Dreaming of turning your YouTube hobby into a money-making machine? That’s awesome! But to start earning those sweet dollars, your channel has to meet YouTube’s monetization requirements. In 2025, these rules are still pretty straightforward, but you have to know exactly where to look and what to do.
Let’s walk through it together—step by step. No confusing tech jargon. Just fun, easy info that gets you one step closer to being a full-blown YouTube star (money-wise, at least!).
What Does Monetization Even Mean?
Good question! Monetization is when YouTube lets you earn money from your videos. They place ads, offer memberships, or let fans send you Super Chats during live streams.
But before they open the cash gates, they need to be sure your channel meets their standards. These are called the monetization requirements.
The Main Requirements (As of 2025)
To join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), you need to check off some basic stuff:
- 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 public watch hours in the last 12 months OR 10 million YouTube Shorts views in the last 90 days
- Two-step verification enabled on your Google account
- No active community guideline strikes
Hit those numbers? Great! But how can you tell if you’re close—or already there? Here’s where the fun begins 🔍
Step 1: Go to YouTube Studio
This is your command center. Here’s how to get there:
- Go to studio.youtube.com
- Log in with your channel’s Google account.
- Look to the left menu, and click Monetization.
Ta-da! You’ll land on a page that shows how close you are to hitting the requirements.
Step 2: Check the Subscriber Count
The first requirement is easy to spot. You’ll see a bar that shows your total number of subscribers and how close you are to 1,000.
Already have 1,000? Celebrate with a victory dance 🕺💃
Step 3: See Your Watch Hours or Shorts Views
YouTube gives you two paths to monetization when it comes to viewer engagement:
Option A: Regular Watch Hours
- You need 4,000 public watch hours in the past year.
- This means people need to watch your videos—not just click and leave.
- Private, unlisted, deleted videos? They don’t count.
Option B: YouTube Shorts
- If you’re a Shorts creator, aim for 10 million views in 90 days.
- These views add up fast if your Shorts go viral.
- Keep them public and engaging to count toward monetization.
You’ll see real-time progress in the same Monetization tab. Super helpful!
Step 4: Community Guidelines Check
If you’ve got a strike on your channel for breaking the rules, YouTube may block you from monetizing. Even if you’ve nailed the watch hours and subscribers.
Here’s how to check:
- Go to the Settings in YouTube Studio.
- Click Channel > Status and Features.
- Here you can view any strikes or issues with your account.
If everything is green, you’re good to go!
Step 5: Enable Two-Step Verification
This is a must-do for security and monetization.
Think of it as locking your YouTube channel with a super-safe padlock. Without it, YouTube won’t approve monetization—even if you’ve got 10 million subscribers!
You can enable it here: Google Account Security Settings
Helpful Tips to Reach the Milestones
Need help getting there? Here are some fun, simple ways:
- Create videos people want to watch all the way through. Don’t just focus on clickbait titles!
- Engage with your audience. Reply to comments, ask for suggestions, and be part of the conversation.
- Upload consistently. The more videos you have, the more chances for views and watch time.
- Try YouTube Shorts. They’re hot right now! Great for getting that 10 million views quickly.
Want a Bonus Tip?
Use the Audience tab in YouTube Analytics to learn what your viewers love. This helps you make better videos that people want to return to (and watch longer!).
Also, check your Realtime tab to see what’s trending on your channel right now. It’s so cool.
What Happens Once You Qualify?
Once you’ve met all the requirements, your Monetization tab will show a big happy message that says you’re eligible to apply.
Here’s how it works:
- Click the “Apply” button.
- Agree to the YouTube Partner Program terms.
- Connect an AdSense account (this is how you get paid!)
- Wait for YouTube’s review. This can take a few days or even a couple of weeks.
If you’re accepted, you can start monetizing right away. Woohoo! 💰
What If You Don’t Qualify Yet?
Don’t worry. Most channels don’t qualify overnight. Keep going!
- Make your content better and better.
- Post consistently—even small improvements help!
- Promote your channel on your social media.
- Collaborate with other creators. That really helps grow fast!
The journey is part of the fun. Every milestone is worth celebrating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I monetize if I use music in my videos?
A: Yes, but! Only if it’s royalty-free music or you’ve got the proper license. Otherwise, you might get a copyright claim—which can block monetization.
Q: What happens if I drop below the requirements?
Generally, if your channel dips for a short time, YouTube won’t remove you from the Partner Program. But if your channel becomes inactive or drops long-term, you could lose access. Keep growing!
Q: Is it easier to meet requirements using Shorts?
Shorts can be a fast way in, especially for new creators. But you’ve gotta be consistent and creative.
Last Words Before You Go
Reaching monetization is a BIG deal. But it’s just the beginning. Focus on making fun, valuable content—and the numbers will come.
So go check your YouTube Studio now. See how close you are. You’re probably a lot closer than you think!
Happy creating, future YouTube superstar! 🎬✨