What is YouTube eligibility for monetization? Subscribers, Watch Time, and Uploads are the three criteria of YouTube monetization eligibility. However, you can replace Watch Time with the views of YouTube Shorts!
In this article, we are going to delve into the details of the eligibility criteria for YouTube monetization. Let us start without beating around the bushes.
YouTube Monetization Eligibility
There are two stages for YouTube earning eligibility once you have adhered to YouTube guidelines and policies:
- Fan Funding and Merchandise Shelf
- YouTube Partner Program and Channel Memberships
First Stage of Eligibility for YouTube Monetization
Having uploaded at least three videos, you can make money from Channel Memberships, Super Sticker, Super Chats, and Super thanks if:
| Option | Subscribers | Watch Time/Shorts Views | Timeframe |
| Option 1 | 500 | 3,000 watch hours | Past 12 months |
| Option 2 | 500 | 3 million Shorts views | Past 90 days |
Second Stage of Eligibility for YouTube Monetization
Having uploaded at least three videos, you can also join YouTube Partner Program (YPP) to add advertising revenue if:
| Option | Subscribers | Watch Time/Shorts Views | Timeframe |
| Option 1 | 1,000 | 4,000 watch hours | Past 12 months |
| Option 2 | 1,000 | 10 million Shorts views | Past 90 days |
Eligibility for Monetization on YouTube: Pitfalls
You are not eligible for monetization YouTube when you scare away the advertisers. So avoid the following pitfalls and YouTube ad eligibility is not lost; simply put, potential Issues Affecting YouTube Monetization Eligibility are:
| Issue | Description |
| Controversy and Misleading Statements | Deliberately creating controversy with misleading or inflammatory language can lead to penalties. |
| Excessive Bad Language | While a few swear words might be tolerated, excessive obscenities can result in flags. |
| Misleading Thumbnail Previews | Thumbnails that do not accurately represent video content can lead to penalties. |
| Unnecessarily Shocking Content | While not a guaranteed issue, advertisers may avoid associating with content of questionable taste. |
Controversy and Misleading Statements affects youtube eligibility for monetization
- Example: A YouTuber creates a video titled “Shocking Proof Aliens Exist!” and uses grainy, low-quality footage of unidentified objects. The video description and thumbnail heavily imply the existence of extraterrestrial life. While this might generate significant views and engagement, if the content is proven to be fabricated or misleading, it could lead to severe penalties from YouTube, including channel demonetization or termination.
Excessive Bad Language: a Pitfall for YouTube Monetization Eligibility
- Example: A gaming channel consistently uses a high volume of strong profanity throughout its videos, regardless of the content or audience. This excessive use of offensive language can deter advertisers and lead to viewer complaints, potentially resulting in channel demonetization or restrictions.
Your Channel Is Not Eligible for Monetization Due to Misleading Thumbnail Previews
- Example: A YouTuber creates a video about how to clean an assault rifle, but the thumbnail image shows a basket of fluffy kittens. This creates a misleading impression of the video’s content, potentially leading to viewer dissatisfaction and negative feedback. This could also impact the channel’s reputation and credibility, potentially leading to penalties.
You Lost Eligibility for YouTube Monetization Because of Unnecessarily Shocking Content on YouTube
Examples of Unnecessarily Shocking Content:
- Gore and Violence: While videos documenting real-world tragedies can be informative and important, some creators intentionally seek out or stage graphic violence for shock value.
- Animal Cruelty: Videos showing animals in distress or being harmed, without any educational or rescue purpose, are highly disturbing and unethical.
- Exploitation of Personal Struggles: Some channels capitalize on individuals’ personal hardships (e.g., addiction, homelessness, mental health crises) for sensationalized content.
- Hoaxes and Fear-Mongering: Spreading false information or creating exaggerated fear about events or topics can be harmful and misleading.
Avoid Copyright Issues to Pass YouTube Monetization Eligibility Check
One of the crucial rules for Youtube monetization eligibility is following the copyright guidelines on YouTube.
It is also a serious legal matter to avoid copyright issues on YouTube. Using copyrighted music without proper authorization not only affects youtube eligibility for monetization but also leads to consequences, including:
- Copyright strikes: These can prevent you from monetizing your videos or even lead to channel termination.
- Legal action: In some cases, copyright holders can pursue legal action for damages.
We have covered key monetization strategies! However consider these additional tactics including crowdfunding, sponsored content, online courses, and live streaming with donations.
- Crowdfunding (to ask for money): Fans can donate directly to support the YouTuber’s work.
- Merchandising (to sell stuff): YouTubers can sell their own products or promote other people’s stuff for a cut.
- Online courses (to teach something): Share your knowledge by creating online classes and charge for them.
- Sponsored content (to team up with brands): Companies pay YouTubers to feature their products in videos.
Bottom Line: Eligibility for YouTube Monetization
If you want to make money on YouTube, eligibility criteria for Youtube monetization are: either 500 subscribers and 3,000 watch hours or 500 subscribers and 3 million Shorts views. To unlock the full potential of YouTube monetization eligibility including ads, hit 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours or 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views.
Ellie is a talented Iranian writer and translator known for her creative and imaginative mind. Her unique perspective and ability to think outside the box make her work stand out in the literary world.
