What exactly would change?
The main route to full advertising and YouTube Premium revenue sharing currently requires 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public watch hours during the previous 12 months. The alternative route requires 10 million valid Shorts views within 90 days. Under the new entry rules, both viewing thresholds would double: to 8,000 hours or 20 million Shorts views.
The 1,000-subscriber requirement would stay the same. Applicants would still need to complete only one of the two viewing routes; they would not need both 8,000 watch hours and 20 million Shorts views.
Who would be affected, and when?
The higher threshold is due to apply to new applicants from 1 February 2027. Channels already in the YouTube Partner Programme would not be removed simply because they have fewer than 8,000 watch hours. Timing does matter for channels still working towards the present 4,000-hour target: applications submitted after the change takes effect would be assessed under the new requirements.
Not every watch hour counts
YouTube counts valid public watch time from long-form videos. Watch time from private, unlisted or deleted videos, advertising campaigns and the Shorts feed does not count towards this total. The monetisation section in YouTube Studio is the safest place to check the number YouTube recognises.
What should creators do now?
- Look beyond clicks: viewer retention and a returning audience will matter even more.
- Shorts can attract new viewers, but watch time from the Shorts feed does not add to long-form watch hours.
- Build connected series so viewers have a clear reason to continue watching the channel.
- Do not buy views or watch time; artificial activity can lead to an application being rejected.
The clown checked the numbers twice
“Four thousand hours—done!” he shouted. YouTube glanced at the calendar. “Well done. Now for the second shift.”
