YouTube’s new monetisation rules: What creators need to know about the 2027 changes

YouTube has announced new monetisation rules for creators, with the changes set to take effect on February 1, 2027.

Announced on August 10, 2026, the changes will raise the requirements for new creators seeking advertising and YouTube Premium revenue, while introducing new earning opportunities through Premium Lite, Shorts and other incentive programmes.

YouTube said the updates are intended to ensure its Partner Program continues to support creators as the platform expands.

“To keep pace with the growth of YouTube, which now sees over 200 billion daily Shorts views and over a billion hours of watch time on TV every day, we are updating the YPP entry requirements for ads and Premium revenue sharing for new creators,” YouTube stated.

New creators will need more to qualify

Under the new rules, creators applying to the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) for advertising and Premium revenue sharing will face higher thresholds.

New creators will need 8,000 qualified watch hours in the previous 365 days, up from the current 4,000-hour requirement.

Alternatively, creators can qualify through 20 million qualified Shorts views in the previous 90 days, up from the current 10 million-view threshold.

The higher thresholds will apply to new creators seeking advertising and Premium revenue sharing. Creators already in YPP will not be affected by the change.

The existing requirements for fan-funding and shopping products will also remain unchanged.

YouTube said the changes are intended to support creators while creating additional ways to earn beyond traditional advertising.

“We’re broadening revenue opportunities to reward growth, engagement, and more by introducing new incentive programs, rather than relying solely on ad revenue,” YouTube stated.

Shorts creators face new target

YouTube is also changing how creators qualify for advertising and subscription revenue sharing from Shorts.

Beginning February 1, 2027, creators will need 10 million qualified Shorts views within 90 days to be eligible for Shorts advertising and subscription revenue sharing.

Channels that fall below the threshold will remain in YPP and can continue earning from long-form content.

Shorts revenue sharing will automatically resume once a channel reaches the 10 million qualified-view target again.

YouTube said creators who already earn significant revenue from Shorts are unlikely to be significantly affected.

For creators below the threshold, YouTube plans to introduce other earning opportunities.

“For channels below the 10 million view threshold, these initiatives introduce new ways to earn based on hitting certain milestones, like bonuses for YouTube Shopping, incentives for brand deals, and earnings boosts for starting and growing trends,” YouTube stated.

The company said more details about the new incentive programmes will be announced later.

Premium lite expands

YouTube is also expanding Premium Lite to all countries where YouTube Premium is available.

The subscription offers users uninterrupted, offline and background viewing of most content.

Under the new system, 60% of net Premium Lite subscription revenue will be allocated to the creator pool, compared with 30% for standard Premium.

From the creator distribution, long-form videos will receive a 55% revenue share, while Shorts will receive 45%.

YouTube said the expansion could provide creators with additional income as more viewers subscribe to Premium Lite.

“With these additional subscribers, creators can expect higher earnings: when a user signs up for Premium, partners, on average, earn more than when the user was watching ads,” YouTube stated.

Existing creators will keep their YPP status

One of the key points in YouTube’s announcement is that the higher entry requirements are aimed at new creators applying for advertising and Premium revenue sharing.

Creators already in YPP will not lose their status simply because they do not meet the new 8,000-hour or 20-million-Shorts-view thresholds.

The changes will take effect on February 1, 2027, giving new creators time to prepare for the higher requirements.

YouTube said creators can review and sign the new terms through YouTube Studio before they take effect.