An Easier Path to Monetization on YouTube
An official announcement on the YouTube support website confirms that the criteria for joining the Partner Program have been revised, making it easier for content creators to monetize their videos. This update opens up opportunities for creators of all sizes to earn from their work on the platform.
The statement from Google asserts, “This will assist you in kickstarting your YouTube earnings by enabling support functions such as channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Thanks, and more.”
In addition, content creators will now have access to the YouTube Shopping Affiliate Program, which broadens the range of revenue-generating options available to users.
Updated Entry Requirements for Monetization
The previous requirements of 4,000 hours of views in the past year and 1,000 subscribers have been revised. The new criteria consist of a minimum of 500 subscribers, 3,000 hours of content views, and at least 3 videos uploaded within the last 90 days.
It’s important to note that this new monetization access is currently limited to select countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Taiwan, and South Korea. However, YouTube plans to expand this feature to more countries where the Partner Program is active.
Introducing the YouTube Shopping Affiliate Program
The YouTube Shopping Affiliate Program, which is already active for content creators in the United States, allows videos to serve as dedicated platforms for promoting various products.
By using YouTube Shopping, users can conveniently make online purchases of a wide range of products from popular brands like Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Wayfair, and many more. These products span various categories, including beauty, technology, home, and clothing. To enhance the shopping experience, specific items can be tagged, appearing in pop-up windows during video playback.
Changes to Advertising Format
Another significant update pertains to the removal of banner ads that appeared during videos on the YouTube platform. YouTube took this step to “enhance viewer experience and shift engagement to higher-performing ad formats on desktop and mobile,” as stated on their official website.
Although this removal may result in reduced income for content creators, YouTube anticipates that ad engagement will transition to other formats. Details regarding the new ad formats to be introduced in the near future have not been disclosed yet.
