YouTube just DRASTICALLY REDUCED monetization requirements

 In a recent major update, YouTube has decided to make monetization more accessible for content creators on its platform. This decision has been enthusiastically received by many users who see this as an increased opportunity to generate income through their videos. 

Changes to monetization requirements open new doors and offer a promising outlook for creators, whether new or seasoned. 

In this article, we'll explore these significant changes in detail and the implications they may have on the YouTube content creation landscape.

Change in eligibility criteria

There have recently been significant adjustments to the eligibility criteria for monetization on YouTube, and it's imperative that you stay informed of these changes, particularly if you run a small, growing channel, and especially if you're uploading emphasis on engaging your audience.

For channels focused on an active community, tribes of engaged fans, this update represents a huge opportunity. Before this change, monetizing your channel was not an easy task, but since June 13, 2023 , YouTube has completely revised its criteria by reducing the number of required subscribers by half. 

Previously, the threshold was set at 1000 subscribers, and now it is only 500 subscribers . Plus, you only need to post three videos in the last 90 days , or one video per month.

In terms of viewing hours, you need to accumulate 3,000 hours in the last 12 months . Alternatively, if your content is primarily shorts-based, you can reach eligibility with 3 million views in the last 90 days . It is important to note that active violations of community guidelines are not tolerated.

If you meet these criteria, you can now register directly in the "  Earnings  " tab of YouTube Studio. However, if you do not yet meet these conditions, you have the option to sign up to receive notification as soon as this becomes available. 

Do these new eligibility standards seem too good to be true? We will explore this in more detail.

What to understand from the new criteria?

The answer to this question is both complex and nuanced. Indeed, access to paid subscriptions, also called “  membership ”, constitutes one of the main new features. This feature allows creators to offer exclusive content to their subscribers, paying monthly subscriptions ranging from 1 euro to 500 euros . 

However, the effectiveness of this option can be up for debate, especially for creators with smaller audiences. Launching such a formula might not be particularly profitable if only a handful of subscribers sign up for paid subscriptions.

On the other hand, for those who frequently perform Lives, activating super stickers and super chats may prove interesting. This feature allows viewers to leave comments along with a donation during the live stream, which can be beneficial for creators active in this format.

But the real opportunity for small, developing chains lies in “  Super Thanks ”. This is a feature that is specifically aimed at content creators openly declaring their status as a small, developing channel. 

By encouraging viewers to leave a “super thanks” (a comment accompanied by a donation), this offers a direct and immediate source of income, thus favoring channels focused on a smaller, but highly engaged, community.

Another door that opens with these new criteria is access to YouTube Shopping . This feature allows creators to sell various products such as t-shirts, sweaters, mugs, etc.

It is even possible to link your Shopify account for a more integrated sales experience. This option can be particularly interesting for diversifying sources of income, offering creators the opportunity to sell products directly to their audience.

In conclusion, these new eligibility criteria offer a plethora of possibilities in terms of monetization, but it is crucial to choose wisely based on the nature and size of your channel. The key lies in understanding your audience and strategically leveraging options that best fit your community and content style.

Advertising monetization eligibility criteria

It is important to note that despite these promising announcements, the eligibility criteria for monetization via advertising remain unchanged. 

To access monetization via advertising , you must always reach the threshold of 1000 subscribers, accumulate 4000 viewing hours or obtain 10 million views on shorts. This step may seem like a barrier to overcome, but it is essential to view this as a progression in several stages.

If you take the first step, where you get the required 1000 subscribers, this already opens up interesting opportunities. “Super Thanks” become accessible, allowing viewers to financially support your videos through donations. 

You can also consider selling products, thanks to access to YouTube Shopping, which could represent an additional source of income.

Subsequently, you will be on the path to monetization via advertising once you have reached 4000 hours of viewing or 10 million views on shorts. However, while these criteria may seem ambitious, there are other ways to make your YouTube channel profitable. 

Affiliate marketing, coaching, digital product sales, and sponsorships are all approaches you can explore.

Conclusion

In conclusion, although YouTube's announced changes to monetization eligibility criteria have raised expectations, it is crucial to note that the terms remain unchanged, still requiring 1,000 subscribers, 4,000 watch hours, or 10 million views. seen on shorts. 

However, these steps should not be seen as insurmountable obstacles, but rather as progressive steps. Opportunities like Super Thanks and YouTube Shopping provide alternative ways for small channel creators to generate revenue. 

Beyond ad monetization, other avenues, such as affiliate marketing and digital product sales, can also play a crucial role in a channel's financial growth. 

Ultimately, diversifying strategies remains key for creators looking to thrive on the platform.