YouTube raises monetization bar: 8,000 watch hours from 2027
The Shorts threshold for new creators also rises to 20 million views per 90 days, while existing YPP creators are unaffected.
YouTube is raising the monetization requirements for new creators seeking to join the YouTube Partner Program starting Feb. 1, 2027. The new threshold for ad revenue sharing is 1,000 subscribers and 8,000 watch hours in the last 365 days, or 20 million Shorts views in the last 90 days. Previously, the requirement was 1,000 subscribers with 4,000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views. YouTube said the change will not apply to creators already enrolled in YPP. Requirements for fan-funding features such as Super Chat and channel memberships will remain 500 subscribers and 3,000 watch hours, or 3 million views in 90 days. In the same announcement, YouTube also expanded Premium Lite to countries that already have YouTube Premium.