Free toolMonetization checker
YouTube Monetization Requirements Checker
Enter your numbers and see which Partner Program tier you qualify for.
Enter your channel’s numbers below to see whether you can apply for the YouTube Partner Program today, and which tier. YouTube has two: a fan-funding tier at 500 subscribers that unlocks memberships, Super Chat, Super Thanks and Shopping, and an ad-revenue tier at 1,000 subscribers that adds a share of ad money.
Use the numbers in YouTube Studio, because your public channel page shows rounded or lifetime totals. Studio counts only public, qualified watch hours from the last 12 months and Shorts views from the last 90 days, so the totals can be lower than you expect.
How the Checker Works
The tool compares four numbers with YouTube’s published thresholds and shows the smallest gap for each tier.
| Tier | Subscribers | Uploads | Watch-hours route | Shorts route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fan funding | 500 | 3 public uploads in 90 days | 3,000 hours in 12 months | 3 million views in 90 days |
| Ad revenue | 1,000 | Not required | 4,000 hours in 12 months | 10 million views in 90 days |
You need the subscribers in every case, and then either the watch-hours route or the Shorts route. The checker reports a tier as met when either route is complete.
What the Numbers Do Not Show
Hitting a threshold lets you apply. It does not guarantee approval. YouTube also requires:
- 2-Step Verification on your Google account.
- One active AdSense for YouTube account linked to the channel.
- No active Community Guidelines strikes.
- Living in a country or region where the Partner Program is available.
- A channel that follows the monetization policies as a whole.
The numbers cannot show whether a channel meets the last point, so a channel can qualify on numbers and still be rejected. Channels built on clips, compilations or templated AI narration often meet the numbers and still fail review under the inauthentic or reused content rules. If you run a faceless channel, read how YouTube treats faceless and AI channels before you apply.
What to Do with Your Result
If you are short on subscribers, focus on videos that answer a specific search. They bring viewers who subscribe because they want the next one. If you are short on watch hours, longer videos with strong retention close the gap faster than more uploads. If Shorts are carrying your channel, keep posting on a schedule, since the 90-day window means views fall off as fast as they come.
Once you qualify, apply from the Earn section of YouTube Studio. YouTube says a decision usually takes about a month. While you wait, set up the other income streams in how to make money on YouTube, and check the step-by-step monetization plan if you are still building.
Frequently asked questions
Do Shorts views count toward the 4,000 watch hours?
No. Watch time from the Shorts feed does not count toward the 4,000 public watch hours. Shorts have their own route instead: 10 million qualified Shorts views in 90 days for ad revenue, or 3 million for fan funding. Long-form videos watched on a channel page or search still count as watch hours.
What if I qualify but YouTube rejects my channel?
The numbers only get you a review. A person then checks the channel against the monetization policies, including the inauthentic content and reused content rules. If you are rejected, Studio shows the policy and when you can reapply. Fix the pattern across the channel before you do. See YouTube monetization requirements.
Which route is faster, watch hours or Shorts views?
For most new channels the watch-hours route is steadier, because one long video that ranks in search keeps adding hours for months. Shorts can hit millions of views quickly but views older than 90 days drop out of the count. The checker shows both gaps so you can see which is closer.
Will the thresholds change in 2027?
YouTube’s updated Partner Program terms take effect on February 1, 2027, and creators have to accept them in Studio by January 31, 2027 to keep fully monetizing. YouTube’s help page does not list new thresholds. Some blogs claim higher thresholds are coming, but YouTube’s help page does not say so.
Sources
Earn by Creating publishes general information for creators. It is not legal, tax or financial advice, and nothing here promises income. Platform rules, payout terms and prices change often, so check the platform's own help pages before you rely on a number. Some links may be affiliate links; that never changes what we recommend.