A Complete Guide to YouTube Monetization Requirements in 2025

The YouTube Monetization Requirements in 2025

Before 2023, getting monetized on YouTube was tougher. But now, YouTube has made it much easier. Here's what you need:

Subscriber Count

You need at least 500 subscribers.

Video Publishing

You must have published at least three videos publicly in the last 90 days.

Watch Hours or Shorts Views

You need either:

• 3,000 watch hours in the past 12 months
• OR 3 million YouTube Shorts views in the past 90 days

Best Way to Monetize Your YouTube Channel

So, you've met the YouTube monetization requirements in 2025 and are ready to start making money on your channel. Great! There are various methods available to monetize your YouTube channel. Let's dive into the best options.

YouTube Ads

One of the most popular ways to make money on YouTube is through YouTube AdSense. Once you qualify, you can turn on the ads setting and start earning. Keep in mind, though, that your videos must continue to meet YouTube's guidelines to keep those ads running. You have various ad formats to choose from, so you can place them however you like.

Affiliate Marketing

Another amazing way to earn money is through affiliate marketing. It's simple: join an affiliate program like Amazon and get affiliate links. You earn a commission when your viewers click those links and buy something. While this might not be as profitable as ads, it can still provide a nice income.

Channel Memberships

Channel memberships are like clubs where fans pay a monthly fee for special perks. These could be discounts, private chats, or exclusive videos. You need at least 1,000 subscribers to offer memberships. Look for the "join" button next to the "subscribe" button on the channel's main page to see if a channel offers memberships.

Patronage

Platforms like Patreon can help you earn more if you have a loyal fanbase. Creators can charge a monthly fee in exchange for behind-the-scenes footage, early access to videos, and other cool perks. Patreon allows for multiple membership levels, starting as low as $5.

Merchandise

Channels with over 10,000 subscribers can sell unique merchandise related to their brand. This is a great way to monetize if you have a dedicated community. It's especially popular with channels that don’t have their own websites to promote their merchandise.

Paid Sponsorships

Paid sponsorships can be one of the most lucrative ways to make money on YouTube. Businesses pay you to promote their products or services in your videos. However, it's also one of the hardest methods to secure. Only channels with a large and strong community usually get sponsorship offers.

Super Features

Super features can be a fantastic way to make money for channels that do a lot of live streaming. These features let viewers highlight their comments, send stickers, or directly donate to you during a live stream. Donations can range from $1 to $500.

YouTube Shorts Fund

In May 2021, YouTube introduced a $100 million fund for Shorts creators. This fund is distributed monthly, allowing YouTubers to earn between $100 and $10,000 based on their Shorts' engagement and views. You don't need to be part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) to qualify for this fund. However, you still need to meet specific eligibility criteria. This is a big win for creators who don't yet qualify for YPP.

Read Also — How Much Does Instagram Pay for 1k Followers?

Conclusion

There you have it—the complete guide to YouTube monetization requirements in 2025. With YouTube lowering the bar, it's now easier than ever to start making money from your videos. Remember, you need 500 subscribers, three public videos in the last 90 days, and either 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views.

Follow these steps, and you'll be on your way to turning your YouTube hobby into a profitable venture. For more tools and services to boost your channel's growth, check out the YouTube SMM Panel. Happy creating!