YouTube Monetization Rules 2027: New Changes Explained
YouTube is changing its Partner Program (YPP) requirements for new creators from February 1, 2027. These updates are important for anyone planning to earn money from YouTube through ads and YouTube Premium revenue sharing.
Under the new YouTube monetization rules 2027, new creators will still need 1,000 subscribers, but they will also need either 8,000 qualified watch hours in the last 365 days or 20 million qualified Shorts views in the last 90 days. (Google Help)
Therefore, creators who are planning to start a YouTube channel or apply for monetization should understand these changes before 2027.
YouTube Monetization Rules 2027: What Is Changing?
The biggest change is the higher eligibility threshold for new creators who want access to ad and Premium revenue sharing.
Starting February 1, 2027, new YPP applicants will need:
1,000 subscribers
8,000 qualified watch hours in the last 365 days, OR
20 million qualified Shorts views in the last 90 days
These requirements apply to new creators applying for YPP. If you are already in the YouTube Partner Program, this particular threshold change will not affect your existing YPP status. (blog.youtube)
YouTube New Monetization Rules for Shorts
YouTube is also changing how Shorts revenue sharing works.
From February 1, 2027, creators need to maintain 10 million qualified Shorts views over the previous 90 days to receive ads and Premium revenue sharing from the Shorts Creator Pool. If a channel falls below this threshold, it can remain in YPP and continue earning from eligible long-form content. Shorts revenue sharing can resume when the channel reaches the required Shorts-view threshold again. (blog.youtube)
This means Shorts creators should focus not only on getting subscribers but also on building consistent engagement and qualified views.
What Are Qualified Shorts Views?
YouTube says qualified Shorts views come from public Shorts and must be engaged views. Loops do not count as qualified views. Creators can check engaged views for individual videos in YouTube Analytics. (blog.youtube)
What Are Qualified Watch Hours?
For the new 8,000-hour requirement, not every type of watch time counts.
Qualified watch hours come from public long-form videos, including podcasts and archived livestreams.
The following do not count:
Private videos
Unlisted videos
Deleted videos
Videos watched as advertisements
Shorts watch hours
Livestreams that are not archived
Therefore, creators who want to reach the 8,000-hour target should concentrate on eligible public long-form content. (blog.youtube)
Does the New Rule Affect Existing YouTube Creators?
No. The new entry threshold is specifically for new creators applying for YPP.
If you are already part of the YouTube Partner Program, the new 8,000-hour or 20-million-Shorts-view entry threshold does not remove your YPP status. (Google Help)
However, YouTube is also introducing updated activity requirements for channels already in YPP. Starting February 1, 2027, a channel can be considered active if it meets at least one of YouTube’s specified activity requirements, such as reaching 1,000 qualified watch hours, 1 million qualified Shorts views, or uploading two long-form videos or five Shorts within 90 days. (Google Help)
What Should YouTube Creators Do Now?
Creators can prepare for the YouTube monetization rules 2027 by focusing on content quality and consistent publishing.
Focus on Long-Form Content
If reaching 20 million Shorts views seems difficult, long-form videos provide another route through the 8,000 qualified watch-hour requirement.
Create useful videos that encourage viewers to watch for longer. Tutorials, educational videos, reviews, guides, and detailed explanations can help build watch time.
Build Consistent Shorts Content
Shorts creators should focus on genuine engagement rather than simply chasing views.
Create original Shorts with a clear topic, strong opening, and useful or entertaining information. Track engaged views in YouTube Analytics to understand which content performs best.
Follow YouTube Monetization Policies
Meeting the subscriber and watch-time or view requirements does not automatically guarantee monetization.
Channels must also follow YouTube’s monetization policies and other YPP requirements. YouTube reviews channels before accepting them into the program. (Google Help)
YouTube Monetization Requirements 2027 vs Current Requirements
The change can be understood more easily with a comparison.
| Requirement | Current | From Feb. 1, 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Qualified watch hours | 4,000 | 8,000 |
| Qualified Shorts views | 10 million | 20 million |
| Time period for watch hours | 12 months | 365 days |
| Time period for Shorts views | 90 days | 90 days |
The new requirements increase the threshold for new creators seeking ads and Premium revenue sharing. (blog.youtube)
Conclusion
The YouTube monetization rules 2027 represent an important change for new creators. From February 1, 2027, creators applying for YPP will need 1,000 subscribers plus either 8,000 qualified watch hours in 365 days or 20 million qualified Shorts views in 90 days to access ads and Premium revenue sharing.
However, the change does not affect creators who are already in YPP in terms of this new entry threshold.
Therefore, if you are planning to monetize a YouTube channel, start building your audience, creating original content, and improving watch time and engagement before the new rules take effect.
