YouTube, a video-sharing platform owned by Google, has updated its eligibility criteria for content creators to monetize their accounts through the YouTube Partner Program. The revised requirements have been introduced, reducing the minimum number of subscribers needed from 1,000 to 500.
Previously, creators had to achieve either 4,000 watched hours in the previous year or 10 million short views in the preceding 90 days to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
Under the new terms, creators must have made at least three public uploads in the last 90 days and reached either 3,000 watch hours in the past year or three million short views in the preceding 90 days. Initially, these updated criteria will apply to creators in Canada, the US, the UK, South Korea, and Taiwan, with a later rollout to other countries where the YPP is available.
“In 2022, we announced that we’re evolving the YouTube Partner Program to continue making YouTube a rewarding place for creators. Starting mid-June 2023, we’re expanding the YouTube Partner Programme to more creators with earlier access to fan funding and select Shopping features,” said YouTube in a blog post.
“For partners that are currently in YPP, there are no changes to programme benefits for you.”
To participate in the expanded YouTube Partner Program, individuals need to have an active AdSense account linked to their channel or set up within the YouTube Studio during the application process.
In Kenya, there has been a significant increase of over 25 percent year-on-year in the number of YouTube channels generating revenue of Sh100,000 or higher as of December 2022. However, only 20 channels have surpassed the milestone of one million subscribers.
