YouTube has announced that it has doubled the view requirements for enabling monetization. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Currently, this option is available to those who have 1,000 subscribers and at least 4,000 hours of watch time for regular videos per year, or 10 million views of short videos in 90 days.
New authors applying to the program will need 8,000 hours of watch time in the last 365 days or 20 million views of short videos in the last 90 days, according to the video hosting service.
The new rules will take effect on February 1 and apply only to new participants.
If a channel is already part of the Partner Program, monetization will be retained.
According to YouTube representatives, the step is driven by the massive growth in total watch time on the platform. Experts also link this to the need to combat the huge amount of templated AI content that is mass-generated on new channels for quick profit.
Changes in monetization requirements
Previous requirements for YouTube Partner Program:
- 011,000 subscribers;
- 024,000 hours of watch time for regular videos per year or 10 million views of short videos in 90 days.
New requirements (from February 1, 2026):
- 011,000 subscribers;
- 028,000 hours of watch time in the last 365 days or 20 million views of short videos in the last 90 days.
Reasons for the changes
YouTube representatives explain this decision by the significant growth in total watch time on the platform. Additionally, experts associate it with the need to combat the large amount of templated AI content that is mass-produced on new channels for quick earnings.
Conclusion
The new rules apply only to new participants. Channels already in the Partner Program will keep monetization. These changes aim to improve content quality and reduce the amount of AI content on the platform.