YouTube Shorts Monetization Rules and Requirements
Learn the updated rules, requirements, and strategies for monetizing YouTube Shorts, from YPP eligibility to ad revenue sharing and growth tips.
YouTube Shorts Monetization Rules and Requirements
With the rapid rise of vertical videos, YouTube Shorts monetization has emerged as a hot topic for creators aiming to grow fast and earn revenue from short-form content. This guide explains the official rules, requirements, and strategic tips to help you reach YouTube Partner Program (YPP) eligibility—even if you post only Shorts. We’ll cover updated monetization policies, how ad revenue for Shorts works, and the key pitfalls to avoid, so you can set up your channel for sustainable income.
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YouTube Partner Program Requirements
To join the YouTube Partner Program, you must meet one of two qualifying pathways within a 12-month period. This is the foundation for any type of YouTube monetization.
| Path | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Long-form Content Path | 1,000 subscribers + 4,000 valid public watch hours |
| Shorts-focused Path (introduced in 2023) | 1,000 subscribers + 10 million valid public Shorts views |
Watch Hours vs. Shorts Views
- Watch Hours come from standard videos, livestreams, and other long-form content.
- Shorts Views do not count toward the 4,000-hour watch time requirement.
- Instead, there is a separate threshold: 10 million Shorts views within the last 90 days.
Key Insight: If you produce only Shorts, you must target 10M Shorts views in 90 days plus 1,000 subscribers, while fully complying with YPP policies.
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Shorts Monetization Rules (Feb 2023 Update)
In February 2023, YouTube introduced monetization specifically for Shorts: ads between Shorts in the feed now generate pooled revenue shared among creators.
How Shorts Ad Revenue Works
- Ads appear between Shorts videos, not within individual Shorts.
- Total revenue is pooled; YouTube allocates earnings based on each creator’s share of total eligible views.
- If your Shorts receive 5% of total eligible views, that’s 5% of the pool—before music licensing deductions.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a YPP member.
- Comply with YouTube monetization policies and community guidelines.
- Upload original content; reused clips without added value can’t be monetized.
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Shorts vs. Long-form Ad Revenue Sharing
Traditional long videos have more predictable earnings than Shorts because of direct ad placements. Here’s a side-by-side:
| Aspect | Long-form Videos | YouTube Shorts |
|---|---|---|
| Ad Placement | Pre-roll, mid-roll, overlay, banner ads | Ads displayed between Shorts |
| Revenue Basis | Individual video ad views | Share of total Shorts feed views |
| Music Licensing Deduction | Minimal or none | Deducted if copyrighted music is used |
| Revenue Predictability | Higher stability | More volatile |
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Strategies to Maximize Shorts Viewership
1. Optimize Titles
Include power keywords at the start and keep titles short but compelling.
2. Create Eye-catching Thumbnails
Even though most Shorts views come from the feed, thumbnails influence performance in search and on channel pages.
3. Hook the Audience Fast
The first two seconds are critical—start with surprising visuals, key questions, or bold statements.
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Boosting Overall Channel Metrics
High Shorts views are vital for the Shorts path to YPP, but overall engagement matters too:
- Consistency: Post at regular intervals to maintain algorithm traction.
- Comments & Likes: Boost engagement for better discovery.
- Mix Formats: Occasionally publish long-form videos to build watch hours.
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Leveraging Shorts for Subscriber Growth
Shorts can accelerate subscriber growth faster than long videos if creatively approached.
Tips:
- Prompt viewers to subscribe within the Short.
- Build mini-series for retention.
- Adapt trending topics into quick, shareable videos.
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Cross-Promotion Between Shorts and Long Videos
Use Shorts as traffic drivers for extended content.
Example:
Short: 15-second teaser of a cooking hack.
Long Video: Full recipe tutorial.
CTA: Pinned comment linking to the long video.Benefits:
- Increases watch hours.
- Diversifies monetization potential.
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Pitfalls of Relying Solely on Shorts
Possible downsides include:
- Volatile Revenue from pooled ads.
- Algorithm Shifts affecting recommendations.
- Music Licensing Deductions reducing revenue share.
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Alternative Monetization for Shorts-first Creators
You can still monetize outside of YPP:
Sponsorships
Work with relevant brands for product placement or mentions.
Affiliate Marketing
Add affiliate product links to video descriptions.
Example:
Try my favorite editing app here: [Affiliate Link]Direct Sales
Sell merchandise, digital courses, or services directly.
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Future Trends in Shorts Monetization
YouTube is expanding opportunities for Shorts creators:
- Advanced analytics tailored to Shorts.
- Broader royalty-free music options.
- Potential interactive ad formats.
Prediction: With TikTok as competition, expect better revenue sharing and integrated commerce tools.
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Summary & Next Steps
So, can you monetize a YouTube channel with only Shorts? Absolutely—provided you hit 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views in 90 days, and comply with YPP rules. Pair this with strategic optimization, consistent posting, and diversified income streams for stability.
If you’re ready to turn viral micro-videos into sustainable income, start planning your Shorts schedule today, focus on engagement hooks, and keep an eye on YouTube’s evolving monetization features. Subscribe to the platform’s updates, experiment regularly, and you could be next in line for a Shorts success story.
