YouTube raises the bar for creator monetization

Starting February 1, 2027, new YouTube Partner Program applicants need 8,000 watch hours (up from 4,000) or 20 million Shorts views in 90 days (up from 10 million) to earn ad revenue. Existing creators are unaffected. YouTube cited 200 billion daily Shorts views and over a billion daily TV watch hours. Premium Lite also expanded to all markets where full Premium is available.