YouTube is making its first major changes to Partner Program requirements since 2018. Beginning February 1, 2027, new creators will need 8,000 qualified watch hours in the previous 365 days or 20 million qualified Shorts views in 90 days to qualify for ad and Premium revenue sharing. Current YPP creators won’t be affected by the new entry requirements.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Building an audience that consistently watches and engages is becoming even more important. For brands and creators, this puts more emphasis on creating content people actually stick around for rather than chasing one-off views.
Read the YouTube announcement
