YouTube Is Making It Harder for New Creators to Get Paid

YouTube has increased the requirements for new accounts that want to monetize their channels. Presently, it asks for 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours in a year or 10 million Shorts views. Starting February 1, 2027, channels will need at least 1,000 subscribers and either 8,000 watch hours in a year or 20 million Shorts views.

YouTube says there are some benefits coming in addition to these changes, though, including better opportunities to earn through Premium Lite subscribers. Still, those baseline requirements are pretty high.