If you’ve been uploading videos consistently and growing your audience, the next big milestone is turning your channel into a source of income. YouTube monetization allows creators to earn money from ads, memberships, Super Chats, Shorts, and more.
But many beginners get confused about eligibility, requirements, and the exact steps to enable monetization.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn:
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What YouTube monetization means
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YouTube Partner Program (YPP) requirements
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How to check eligibility
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Step-by-step process to enable monetization
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How to set up AdSense
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Common mistakes to avoid
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Tips to get approved faster
Let’s get started.
What Is YouTube Monetization?
YouTube monetization means earning money from your videos through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
Once accepted into YPP, you can earn through:
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Ads on videos
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YouTube Premium revenue
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Channel memberships
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Super Chat & Super Stickers
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Super Thanks
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Shopping features
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Shorts revenue sharing
Monetization turns your content into a business.
YouTube Monetization Requirements (2026 Updated Criteria)
To apply for full monetization (ad revenue), you need:
Option 1:
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1,000 subscribers
OR
Option 2 (Shorts Path):
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1,000 subscribers
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10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days
In addition, you must:
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Follow YouTube monetization policies
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Follow community guidelines
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Have no active community guideline strikes
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Enable 2-step verification
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Live in a country where YPP is available
Step 1: Check If You’re Eligible
To check eligibility:
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Open YouTube Studio
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Click Earn (left menu)
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You’ll see your progress toward monetization
If you meet the requirements, the “Apply” button will be active.
If not, YouTube will show how many subscribers and watch hours you still need.
Step 2: Enable 2-Step Verification
Before applying, make sure:
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Your Google account has 2-step verification turned on
To enable:
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Go to Google Account settings
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Click Security
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Turn on 2-Step Verification
This is mandatory.
Step 3: Apply for Ythe ouTube Partner Program
Once eligible:
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Open YouTube Studio
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Click Earn
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Click Apply Now
You will see three steps:
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Review Base Terms
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Sign up for Google AdSense
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Get Reviewed
Step 4: Accept YouTube Partner Terms
Click:
Start → Review Terms → Accept
This confirms you agree to YouTube’s monetization policies.
Step 5: Connect Google AdSense Account
AdSense is how YouTube pays you.
If you don’t have one:
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Click “Sign up for AdSense”
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Fill in your details
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Enter payment information
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Submit
Important:If you already have AdSense:
Simply link your existing account.
Step 6: Channel Review Process
After completing the steps:
Your channel goes under review.
YouTube checks:
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Content originality
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Copyright compliance
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Community guideline history
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Spam or reused content
Review time:
Usually 1–30 days.
You’ll receive an email once approved or rejected.
What Happens After Approval?
Once approved:
You can turn on monetization for your videos.
To enable ads:
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Go to YouTube Studio
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Click Content
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Select a video
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Click Monetization
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Turn on Ads
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Choose ad formats
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Save
You can also enable monetization in bulk for multiple videos.
Types of Ads You Can Enable
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Skippable ads
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Non-skippable ads
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Display ads
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Overlay ads
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Mid-roll ads (for 8+ minute videos)
Longer videos allow more ad placements.
How Much Money Can You Earn?
Earnings depend on:
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Niche
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Audience country
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CPM (Cost per 1,000 views)
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Watch time
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Engagement
Example:
If your CPM is $2–$5, 100,000 views may earn $200–$500 approximately.
Income varies widely.
Common Reasons for Monetization Rejection
Many channels get rejected due to:
1. Reused Content
Uploading content that is not original.
2. Copyright Issues
Using copyrighted music or videos.
3. Low-Quality Content
AI voice with stock footage and no value.
4. Misleading Metadata
Clickbait titles or fake thumbnails.
If rejected, you can reapply after 30 days.
Tips to Get Monetized Faster
1. Focus on Watch Time
Create longer, valuable videos.
2. Choose High CPM Niche
Examples:
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Finance
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Tech
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Online earning
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Business
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Software tutorials
3. Avoid Copyright Strikes
Use royalty-free music.
4. Stay Consistent
Upload regularly.
5. Improve Retention
Keep viewers watching longer.
Can Small Channels Monetize?
Yes.
Even small channels can earn once they meetthe requirements.
Some creators earn with just a few thousand views if their niche has a high CPM.
What Is Early Monetization?
YouTube also offers limited monetization features for smaller creators:
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500 subscribers
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3 public uploads in 90 days
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3,000 watch hours OR 3 million Shorts views
This allows:
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Fan funding
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Super Thanks
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Memberships
But ad revenue still requires full YPP eligibility.
Important Monetization Policies
You must follow:
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YouTube Community Guidelines
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Advertiser-Friendly Content Guidelines
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Copyright policies
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Spam and deceptive practices rules
Violations can disable monetization.
How to Check Monetization Status
To see your monetization status:
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Go to YouTube Studio
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Click Earn
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Check approval status
GThe greenmonetization icon means ads are enabled.
Do You Need to Verify Your Channel First?
Yes.
Phone verification is required before monetization.
You must unlock intermediate features.
How You Get Paid
YouTube pays monthly via AdSense.
Payment details:
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Minimum threshold: $100
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Payment date: Around the 21st of each month
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Payment methods: Bank transfer (depending on country)
Final Thoughts
Enabling monetization on YouTube is a major milestone in your content journey. But it’s not just about reaching 1,000 subscribers or 4,000 watch hours. YouTube wants creators who produce original, valuable, and advertiser-friendly content.
If you’re serious about earning from YouTube:
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Focus on quality
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Stay consistent
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Avoid shortcuts
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Follow policies carefully
Monetization is not just a feature — it’s the beginning of building a real online income stream.
Now that you understand how to enable monetization on YouTube, start working toward the requirements and apply as soon as you become eligible.