New creators face doubled entry thresholds
YouTube is significantly raising the audience thresholds that new creators must reach before earning advertising and subscription revenue.
Beginning February 1, 2027, new applicants to the YouTube Partner Program will need either 8,000 qualified watch hours during the previous year or 20 million qualified Shorts views in 90 days.
The current advertising-revenue thresholds are 4,000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views, along with other eligibility requirements. Creators already enrolled will not be removed because of the higher entry standard.
Read the source: Official YouTube Partner Program announcement ↗
Shorts creators must keep producing enormous audiences
Channels will need to maintain 10 million qualified Shorts views over 90 days to receive Shorts advertising and subscription revenue.
Channels falling below that level can continue earning from eligible long-form content and resume Shorts revenue after crossing the threshold again.
YouTube says it is creating bonuses and incentives involving shopping, brand deals, milestones and trend creation, although full details have not been released.
Read the source: TechCrunch: Higher thresholds for new creators ↗
Total creator payouts may grow while access narrows
YouTube says more than 3 million creators participate in its Partner Program and predicts that it will pay creators more in 2027 than in 2026.
That may be true across the platform while benefits remain concentrated among established channels. Doubling entry thresholds makes it harder for an independent journalist, educator or entertainer to build a sustainable business.
Creators should continue developing email lists, websites, memberships and multiple social channels so that one platform’s eligibility change cannot erase their entire income.