If your channel is not yet in the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), you have a limited window to qualify under the old rules. This guide explains exactly what changes, who is affected, and how to plan the months left before the deadline, whether you make long-form videos, Shorts, or both.
The biggest change affects new creators who want to qualify for ad and YouTube Premium revenue.
Until January 31, 2027, the current full YPP requirements are:
Starting February 1, 2027, new creators will need:
YouTube says this change does not affect creators who are already in YPP.
There is another important change for Shorts creators. Starting February 1, 2027, creators will need 10 million qualified Shorts views over the previous 90 days to earn each month from the Shorts Creator Pool.
If a channel falls below that threshold, it is not removed from YPP. The creator can continue earning from other eligible YPP features, including long-form content. Shorts revenue sharing can resume once the channel reaches 10 million qualified Shorts views again. This is different from the 20 million Shorts views required for a new creator to enter YPP for ad and Premium revenue sharing from February 1, 2027.
If your channel performs better with long-form content, the watch-hours route may be the more natural path.
Keep in mind that not every type of watch time counts. For example, watch hours from Shorts views in the Shorts Feed do not count toward the long-form watch-hour requirement.
A simple way to estimate your potential is:
Watch hours = views × average view duration
For example, if the average viewer watches four minutes, 60,000 views would equal approximately 4,000 hours of watch time. Around 120,000 views at the same average viewing time would equal 8,000 hours.
These are only rough calculations because you need to focus on qualified watch hours.
🔥 Improve the first 30 seconds. Start with the most interesting part of the story, a strong question, a surprising fact, or a clear promise. Avoid long introductions that make viewers wait for the actual content.
🔥 Study your retention data. Look at where viewers leave your videos and identify patterns. If people consistently drop at the same point, use that information when improving future videos.
🔥 Create natural viewing paths. Playlists, end screens, and relevant next-video recommendations can help viewers discover more of your content.
🔥 Focus on videos that already work. Instead of producing completely random topics, study the videos that generate the most watch time and create new content around topics your audience already responds to.
Improve the content. YouTube's monetization policies also apply to the content itself. Avoid mass-produced, repetitive, or reused content that does not provide enough original value.
Twenty million views over 90 days is roughly 222,000 views per day on average. That makes this route particularly demanding for channels that do not already have strong Shorts reach.
If Shorts are your main format, focus on finding repeatable topics and formats that consistently attract viewers. Test different hooks, topics, editing styles, and storytelling approaches, then use your analytics to understand which formats perform best.
You can also use Shorts to introduce viewers to your long-form content and build a broader content strategy instead of relying entirely on Shorts revenue.
Look at your current numbers rather than choosing based on what sounds easier. If your channel already generates significant qualified watch time through long-form videos, focus on the watch-hours route. If your Shorts regularly generate large numbers of qualified views, the Shorts route may be more relevant. You can also use both formats. Shorts can help you reach new viewers, while long-form videos can build deeper engagement and qualified watch time.
Start by checking your current numbers in YouTube Studio.
Look at your qualified watch hours from the last 365 days and your qualified Shorts views from the last 90 days. Then compare your current progress with the relevant YPP threshold.
If you are close to the current full YPP requirements, make sure your channel is ready to apply under the rules that apply before February 1, 2027.
At the same time, make sure your channel meets YouTube's other requirements, including monetization policies, an eligible country or region, two-step verification, advanced features, and an active AdSense for YouTube account.
Do not try to reach the numbers through shortcuts. Bought views, reused content, and mass-produced or repetitive content can create monetization problems even when a channel reaches the required numbers.
The biggest change is simple: YouTube is doubling the watch-hour and Shorts-view requirements for new creators who want ad and Premium revenue starting February 1, 2027.
If you are planning to monetize your channel, check your current numbers now, choose the route that matches your content, and focus on building qualified views and watch time with original, valuable content.
The goal should not be to chase a number at any cost. Build a channel that people actually want to watch, and make sure it follows YouTube's monetization policies.
If you already meet the partnership criteria, apply to join Yoola.
Read also other articles:
Mr. Beast Takes China by Storm: With Yoola By His Side!
