Looking for the YouTube monetization requirements in 2026? Here are the exact subscriber, watch time, and Shorts view numbers you need to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program.

Starting a YouTube channel in 2026 feels like standing at the base of a mountain that millions of others have already climbed. But here is the truth most people never say out loud: YouTube is still wide open. There is always room for someone who shows up consistently, with clarity, with personality, and with genuine value.