News just in…YouTube relaxes the eligibility requirements for its partner program!

Yeah, you read that right! It’s now easier for creators to make money on YouTube via the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) after the platform’s bosses shake things up by lowering the eligibility requirements for monetizing content. 

So, what’s actually changed?

In an announcement on June 13th 2023, the Vice President of Creator Products at YouTube, Amjad Hanif, revealed that they were:

“…unlocking new ways to make money across the platform…expanding the program by introducing earlier access to YPP with lower eligibility criteria that will help you start earning sooner”.

Previously, the YouTube Partner Program was only available to content creators who had:

• At least 1000 subscribers
• Either 4000 watch hours or 10 million YouTube Shorts views in the past 90 days

Compare that with now, and things are looking a whole lot better if you’re a creator wanting to cash in on the content they produce. You’ll now be able to join YPP if you have:

• At least 500 subscribers
• A minimum of 3 public uploads in the past 90 days
• Either 3000 watch hours or 3 million YouTube Shorts views in the past 90 days

At the moment, these rule changes only apply to the USA, UK, Canada, Taiwan and South Korea, but they’ll come into effect in the other countries where YPP is available in due course.

It’s important to note that this does not mean that the eligibility requirements to monetize your content has also dropped to these lower numbers. To turn on monetization on your channel, you’ll still need to get 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours or 10 million YouTube Shorts Views. 

So… what’s the point if I still can’t monetize my content?

Let’s cut to the chase. You’re here because you want to know how to make money as a YouTuber, right? Right. But monetizing your content doesn’t just mean receiving ad revenue.

If you want to maximize your earning potential on YouTube, you’ll need to take advantage of both the Partner Program and other associated benefits. 

If you’re just starting out as a YouTube content creator, you’ll now be able to unlock access to fan funding via features such as channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers and Super Thanks far sooner than in previous years.

Then, as your channel grows from strength to strength, you’ll automatically become eligible for monetization using in-video ads without having to go through the whole YPP application process all over again. 

But wait, there’s more

In a sharp change of tact, YouTube has also altered the criteria for being able to join its Shopping affiliate scheme. Initially, this was by invitation only, making it an ultra-exclusive club for a select few of the platform’s biggest creators. 

Now, though, it’s available to ALL US-based creators who are in YPP and have over 20,000 subscribers.

So, once you reach the magic subscriber count of 20,000, you’ll be able to start tagging products you mention or feature in your content and earning competitive commission from any sales generated. Pretty neat, huh?!

The long and short of it all

This latest announcement from the head honchos at YouTube smacks of a platform that’s working hard to compete against the rise of competitors like Instagram and TikTok. 

To keep up with the times and provide users with the same features and benefits as the new kids on the block, YouTube is switching things up by making it easier than ever for creators to earn money from the content they share and the audiences they build.

Ultimately, we won’t know the full scope of these changes until YouTube takes to the stage at VidCon in Anaheim next week (June 21-24, 2023). But, whether you’re a budding or well-established content creator, this is a hugely exciting time and presents a wealth of money-making opportunities to help you turn your passion into a full-time occupation!

Looking for more expert advice on how to make it big on YouTube? Don’t sweat it; we’ve got you covered. Check out our other in-depth guides.

How to use ChatGPT as a YouTube Creator

How do YouTubers get brand deals?

Everything you need to know about the YouTube Shorts fund

How to use YouTube Studio to grow your channel

YouTube play buttons: What are they, and how do you get one?

How to get verified on YouTube

How to create multiple YouTube channels

How to monetize YouTube videos without getting copyrighted