YouTube doubles the hurdle for creators chasing ad revenue

YouTube is doubling the entry requirements for new creators seeking ad and Premium revenue through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), in what it calls the program’s first significant changes since 2018.

From 1 February 2027, new applicants will need 8,000 qualified watch hours over the previous 365 days or 20 million qualified Shorts views within 90 days. Both thresholds are double the current requirements.

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The changes will not affect creators already in YPP. YouTube said the entry requirements for its fan funding and shopping products will also remain unchanged.

YouTube raises the bar for new creators

The shift comes as YouTube says the platform now records more than 200 billion Shorts views each day and over one billion hours of daily watch time on TVs.

YouTube said the higher threshold would allow it to invest in new creator incentives while continuing to reward active channels. The company expects to pay creators more in 2027 than it did in 2026.

The platform currently has more than 3 million creators in YPP, which allows eligible channels to earn a share of advertising and subscription revenue.

Shorts revenue rules are also changing

YouTube is also changing how Shorts revenue is distributed. From 1 February 2027, creators will need 10 million qualified Shorts views over 90 days to receive advertising and subscription revenue from Shorts.

Channels that fall below that threshold will remain in YPP and can continue earning from long-form videos. Shorts revenue sharing will resume automatically once they reach 10 million qualified views again.

YouTube said creators already earning significant revenue from Shorts are unlikely to be affected.

For channels below the threshold, the platform plans to introduce other earning opportunities. These include YouTube Shopping bonuses, brand deal incentives and payments tied to starting and growing trends.

Premium Lite expands globally

The changes also include an expansion of Premium Lite to every country where YouTube Premium is available.

YouTube said 30 per cent of net Premium subscription revenue and 60 per cent of net Premium Lite subscription revenue will go into dedicated creator revenue pools. Those pools are distributed based on member watch time and views.

Creators then receive a 55 per cent revenue share for long-form videos and 45 per cent for Shorts from those distributions.

YouTube said creators can review and sign the new YPP terms through YouTube Studio ahead of their 1 February 2027 commencement.