YouTube raises watch‑hour threshold for monetization

YouTube has announced new eligibility thresholds for creators seeking to monetize their content on the platform. Under the revised criteria, aspiring partners must accumulate either at least 8,000 qualified watch hours within the past 12 months or achieve 20 million qualified Shorts views during the preceding 90‑day period.

The changes aim to reflect the growing importance of short‑form video in the platform’s ecosystem, offering a distinct pathway for Shorts creators alongside the traditional long‑form watch‑hour requirement. By meeting either benchmark, creators become eligible for revenue‑sharing programs and can begin earning from advertisements, channel memberships, and other monetization features. The policy takes effect immediately, giving existing and new creators a clear target for participation in YouTube’s partner initiatives.