Here are the steps to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and start monetizing your channel. There are two paths based on your subscribers and watch time hours. Remember, you must meet these requirements for every application.
Also read: How to Get Your First 1000 YouTube Subscribers
Live in a Supported Country:
YouTube has specific countries where its Partner Program is available due to legal and financial reasons. You can find the list of eligible countries on YouTube’s official website. YouTube uses your IP address or billing address to determine your country of residence.
Follow YouTube’s Rules:
YouTube’s monetization policies are outlined in detail on their website. They cover various aspects such as AdSense policies, copyright guidelines, and terms of service. To comply, you need to read and understand these policies thoroughly. Violating them can lead to penalties, including demonetization or termination of your channel.
No Community Guidelines Strikes:
YouTube’s Community Guidelines outline what is and isn’t allowed on the platform. If your channel receives strikes for violating these guidelines, it can impact your eligibility for the Partner Program. To check your strikes, go to your YouTube Studio dashboard and navigate to the “Copyright” or “Community” section.
Link AdSense Account:
AdSense is Google’s advertising platform that allows publishers (in this case, YouTubers) to monetize their content by displaying ads. To link your AdSense account to your YouTube channel, you need to create an AdSense account if you don’t have one already, then follow the instructions in YouTube Studio to link it. This involves verifying your identity and providing payment information.
Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your YouTube account by requiring a second form of verification, usually a code sent to your phone or email, in addition to your password. To enable 2FA for your YouTube account, go to your account settings, find the security or privacy section, and follow the instructions to set it up. This helps protect your account from unauthorized access and potential hacking attempts.
Also read: How to Get Your First 100 Followers on Instagram in 2024!
Now, let’s talk numbers:
- 500 Subscribers: With 500 subscribers, you can earn money through fan funding features like channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, Super Thanks, and promote your merch via YouTube Shopping.
- 1,000 Subscribers: To unlock ad revenue, you need either 4,000 watch hours in the last 12 months or 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
How to get there? Consistently upload engaging content and aim for an engaged subscriber base.
After applying, expect a response within 30 days. If denied, keep improving and re-apply after 30 days, with a 90-day wait if multiple rejections occur.
Avoid certain content YouTube won’t tolerate, like controversial or inflammatory statements, excessive swearing, shocking content, or clickbait.
Topics like pornography, harmful content, hate speech, and violence without context won’t be monetized.
