTube Shorts views within 90 days.

Previously, creators were required to complete 4,000 watch hours or reach 10 million Shorts views over a 90-day period to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program. However, YouTube has not changed the minimum subscriber requirement for monetization.

New creators will still need at least 1,000 subscribers before they can qualify for the Partner Program after meeting the remaining requirements.

Creators who are already part of the YouTube Partner Program will not be affected by the new rules.

YouTube said the updated requirements have been introduced in response to the rapid growth in the volume of content and the number of viewers on the platform.

More than three million creators worldwide currently earn revenue through the YouTube Partner Program.