Starting February 1, 2027, YouTube will significantly raise the requirements new creators must meet to earn advertising and Premium revenue through the YouTube Partner Program.
Currently, creators can qualify with 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 eligible watch hours over 12 months or 10 million qualified Shorts views within 90 days. Under the new rules, the subscriber requirement will remain at 1,000, but creators will need 8,000 watch hours or 20 million Shorts views over the same periods.
The changes will not affect channels already earning ad and Premium revenue through the Partner Program. YouTube is also keeping its lower requirements for features such as fan funding and YouTube Shopping unchanged.
Shorts monetization is also being adjusted. Beginning in February 2027, creators will need at least 10 million qualified Shorts views during the previous 90 days to receive Shorts advertising and subscription revenue.
Channels that fall below the threshold can remain in the Partner Program and continue monetizing long-form content, with Shorts revenue sharing returning automatically once they meet the requirement again.
The announcement has sparked criticism from creators who argue that doubling the thresholds will make it considerably harder for smaller and newer channels to generate revenue. Rival streaming platform Kick has also used the changes to encourage creators to consider its own partner program.
YouTube says creators who do not meet the new thresholds will still have access to other earning opportunities, including Shopping bonuses, brand partnership incentives, and rewards for starting or growing trends.
The company says more than three million creators currently participate in the YouTube Partner Program and expects total partner payouts to increase in 2027. Between 2021 and 2025, YouTube says it paid more than $100 billion to creators, artists, and media companies.