YouTube is making it harder for new creators to qualify for ad revenue by increasing the requirements for its monetization program. For new partners, YouTube now requires twice the amount of watch time (and, for Shorts, twice the number of Shorts views) compared with prior thresholds.
Both outlets report that this change applies to creators entering the program going forward, with Digital Trends noting the update takes effect starting in 2027. The move raises the “grind” required before creators can start receiving a cut of advertising revenue, affecting how quickly new channels can reach eligibility.
Engadget and Digital Trends frame the change similarly, focusing on the doubled watch-hours and Shorts-view thresholds. Neither outlet disputes that YouTube is raising the entry bar; rather, the difference is primarily in emphasis—Engadget highlights the immediate increase in requirements, while Digital Trends emphasizes how the adjustment makes the Partner Program more difficult to access over time.
