MecraYouTube monetization requirements (2026): how many subscribers and watch hours do you need?
What it takes to join the YouTube Partner Program: 1,000 subscribers plus 4,000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views, how to apply, and why applications fail.
The official way to earn ad revenue on YouTube is the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). The short answer: you need 1,000 subscribers and, in addition, either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months or 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days. Those numbers alone aren't enough; policy and account conditions must be met too. Below we cover the thresholds, how to apply and the most common reasons for rejection. Figures follow YouTube's Partner Program eligibility page; always check the current text before you decide.
The two routes to ad revenue
| Long-form route | Shorts route | |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Time window | Last 12 months: 4,000 valid public watch hours | Last 90 days: 10 million valid public Shorts views |
| What counts | Public long-form videos | Public Shorts that appear in the Shorts feed |
| What doesn't count | Private, unlisted or deleted videos; Shorts watch time | Private, unlisted or deleted Shorts |
You only need to complete one of the two routes. For most new channels the long-form route is more reachable, but a channel that takes off with Shorts can use the second. To choose between them see Shorts or long-form video?.
Requirements besides the numbers
- Follow the monetization policies. This includes the rules on original content and AI use.
- No active Community Guidelines strikes on your channel.
- 2-Step Verification on the Google account.
- A linked AdSense account so YouTube can pay you.
- Live in an eligible country or region for the Partner Program.
What counts as "valid watch time"?
Valid watch time is the watch time of your public long-form videos over the last 12 months. It does not include private or unlisted videos, deleted videos or Shorts. So a channel that grows only through Shorts can't approach the 4,000-hour route if it never uploads a long-form video, though it can qualify through the 10 million Shorts views route.
How to apply
- Open YouTube Studio and go to Earn.
- If you meet the thresholds, start the application; if you don't, you can join the notification list.
- Accept the base terms and link (or create) your AdSense account.
- Wait for the review; YouTube says it takes about a month.
Why applications get rejected
- Reused or unoriginal content: compilations without commentary, downloaded clips, mass-produced templates.
- Repetitive, generic videos that add no value from one to the next.
- Unlicensed material: copyrighted music, someone else's video clips or images of unclear license. See our guide to free image, video and music sources for the licensing basics.
- Misleading titles or thumbnails, or content that breaks Community Guidelines.
- Metadata problems: stuffed tags, unrelated titles.
If you are rejected you can reapply after a waiting period, so use it to fix the actual cause.
Reaching the thresholds sustainably
- Pick a topic with proven demand and find your own angle (how to find video topics, Turkish).
- Publish consistently. Retention and returning viewers matter more than one viral hit.
- Watch your analytics to learn which formats keep viewers watching.
- Don't buy subscribers or views. It violates policy and can end your channel.
Automation and monetization
Automation lowers production cost; it doesn't lower the bar. If you use a tool to produce videos, you are still responsible for originality, accuracy and licensing. Mecra grounds scripts in Wikipedia, runs a separate fact-check and shows real photos with their sources, but it can't guarantee approval or earnings.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How many subscribers and watch hours do I need to monetize a YouTube channel?
For ad revenue sharing you need 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months or 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days. You must also follow the monetization policies, have no active Community Guidelines strikes, turn on 2-step verification and link an AdSense account.
Do Shorts watch hours count toward the 4,000 hours?
No. The 4,000-hour route counts only the watch time of public long-form videos. Shorts have their own route: 1,000 subscribers and 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
How long does YouTube take to review a Partner Program application?
YouTube says decisions typically arrive in about one month, though it can take longer when there are many applications or a system issue.
Can a channel with AI-generated videos be monetized?
Yes, if it meets the requirements and the content is original and adds value. YouTube does not ban AI tools; it does not consider mass-produced, repetitive or generic content eligible for monetization.
Related articles
YouTube's AI content policy: what is “inauthentic content” and how to stay safe
YouTube doesn't ban AI videos, but mass-produced, generic content isn't eligible for monetization. What the policy says, the disclosure rule and a safe workflow.
How to make YouTube Shorts: length, size and upload guide
How long can a Short be, which resolution and aspect ratio do you need, and how do you upload? A practical guide to the first second, captions, music and rhythm.
How to start a faceless YouTube channel: ideas, rules and pitfalls
A YouTube channel without showing your face: which topics work, which are risky, how to build an identity, the path to monetization and the originality rules.