How to Monetize on YouTube in 2026: Exact Requirements to Start Getting Paid

Gregory Thornberry
Dec 9
4 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Want to start earning real money from your YouTube content in 2026? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re a complete beginner or returning after a break, this no‑fluff guide tells you exactly what you need to do — no myths, no confusion, just straight facts and encouragement.

Let’s get into it!

How to Monetize on YouTube in 2026: Exact Requirements to Start Getting Paid

1. YouTube Partner Program (Main Monetization)

This is the primary gateway to earn ad revenue on YouTube. To qualify for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) in 2026, you must:

1,000 subscribers
4,000 public watch hours in the past 12 months OR 10 million public Shorts views in the past 90 days
Follow YouTube’s policies and guidelines (no strikes!)
Enable 2‑step verification on your Google account
Live in an eligible country
Link an AdSense account

Once you hit one of these thresholds and comply with the policies, you can apply inside YouTube Studio. Approvals usually take a few days to a couple of weeks — and then your channel can start earning revenue from ads.

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2. Long‑Form Videos vs. Shorts: How They Pay

Long‑form videos (8 minutes or longer) earn ad revenue on a split basis: creators keep 55 % of the ad revenue, while YouTube keeps 45 %. You decide if you want ads placed at the beginning, middle, and end of your video, and the CPM (cost per thousand views) varies depending on your niche.

YouTube Shorts, on the other hand, pay out of a shared revenue pool. You keep 45 % of the revenue allocated to your content, after YouTube covers music licensing and other expenses. Shorts are still an evolving format, but they’re a fast way to rack up views and meet the 10‑million‑view eligibility for the Partner Program.

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3. Channel Memberships & Fan Funding

Once in YPP, you can unlock Channel Memberships, Super Chats, Super Thanks, and Super Stickers:

Channel memberships: You need 1,000 subscribers, and your channel must be part of YPP. Members pay monthly for perks like badges, custom emojis, exclusive videos, or community posts.
Super Chat & Super Stickers: During livestreams, viewers can pay to highlight their messages.
Super Thanks: Viewers can tip on any uploaded video.

These features are fantastic for building a tight‑knit community and earning recurring income beyond ads.

4. Brand Partnerships & Sponsorships

Brand deals often produce the biggest paychecks — and you do not need a specific subscriber count to land them. What you do need is:

A clean channel without policy violations
Original content that aligns with your brand
Transparency: always disclose sponsored content

Even small channels with dedicated audiences can attract brands, especially in niche markets. When you’re just starting, focus on making quality content and building trust; sponsorship opportunities will follow.

5. YouTube Shopping & Affiliate Features

For channels that meet the basic YPP requirements, YouTube Shopping (formerly Merch Shelf) lets you feature merchandise and products directly under your videos. Pair this with affiliate programs (Amazon Associates, B&H Photo, VidIQ, etc.) and you can earn commissions by recommending gear you genuinely use and love.

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6. Final Push: You Absolutely Can Do This

You do not need millions of subscribers or daily viral hits to monetize. You just need a clear goal, consistent uploads, and a willingness to follow YouTube’s guidelines. Hit that 1k subscriber mark, meet the watch hours or Shorts view count, and apply. Keep making content, keep learning, and remember: YouTube monetization isn’t a dream — it’s a checklist. You’re already on the way.