YouTube is bringing a massive update that will change how new creators make money on the platform. Starting February 1, 2027, joining the YouTube Partner Program(YPP) will become much tougher. If you are dreaming of starting a new YouTube channel, you will now have to work twice as hard to see your first earning.
What Are the New Rules from February 2027?
Earlier, new creators needed 4,000 public watch hours in the past 365 days to apply for monetization. Now, YouTube has doubled this requirement. You will soon need 8,000 public watch hours in a year to qualify. If you make short videos, the target jumped from 10 million to 20 million Shorts views in the last 90 days. However, the rule of having 1,000 subscribers remains unchanged.
Are you already making money on YouTube? Do not worry, anyone who is already in the program will not lose their spot because of these new targets. But, there is one important rule for everyone. To keep earning money specifically from YouTube Shorts, all creators must consistently hit 10 million Shorts views every 90 days. If your views drop below this mark, your Shorts income will pause. Thankfully, you will still continue earning from your regular long-form videos.
YouTube doing such a massive changes, the platform says this step ensures serious creators earn good money, rather than just a few rupees every month. They are also launching a cheaper "Premium Lite" plan in more countries to boost creator earnings. In the end, fresh talent will need a very solid plan to grow.
