Getting monetized on YouTube is a milestone for every creator. Here's what the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) asks for, what counts toward it, and how to grow toward it safely.
The two tiers
At the time of writing, YouTube has two entry points:
Fan funding tier (memberships, Super Chat, Super Thanks): - 500 subscribers - 3 public uploads in the last 90 days - and either 3,000 public watch hours in the last 12 months or 3 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days
Full YPP (ad revenue sharing): - 1,000 subscribers - and either 4,000 public watch hours in the last 12 months or 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days
You also need to live in a country where YPP is available, follow YouTube's policies, have 2-step verification on, and link an AdSense account. Check YouTube's official YPP page for the current rules and country list.
What counts and what doesn't
YouTube only counts valid public watch time and views. Unlisted, private and deleted videos don't count, and neither does invalid traffic. YouTube's systems filter out views that don't come from real viewers, so bought views and watch hours won't get you monetized and can put a channel at risk during review.
Where growth services help
Growth services are best used for social proof, not for hitting monetization numbers:
- YouTube subscribers: a new channel with a credible subscriber count gets more real subscribers, because people follow channels that look established.
- YouTube views: help a new upload look active so real visitors give it a chance.
- Shorts views: give new Shorts an initial push.
Keep it modest and natural, and focus on content that earns real watch time.
How to grow real watch time
- Pick a clear niche so YouTube knows who to recommend you to.
- Thumbnails and titles decide clicks. Test bold, simple thumbnails.
- Hook in the first 15 seconds and cut slow parts.
- Longer videos (8 to 15 minutes) build watch hours faster than short ones.
- Shorts bring new subscribers who then watch your long videos.
- Playlists and end screens keep people watching more of your videos.
- Upload on a schedule your audience can rely on.
The bottom line
Use growth services to look credible, and use great content to earn the watch time that gets you paid. Need help choosing services? Ask Guapo in the chat.
