YouTube makes it harder for new creators to earn money

Starting February 1, 2027, new YouTube creators need 8,000 watched hours (up from 4,000) or 20 million short-video views in 90 days (up from 10 million) to earn ad money. Current creators are unaffected. YouTube pointed to 200 billion daily short-video views and over a billion daily TV watch hours. Its cheaper Premium Lite plan also expanded to all markets.