YouTube Doubles Watch Hour Requirement for Creator Monetization

Engadget · TechCrunch · first seen 11.08.2026

YouTube has updated its partner program rules, doubling the requirements for creators to qualify for ad revenue sharing. Creators now need 8,000 qualified watch hours over the past year or 20 million Shorts views in the last 90 days to begin earning money.

Sources

Engadget — YouTube is making it harder for creators to start getting a cut of ad revenue
TechCrunch — YouTube now requires creators to have twice as many watch hours to start earning money

YouTube Doubles Watch Hour Requirement for Creator Monetization

Sources

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