To monetize a YouTube channel in 2026, you must join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) by reaching 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 public long-form watch hours (last 12 months) or 10 million Shorts views (last 90 days). Key revenue streams include ad revenue, fan funding (Super Chat, Memberships), and brand shopping.
This video provides a quick overview of how to get your YouTube channel monetized:
Key Monetization Requirements & Features
- Thresholds: 1,000 subscribers + 4,000 hours OR 10M Shorts views.
- Early Access:500 subscribers, 3 public uploads in 90 days, and 3,000 watch hours or 3M Shorts views.
- Policies: Channels must follow YouTube Community Guidelines, Terms of Service, and advertiser-friendly content guidelines.
- Revenue Streams:
- Ad Revenue: Watch Page and Shorts Feed ads.
- Fan Funding: Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks.
- Shopping: Tag products in videos.