Will undergo substantial changes on July 15, 2025. YouTube has officially announced updates to its Partner Program (YPP) requirements. These changes could directly affect your earning potential if you create content and want to monetise your videos.
YouTube will keep its main YPP eligibility criteria unchanged. Content creators must have 1,000 subscribers and achieve either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months or 10 million valid Shorts views in the last 90 days. YouTube has also created a new entry-level tier that needs just 500 subscribers and three public videos uploaded in the last 90 days. Creators can qualify for this tier with either 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views.
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What’s New in YouTube Monetisation Rules 2025
YouTube’s 2025 monetisation rules come with major updates that focus on content quality and types. The platform has tightened its rules to keep its standards high and help creators understand what content works best.
Needs real value AI-generated content
- YouTube now directly talks about AI content in its money-making rules
- Creators can use AI tools, but their content must give real value to viewers
- The platform wants creators to add their own creative touch to AI-generated videos
- Videos made mostly by automation without human input might lose monetisation
- You need to tell viewers when you use AI for big parts of your content
- YouTube rewards content that shows original ideas and a human touch
Mass-produced repetitive content gets more checks
- Videos that look too similar or use the same template will face more checks
- The platform has better systems to spot mass-produced content
- Videos that barely change except for titles and thumbnails might get flagged
- Content farms that make slight tweaks to the same format are the main target
- Quality matters more than quantity for creators now
- Channels that pump out quick, low-effort videos might lose monetisation
- The system looks for real differences between videos on the same channel
New rules for reused clips and reaction videos
- Reaction videos must include good commentary or analysis
- Just showing reactions without meaningful discussion won’t make money
- YouTube looks harder at how much original content versus reused footage you have
- Your content needs to change or add value to any reused material
- The platform gives better guidance on fair use rules for making money
- Compilation videos need proper rights for all clips
- Channels that mostly reuse others’ content without changes will lose monetisation
- Short reactions need more original input than longer videos
These new rules show YouTube’s steadfast dedication to rewarding quality original content and dealing with content quality concerns. The changes help balance creator freedom with what advertisers want. This ensures real content creators can thrive in today’s competitive digital world.
Eligibility Criteria for YouTube Monetisation
Getting your YouTube channel ready for monetisation in 2025 starts with meeting specific criteria. These rules make sure only serious content creators can earn money from their channels.
1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours
- The basic rules for YouTube monetisation haven’t changed. You need 1,000 subscribers plus 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months. These numbers show you know how to build an audience and create content people want to watch. Remember that only public videos count toward your watch hours. Private or unlisted videos don’t help you reach this goal. YouTube also checks if your watch time is real and filters out fake views or engagement.
10 million short views in 90 days
- You can also qualify through Shorts instead of regular watch hours. This path needs 10 million valid Shorts views within 90 days (plus the 1,000-subscriber minimum). Short-form content has become a big part of YouTube’s strategy. Shorts are different from regular videos because they count views instead of watch time due to their short length. All the same, these views must come from public Shorts and pass YouTube’s authenticity checks.
New 500-subscriber tier and its limitations
- A new entry-level monetisation tier needs just 500 subscribers and three public uploads in the last 90 days. Creators must also get either 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views. This tier is nowhere near as comprehensive as full YPP membership. You can use Fan Funding features like Super Thanks and channel memberships, but you won’t get ad revenue sharing—the most profitable part of YouTube monetisation.
Location and AdSense account requirements
Your country determines if you can monetise your channel. The YouTube Partner Program works in more than 100 countries, but some regions can’t participate yet. Check YouTube’s official list to see if your country qualifies. You’ll also need:
- A valid connection to your channel
- A clean record with no active community guideline strikes
- Full compliance with YouTube’s terms of service
- Strict adherence to copyright laws
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is mandatory
- Every monetised channel must use two-factor authentication now. This security feature protects creators and YouTube from unauthorised access and content violations. Even channels that already make money must turn on 2FA. Your monetisation could pause if you don’t set up proper security. This rule shows YouTube takes channel security seriously, especially with rising concerns about account theft and content integrity.
Content That Can and Cannot Be Monetised
YouTube creators who want to earn revenue in 2025 need to know what content qualifies for monetisation. Meeting subscriber and watch time requirements is not enough – your content must follow specific YouTube monetisation rules about originality and advertiser standards.
What counts as original content
- Content you created yourself (vlogs, tutorials, original music videos, DIY videos)
- Videos where you add rich commentary or educational value to existing content
- Content that changes the original material through meaningful modifications
- Shorts with or without remixed content that include your own elements
- Videos that stand apart from each other (not formulaic or templated)
- Content that shows your unique voice and viewpoint
- Reaction videos with meaningful discussion, analysis and thoughtful commentary
Examples of ineligible content
- Re-uploaded videos that are similar to existing YouTube content
- Videos using unaltered stock footage or public domain material without changes
- Compilations of other creators’ content without added value
- Content using templates with minimal changes across multiple videos
- Mass-produced or repetitive content that lacks educational value
- Videos with scrolling text or image slideshows without narrative or commentary
- AI-generated videos that lack meaningful human input or creative elements
- Reaction videos showing only facial expressions without real commentary
YouTube monetisation copyright rules
- Commercial rights to all visual and audio elements in your content are essential
- Original creators’ permission doesn’t guarantee monetisation eligibility for reused content
- Creator Music licensed tracks allow monetisation (some need revenue sharing)
- Video game content monetisation depends on the publisher’s licensing terms
- Public domain material needs proof of expired copyright for monetisation
- Fair use claims get a case-by-case assessment (commercial use rarely qualifies)
- Royalty-free or Creative Commons content needs clear commercial use permissions
- Copyright policy works separately from monetisation eligibility rules
Advertiser-friendly content guidelines
- Profanity: Mild profanity works occasionally, but strong language in the first 7 seconds or titles/thumbnails doesn’t
- Violence: Context matters—educational, artistic, or documentary settings may allow violent content
- Adult content: Highly sexualized content in thumbnails or throughout videos won’t monetise
- Harmful acts: Content showing dangerous activities without proper context loses monetisation
- Shocking content: Videos focusing on blood, injury, or graphic imagery don’t qualify for ads
- Hateful content: Language targeting protected groups never monetises
- Sensitive events: Tragedy coverage needs a journalistic or educational context
- Controversial topics: Some advertisers limit ads on divisive political or social issues
Yes, it is clear that YouTube enforces these guidelines strictly. The platform rewards creators who make authentic, that brings real value to viewers.
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How to Apply and Get Approved for Monetisation
Image Source: Google Help
Getting started with YouTube monetisation becomes possible after meeting the eligibility criteria. The path to joining the YouTube Partner Program is simple but needs attention to detail.
Steps to apply for the YouTube Partner Program
- Open YouTube Studio on your computer or mobile device
- Go to the “Earn” section from the menu
- Click “Apply Now” to begin the application process
- Look through and accept the YouTube Partner Program terms
- Set up a new AdSense account or link an existing one to your channel
- Submit your application and wait for review
- Track your application status anytime in the “Earn” section of YouTube Studio
How long does the review process take
- You can expect the review to take about a month
- YouTube processes applications in order of submission
- Some channels receive approval faster, sometimes within days
- High application volumes or system issues might cause delays
- Real people, not algorithms, review your channel’s content
- Channels that need multiple reviews might wait longer
- YouTube looks at your channel’s main theme, most viewed videos, newest content, and metadata
What to do if your application is rejected
- Your rejection email contains specific policy violations – read it carefully
- Compare your content with YouTube’s monetisation policies and community guidelines
- Remove or update videos that don’t follow YouTube’s policies
- A 30-day waiting period applies before you can try again after your first rejection
- Multiple rejections require a 90-day wait before the next attempt
- You have 21 days to appeal if you think the rejection was wrong
- Appeal decisions usually come within 14 days
- Use your waiting time to create original content
YouTube makes sure your channel follows all platform policies during the review process. Reviewers look at your entire channel – videos, thumbnails, descriptions, and overall quality of content. Rejection might feel discouraging, but it helps you understand how to improve your channel’s potential for monetisation.
Tips to Stay Monetised and Grow Your Channel
YouTube channel growth needs more than just meeting simple monetisation criteria. Creators who succeed keep their monetisation status by doing these proven things:
Post consistently and connect with your audience
- Set up a posting schedule you can actually keep up with
- Quality beats quantity when it comes to content consistency
- Create multiple videos in one go to stay ahead
- Build your community by quickly answering comments – this helps with the algorithm, too
- Get viewers talking by asking them questions in videos and comments
- The helps you stay connected between uploads in the YouTube Community tab
- Create real connections with viewers instead of just pushing out content
Make YouTube Shorts to grow faster
- Search results now show Shorts, making them key to getting found
- Make original Shorts that work alongside your main videos
- Add a sticky comment on each Short that points to related videos
- Popular music in your Shorts might help more people find you
- Note that Shorts bring in 20% of new viewers
- Shorts help expand your reach, while longer videos turn viewers into subscribers
- Put out 2-3 Shorts weekly at minimum for best results
Stay within community guidelines
- Your first slip-up usually gets you a warning that lasts 90 days
- Take the policy course after a warning to get a better grip on the rules
- Your channel ends if you get three strikes in 90 days
- Deleted content can still get strikes if it broke the rules
- YouTube updates its policies often, so check the guidelines regularly
- Add two-factor authentication to keep your channel safe
- A secure account helps prevent hackers from breaking guidelines
Keep track of analytics and make better content
- YouTube Studio’s Content tab shows how different video types perform
- Learn which videos your audience likes most
- See exactly when people stop watching your videos
- Look at to see how people find your content traffic sources
- Copy what works by studying your best videos
- Get to know your audience through demographic data
- Shape your content plan based on these insights
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Key Takeaways
- YouTube’s 2025 monetisation rules emphasise quality content while maintaining core eligibility thresholds, offering creators clearer pathways to revenue generation.
- New 500-subscriber tier provides limited access – Creators can now monetise with 500 subscribers and 3,000 watch hours, but only through Fan Funding features, not ad revenue sharing.
- AI content must demonstrate genuine human value – Simply using AI tools isn’t prohibited, but creators must add substantial original input and disclose AI-generated portions.
- Quality trumps quantity in content evaluation – YouTube now heavily scrutinises repetitive, mass-produced content while rewarding original, transformative material that engages audiences.
- Two-factor authentication is mandatory for all monetised channels. This security requirement protects creators from unauthorised access and potential policy violations.
- Consistent posting and Shorts strategy accelerate growth – Regular content schedules combined with strategic Shorts usage can significantly boost discoverability and subscriber conversion rates.
- The platform’s evolution reflects a commitment to rewarding authentic creators while maintaining advertiser confidence, making original content creation more crucial than ever for sustainable monetisation success.
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Conclusion
YouTube monetisation rules keep changing, and creators must understand these updates to earn a steady income from their content. The 2025 updates keep the core eligibility requirements intact while opening new doors through the 500-subscriber tier. This lower entry point has limited monetisation features but definitely helps new creators get started.
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FAQs
In 2025, you still need 1,000 subscribers plus 4,000 watch hours (or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days) for full monetisation. There’s also a new entry-level tier with 500 subscribers and fewer watch hours but limited features.
This new tier allows channels with 500 subscribers and either 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views to access features like Super Thanks and memberships, but it does not include ad revenue sharing.
Yes, but your AI content must provide real value, include human input, and be clearly disclosed if AI is heavily used. Purely automated videos without originality may lose monetisation.
Yes, if they include meaningful commentary or analysis. Simple facial reactions without added value or discussion may not qualify for monetisation.
Examples include mass-produced repetitive content, unaltered compilations, purely AI-generated videos without human input, and reused content without significant changes.
You need 10 million valid Shorts views in the past 90 days, plus at least 1,000 subscribers to qualify for full YPP. For the lower tier, 3 million Shorts views suffice with 500 subscribers.
Typically, reviews take up to one month, though some channels are approved in a few days. High application volumes or policy checks can delay the process.
Check the reasons provided, update or remove non-compliant content, and wait at least 30 days before reapplying. You can appeal within 21 days if you believe the rejection was incorrect.
Yes, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is mandatory for all monetised channels to enhance security and prevent unauthorised access.
Post consistently, engage with your audience, create original content, use Shorts strategically, follow community guidelines strictly, and analyse your performance using YouTube Studio data.
