YouTube Monetisation Requirements Explained (2026)
The exact 2026 YouTube Partner Programme requirements, plus how Shorts, long-form and paid views affect eligibility.
YouTube's 2026 monetisation thresholds are the clearest signal of what the platform values. Meet them and you unlock ads, memberships, Super Chats and Shopping.
The two paths to YPP
Path A: 1,000 subscribers + 4,000 public watch hours in 12 months. Path B: 1,000 subscribers + 10 million valid Shorts views in 90 days. Both paths still require full compliance with community guidelines.
How paid views interact with eligibility
Real views from a compliant provider count toward the 4,000-hour and 10-million-view thresholds when viewers watch past the 30-second mark. Bot views get stripped in review and do not count.
The review process
Once you cross the threshold YouTube does a manual channel review, usually within 30 days. Channels with heavy re-uploaded or AI-generated content are increasingly rejected in 2026.
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Browse YouTube packages →Frequently asked questions
Can I combine Shorts and long-form watch hours?
No — the two paths are separate. You must meet either the watch-hours or the Shorts-views threshold.
Do bought views count for monetisation?
Real, drip-fed views count. MoreThanPanelStreams campaigns are designed to meet the 30-second minimum.
How long until I'm approved after applying?
Most channels get a decision in 7–30 days.