What are the eligibility requirements for the YouTube Partner Program?

Based on the provided sources, the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) now operates on a two-tier system with different eligibility thresholds. This structure allows creators to access fan-funding features earlier (Tier 1) while reserving ad revenue for more established channels (Tier 2).

Here are the specific requirements for 2025:

1. Tier 1: Expanded Access (Fan Funding Only)

This lower entry point allows creators to monetize through features like Super Chat, Super Thanks, Channel Memberships, and YouTube Shopping, but does not unlock ad revenue.

To qualify for this tier, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• Subscribers: At least 500 subscribers.
• Upload Activity: At least 3 valid public uploads in the last 90 days.
• Viewership (Choose One):
  • 3,000 public watch hours on long-form videos in the last 365 days.
  • OR
  • 3 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days.

2. Tier 2: Full Monetization (Ad Revenue)

This tier unlocks revenue sharing from Watch Page ads, Shorts Feed ads, and YouTube Premium revenue. If you are already in Tier 1, you will automatically unlock these features once you hit these higher milestones—you do not need to reapply.

To qualify, you must have 1,000 subscribers AND meet one of the following viewership milestones:

• Long-form: 4,000 public watch hours in the last 365 days.
• Shorts: 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days.

3. Foundational Eligibility Rules

Regardless of which tier you are aiming for, every channel must meet these baseline requirements to be accepted and remain in the program:

• AdSense Account: You must have one active AdSense for YouTube account linked to your channel.
• Security: 2-Step Verification must be turned on for the Google Account associated with the channel.
• Compliance: You must follow all YouTube channel monetization policies and have no active Community Guidelines strikes.
• Location: You must live in a country or region where the YouTube Partner Program is available.
• Advanced Features: You must have "advanced features" access enabled on YouTube.

4. Content & Activity Maintenance

YouTube has introduced stricter policies regarding content authenticity and channel activity in 2025:

• Authenticity Policy (July 2025 Update): Content must be "original and authentic." YouTube now aggressively restricts monetization for channels relying on mass-produced, repetitive content, or low-effort AI content (such as unedited clips or AI voiceovers without transformative value).
• Inactivity Penalties: Monetization is not permanent. Channels can lose access to features (like Super Chat) after 60 days of inactivity. After 90 days of inactivity, YouTube may suspend monetization privileges entirely, forcing the creator to reapply.