How to Get Monetized on YouTube?

Want to turn your YouTube channel into a money-making machine? The path to monetization isn’t as complex as you might think. While you’ll need 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours to join YouTube’s Partner Program, many creators hit these goals faster than expected.

Here’s the truth: YouTube monetization isn’t just about hitting those numbers. It’s about building a channel that keeps viewers coming back for more.

Whether you’re starting from zero or already have a small following, this guide will show you proven strategies to reach monetization requirements and start earning from your content.

Many creators get discouraged when they hear about YouTube’s monetization rules. But don’t let those requirements intimidate you.

We’ve helped countless YouTubers optimize their content and reach these goals – often in less time than they expected. Some of our clients have gone from zero to monetization in just a few months by following the right strategies.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what you need to do, step by step.

YouTube Partner Program (YPP)

The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is the primary monetization program on the platform. While there are many ways to make money on YouTube, the YPP is sponsored by the platform itself.

This program is a split of YouTube ad revenue between it and the channels generating this money. YouTube is only trying to be fair here and encourage your efforts, you help them make money through ads and they give you a share.

Eligible partners not only enjoy the revenue share but also resources and access to creator support teams.

YouTube Partner Program Eligibility Requirements

Getting monetized on YouTube involves being eligible for YPP. YouTubers want to get monetized but you only achieve this if you are eligible. Here are the requirements to join the YPP:

1. 1,000 Subscribers

You’ll need at least 1,000 people subscribed to your channel. These must be real subscribers – YouTube checks for fake accounts and spam. Remember, there’s no time limit on reaching this goal, so focus on building an authentic audience.

2. 4,000 Watch Hours

Your channel needs 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months. Only public videos count toward this total – private videos, Shorts, and live stream replays don’t add to your watch hours.

YouTube measures this on a rolling basis, so older content can help you reach this goal. The views just have to be within the past 12 months.

3. Valid AdSense Account

You’ll need to create and link an AdSense account to your YouTube channel. This is how YouTube will pay you once you’re monetized.

Make sure you use accurate information when setting up your account to avoid payment issues later.

4. Follow YouTube’s Rules

Your content must follow YouTube’s monetization policies, community guidelines, and terms of service. This means:

• No copyright strikes
• No spam or artificial traffic
• Original content only
• Family-friendly content (unless marked as mature)

5. Location Requirements

Your channel needs to be in a country or region where the YouTube Partner Program is available. Most countries are eligible, but it’s worth double-checking YouTube’s current list.

Setting the Foundation for Monetization

Getting monetized on YouTube isn’t just about hitting a set of numbers; it’s about creating a solid foundation that keeps viewers coming back for more. Let’s dive into the essentials.

1. Growing Your Subscriber Base

Think of your subscribers as the backbone of your YouTube journey. To grow this audience:

• Know Your Niche: What are you passionate about, and how does it align with what people want to watch? Whether it’s tech reviews, lifestyle vlogs, or educational content, focusing on a niche makes you more relatable and memorable.
• Be Consistent: Post regularly. People love reliability, and when you stick to a schedule, they’re more likely to subscribe and stay engaged.
• Engage with Your Community: Reply to comments, run polls, and ask questions in your videos. Let your viewers feel heard and valued.

2. Boosting Watch Time

Hitting 4,000 watch hours isn’t just about long videos—it’s about engaging videos. Here’s how to make viewers stick around:

• Create Playlists: Organize your content into playlists that guide viewers through related topics, making binge-watching irresistible.
• Use Strong Hooks: Grab attention in the first 10 seconds. Tease the value of the video or create intrigue that keeps viewers hooked.
• Encourage Interaction: Add subtle calls-to-action, like asking viewers to comment on their favorite part or what they’d like to see next.

3. Quality Matters

People can overlook a shaky camera once or twice, but consistent quality keeps them coming back. Professional video editing ensures that your content not only looks polished but also flows seamlessly. Add captions, cut out fluff, and use visuals to enhance your storytelling.

Applying for YouTube Monetization

Once you’ve reached the big milestones—1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours—it’s time to apply for monetization. Here’s how to do it step by step, without the stress.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before jumping in, double-check that you meet all YouTube Partner Program (YPP) requirements:

• 1,000 Subscribers: You’ve got this covered!
• 4,000 Watch Hours: Achieved within the last 12 months.
• Policy Compliance: Ensure your videos follow YouTube’s community guidelines and copyright rules.
• AdSense Account: You’ll need one to get paid.

Step 2: Enable Monetization in YouTube Studio

1. Log in to YouTube Studio: This is your creator hub.
2. Navigate to Monetization: Click on the dollar sign in the left-hand menu.
3. Follow the Prompts: You’ll be asked to review and accept the YPP terms.

Step 3: Set Up AdSense

You get paid through your adsense account and so you need to connect it to your YouTube channel before you can proceed.

• If you already have an AdSense account, great! Simply link it.
• If not, you’ll be guided to create one. It’s straightforward, but make sure your details match your YouTube channel to avoid delays.

Step 4: Wait for Review

YouTube will review your channel to ensure it complies with their policies. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. While you wait:

• Keep uploading content. It shows YouTube you’re active and serious.
• Revisit your old videos to ensure they align with monetization policies.

Step 5: Monetization Features Unlocked

Once approved, you can start earning! You’ll now see options to enable ads, memberships, and other monetization features. Be strategic with ad placements to keep your audience engaged.

Pro Tip: If You’re Rejected

Don’t panic if your application isn’t approved the first time. YouTube provides feedback on why, so you can make necessary changes. Address the issues, stay consistent with your uploads, and reapply in 30 days.

The process may seem daunting, but with patience and a clear strategy, you’ll soon unlock the earning potential of your channel.

Remember, professional video editing can elevate your content quality, making approval smoother and your monetization efforts more fruitful.

Best Practices After Monetization

Your channel just got monetized and now you’re ready for your share of the ads revenue. Great! But it doesn’t end there. You have to keep doing the right things to avoid removal from the program and to increase your earnings.

Here are some of the things to do after you’ve been monetized:

1. Track Analytics

Keep track of your analytics to see what’s working and how to adapt to keep your numbers healthy. Follow your channel’s analytics from the analytics section in the studio content manager page.

2. Understand CPM and RPM

CPM means Cost Per Mille and is the cost per 1000 ad impressions before any removal. While RPM is revenue per Mille and relates to the revenue a channel gets after YouTube removes their share from the CPM.

3. Maintain Community Guidelines

The fastest way to get booted out of the program is to break YouTube community guidelines. So you pay attention to the guidelines especially as they may change from time to time.

4. Explore Additional Revenue Streams

While monetizing your channel can bring you a lot of revenue, there are many more revenue streams to explore including brand deals, affiliate marketing, tipping and more.

5. Grow Your Channel

Getting monetized is not the end goal, you must continue to grow your channel to increase your earnings. Consistent video quality, promoting each video, and interacting with your audience are some of the ways to achieve this.

Conclusion

Getting monetized on YouTube might seem like a big mountain to climb, but it’s totally achievable with the right approach.

Remember, consistency matters more than perfection, and engaging with your viewers helps build the loyal community you need for sustainable growth.

Don’t get discouraged if progress seems slow at first. Many successful YouTubers took months to reach monetization requirements, but they kept pushing forward by creating quality content and connecting with their audience.

Need help making your content stand out? Your Video Editor’s professional editing services can help you create better videos while saving time.

Why not give your channel the quality boost it needs to reach monetization faster?

Ready to start your journey to YouTube monetization? Take the first step today by implementing these strategies in your next video.