With over two billion monthly active users, YouTube is still one of the most popular platforms for content creators. It offers numerous opportunities for creators to showcase their talents and connect with their viewers. One of the most popular ways for creators to monetize their content is by joining the YouTube Partner Program. This program provides creators with access to tools and features to help them build their channels, promote their brand, and make money from their content. In this article, we will guide you through the process of joining the YouTube Partner Program, the benefits that it offers, and the requirements that you need to fulfill.

What is the YouTube Partner Program?

The YouTube Partner Program is a program that allows creators to monetize their content by running ads on their videos. Once you join the program, you gain access to features and tools that can help you build your channel, promote your brand and earn money from your content. The program allows creators to monetize their content in various ways, such as ads, channel memberships, merchandise, and Super Chat and Super Stickers.

Benefits of the YouTube Partner Program

The YouTube Partner Program offers several benefits for creators. Here are some of these:

• Additional revenue streams: With the YouTube Partner Program, creators can make money from their content by running ads on their videos, selling merchandise, offering channel memberships, and accepting Super Chat and Super Stickers. These various revenue streams allow creators to generate income from their content.
• Access to tools and resources: Once you join the program, you gain access to features and tools that can help you grow your channel. These tools include YouTube Analytics, which provides data and insights on your audience and content performance. Additionally, you can access the Creator Academy, which is an educational resource to help you learn new skills and strategies to grow your channel.
• Ability to promote your brand: The YouTube Partner Program allows you to promote your brand and build your online presence. With features like Channel Memberships, you can offer exclusive content to your most loyal fans, and with merchandise, you can sell products with your branding.
• Influence and reach: Being a YouTube Partner means that your content is being watched by millions of people. As a result, you can use your influence to partner with brands and expand your reach.

YouTube Partner Program Requirements

To join the YouTube Partner Program and monetize your content, you need to meet specific requirements. These requirements are as follows:

1. You must have either 1,000 subscribers and have a watch time of 4,000 valid public hours in the past 12 months or 1,000 subscribers and 10 million YouTube Short views in the past 90 days.
2. You must comply with YouTube's policies on content and community. This means that your content should not violate any of YouTube's policies, such as policies on hate speech, harassment, or spam.
3. You must comply with AdSense policies. AdSense is YouTube's advertising platform, and to monetize your content, you need to comply with these policies.
4. You must have a linked AdSense account. To receive payments, you need to have an AdSense account.
5. You must be at least 18 years old or have a legal guardian's consent if you are under 18.

Content Policies YouTube will check:

When you apply to the YouTube Partner Program, YouTube will check the following:

• Your latest videos: YouTube will check if your content adheres to its content policies. This means that your content should not violate any of YouTube's policies on hate speech, harassment, or spam.
• Your channel’s theme: Your channel's theme should reflect your brand and values. This means that your content should align with your branding.
• Metadata: YouTube will check if your video metadata is accurate and complies with YouTube's policies. Your metadata includes your video title, description, tags, and thumbnail.
• Thumbnail: YouTube will check if your video thumbnail accurately represents the content of your video. Thumbnails that are clickbait or misleading violate YouTube's policies.
• Audio and visual content: YouTube will check if your video's audio and visual content comply with its policies. This includes policies regarding copyrighted content, violence, sexually explicit content, and graphic material.

How to Join the YouTube Partner Program: 7 Steps

To join the YouTube Partner Program, follow these steps:

Step 1: Turn on 2-factor authentication for your Google account. This is important, because your account needs to stay secure. 

Step 2: Sign in to YouTube and click on your profile picture.

Step 3: Click on YouTube Studio.

Step 4: In the left sidebar, click on Monetization.

Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to set up an AdSense account.

Step 6: Review and accept YouTube’s terms and conditions.

Step 7: Once you have reviewed and accepted YouTube's terms and conditions, you will be automatically entered into the YouTube Partner Program.

What to Do If Rejected From the Program?

If your application to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is rejected, don't lose hope—you have the chance to reapply.

Start by reviewing the rejection email, which outlines the reasons your YouTube channel didn’t meet the eligibility requirements. Pay close attention to YouTube’s community guidelines and copyright policies, as these are common areas of concern.

Next, analyze your content using YouTube Studio to ensure it aligns with monetization policies and appeals to advertisers. Check your watch time, subscribers, and overall engagement metrics to confirm they meet the YPP thresholds.

If any videos violate policies, consider revising, re-editing, or removing them. Strengthen your channel’s appeal by fostering an active community, uploading high-quality content regularly, and diversifying with features like Super Chat, YouTube Premium, or adsense account integration to enhance ad revenue potential.

Once your channel is optimized, reapply after the 30-day waiting period (or 90 days if previously denied). With consistent effort, you can earn money on YouTube and unlock tools like revenue sharing and Google AdSense to grow your success as a YouTube creator.

Start Monetizing

Monetizing your content on YouTube can be a great way to earn revenue as a creator. The YouTube Partner Program offers creators an opportunity to monetize their content in various ways and gain access to features and tools to enhance their channels. If you are looking to monetize your content, join the YouTube Partner Program today. 

With Fourthwall, you can easily make money by building a homepage, online shop, custom products, and a memberships program to offer to your community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is My Channel Not Eligible for Joining the YouTube Partner Program?

Your YouTube channel may not be eligible for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) if it doesn’t meet key requirements like 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time within the past 12 months.

Additionally, violations of community guidelines, copyright issues, or content not suitable for advertising could hinder monetization.

To ensure eligibility, regularly review your content in YouTube Studio, address any flagged videos, and build an active community that aligns with YouTube's policies and advertisers’ standards.

How Long Does It Take to Became a YouTube Partner? 

Becoming a YouTube Partner depends on meeting the eligibility criteria, including reaching 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time within a year. 

Once you meet these thresholds and submit your application, YouTube reviews your channel within 30 days.

However, delays can occur if there's a high volume of applications or concerns about your compliance with community guidelines or monetization policies. 

How Do I Get 4,000 Watch Hours on YouTube Free?

To reach 4,000 watch hours on YouTube without spending money, focus on creating engaging videos that resonate with your audience and encourage longer viewing times. 

Use YouTube analytics to identify what content performs best, optimize your uploads with compelling thumbnails and titles, and share your channel across social media to attract more viewers. 

Remember, consistency is key, so maintain a regular upload schedule and engage with your community to boost watch time organically. 

Can You Make Money on YouTube Without YPP?

Yes, you can earn money on YouTube without joining YPP by leveraging other methods like sponsorships, merchandise sales, and crowdfunding.

Promote products using your YouTube channel, set up a Google AdSense account for a blog or website, and explore features like affiliate marketing.

You can also drive revenue through Super Chat, YouTube Premium content, or by offering services to your audience, even if you’re not yet monetizing via ads or revenue sharing.