YouTube Tightens 2027 Monetization Rules: Creator Guide

The new entry requirements apply only to creators joining the YouTube Partner Program for the first time. Existing members will keep their long-form monetization, but those earning from Shorts must hit 10 million qualified views every 90 days to retain that revenue stream.

Creators who fall below the Shorts threshold will not lose their YPP membership. They can continue earning from eligible long-form videos, and Shorts revenue sharing will resume automatically once they regain the required view count.

YouTube said the changes are meant to reward active creators and expand earning opportunities. The update is the first major revision to YPP eligibility since 2018, and the company noted that creators already generating substantial revenue from Shorts are unlikely to be significantly affected.

The company is also rolling out new programs for creators who do not meet the Shorts threshold, offering milestone-based rewards such as bonuses tied to YouTube Shopping, brand partnership incentives, and extra earnings for helping launch trends. Fan-funding and shopping features remain unchanged for all creators.

In addition, YouTube is expanding Premium Lite to all markets where YouTube Premium is available. The cheaper subscription tier offers ad-free viewing for most videos, offline downloads, and background playback, with creators receiving 55% of allocated revenue from long-form and 45% from Shorts.