Online video creators will soon face significantly higher hurdles to earn money from their content, as YouTube prepares to raise the standards for its Partner Program. Starting February 1, 2027, aspiring monetized channels will need double the watch time or views currently required to start earning revenue.
Under the new rules, creators seeking to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) must maintain at least 1,000 subscribers alongside either 8,000 qualified watch hours over the previous 12 months or 20 million qualified Shorts views within 90 days. Currently, channels only need 4,000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views to qualify.
Existing partners must accept the new terms by January 31, 2027, to remain in the program. To continue earning money, creators will also need to meet minimum activity standards, such as maintaining 1,000 watch hours per year, reaching 1 million Shorts views, or uploading at least two long-form videos or five Shorts every 90 days.
The update reflects YouTube’s broader ambition to compete directly with traditional television services like Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney Plus. To support this shift toward high-quality, television-like content, YouTube has recently introduced features that help channels organize videos into seasons and secured major broadcasting deals, including original shows from comedian Trevor Noah.
At the same time, YouTube is expanding its cheaper Premium Lite subscription tier to all markets where Premium is available. Because YouTube splits subscription revenue with creators—allocating 55 percent to long-form videos and 45 percent to Shorts—the company suggests creators may benefit overall, noting that Premium viewers typically generate higher earnings for partners than ad-supported views.