YouTube raises monetisation bar from February 2027 — 8,000 watch hours required

From February 1st, 2027, YouTube Partner Program applicants will need at least 1,000 subscribers plus either 8,000 qualified watch hours in the past year or 20 million qualified Shorts views in the last 90 days. The current threshold stands at 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours — making the new requirement a substantial increase. The change will make it harder for smaller creators to start earning from their channels.

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