YouTube Partner Program Requirements 2027: What's Changing
YouTube's raising the YPP bar again — and this time it's not a small bump. Watch hours and Shorts views are both doubling in 2027. Here's what you need to know, and why the YPP shouldn't be your only plan.
It had been a few years since YouTube announced their goal to making it easier for creators to join the YPP with the first level, which allows you access to Shopping & Fan Funding. This would be a creator's first step into monetizing their YouTube channel, with the requirements almost slashed in half.
Fortunately, this first level to Shopping & Fan Funding isn't changing, so you'll still be able to join the YPP by having 500 subs and 3k watch hour. We can't say the same for the second level.
Starting on February 1st 2027, the watch time hour and Shorts view requirement for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) will be doubled.
Instead of needing 4k watch hour, it'll be 8k watch hour.
Instead of needing 10 million Shorts view, it'll be 20 million Shorts view.
This has sparked outrage from creators, because let's be honest, most were already struggling to get 3k or even 4k watch hour. So the fact that YouTube is considering raising the threshold makes the climb to YPP feel even more impossible for some.
So why is YouTube doing this?
YouTube wants your earnings from the YPP to be "meaningful"
In a sit-down talk with Rene Ritche, YouTube's Creator Liaison, and Amjad Hanif, YouTube VP of Creator Product, Amjad says this keyword multiple times: "meaningful."
"All these changes we've announced just reflect the reality of an ecosystem that has grown so much. And when you think about it, the kinds of content, the way you consume that content, the formats have all changed exponentially over the last several years. So we want to make sure that the earnings you get from the program are meaningful and allow you to reinvest in your channel."
- Amjad Hanif, YouTube VP of Creator Product
When Rene asks Amjad about why the change in the minimum threshold of revenue share for Shorts, about how you have to get 10 million views every 90 days, Amjad replied with this:
"It goes back to one of the central principles around these adjustments is we want to make sure that the earnings you get from YPP are meaningful that allow you to invest and build your business.
- Amjad Hanif, YouTube VP of Creator Product
Rene asks why isn't YouTube lowering the threshold for YPP and instead are increasing it.
"That's a really good question. You could lower the thresholds and you'd have creators who are in the program but not actually earning anything meaningful."
- Amjad Hanif, YouTube VP of Creator Product
What exactly does YouTube mean by "meaningful" earnings?
Amjad makes mention in the video about how YouTube has had a case where if a creator only had a few thousand views (in Shorts), they might have a few cents for that month.
He also says this new threshold will reward creators who are leaned in, who are driving views and engagement.
YouTube expects to pay more out next year than they would this year.
I presume from YouTube's side of things, a creator who's able to break through the 8k watch hour or 20 million views for Shorts is the one who's locked into YouTube and is able to understand how YouTube works to continue hitting this new requirement.
What isn't changing in the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
The first level of the YPP isn't changing. In order to get access to Shopping & Fan Funding features, you'll still need:
- 500 subs
- 3k watch hour or 3 million views in the last 90 days
However, with the upcoming updated requirement, the gap between the first and second level will grow exponentially.
From 3k / 3 million Shorts views in the last 90 days to 8k / 20 million Shorts views in the last 90 days.
Keeping the first level of YPP the same is a good move for YouTube, since new creators will at least get access to Shopping & Fan Funding. Creators can still create memberships, tag products, and get Super chats and gifts.
YouTube introduces incentive programs for early-stage creators
This is an experiment YouTube's been doing over the past year, and it's a way for YouTube to target money to creators who are at an early stage in their career to give them the boost they need to make it to the next level.
These incentives include:
- Continue uploading over the next 90 days and earn a bonus
- Tagging a few more items in Shopping (if you've done it before), and earn a bonus
- Secure a brand deal, and YouTube will get you a bonus
Amjad Hanif doesn't say what exactly these bonuses are... whether it's extra earnings, but apparently it will be a boost for creators.
The YPP isn't the end goal of monetization.
It shouldn't even be the only goal, if you want to start a business or earn money on YouTube.
You can join affiliate programs like TubeSpanner or Elgato to get a head start (and if they match your niche!). You can start a newsletter and funnel viewers into paid content, or start a Membership (either with the first level of YPP or on other platforms like Patreon or Fourthwall).
You can build up a rapport with your channel and even through your affiliates to help you land brand deals... all of this without requiring to be in the YPP.
Not sure where to even start? Check out this curated list of affiliate programs from the KDCC.
Words from Andrew Kan
This is a tough one for the creator economy. It's a great reminder that the stuff we build is on rented land, and why we built our own community.
We are always finding ways to give back, and this is a reminder of why. YouTube is challenging, and doing it alone now is harder then ever. Even though I hit these requirements I've been around when the requirements are lower.
If you feel anything, feel motivated make more content, publish beats perfect. Create content, get feedback, and GIVE YouTube FEEDBACK.
Things have changed before when we got together, but this is no different.
I hope things change for the better, and think that there are affiliate programs you can join to earn before YPP, buy me a coffee is a great option, and ultimately whatever happens we will help here at the KDCC.
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