# YouTube Partner Program Changes 2027

YouTube doubles the entry bar for new channels on 1 February 2027. Here is exactly what changes, who is affected and what to do now.

URL: https://shortformkit.com/youtube-partner-program-2027-changes/
Updated: 2026-10-12

**From 1 February 2027, new channels need 1,000 subscribers plus either 8,000 qualified watch hours in the last 365 days or 20 million qualified Shorts views in the last 90 days to join the YouTube Partner Program. Channels already in the program keep their status.**

## What changes

|  | Until 31 January 2027 | From 1 February 2027 (new applicants) |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Long-form path | 4,000 watch hours in 12 months | 8,000 watch hours in 365 days |
| Shorts path | 10 million Shorts views in 90 days | 20 million Shorts views in 90 days |

- **Existing partners** are not affected by the new entry thresholds.

- **Shorts earnings:** to earn from the Shorts Creator Pool in a given month, a channel must keep 10 million qualified Shorts views over the last 90 days. Channels below that stay in the program and keep their long-form earnings.

- **Terms:** partners have to accept the updated terms in YouTube Studio by 31 January 2027 to keep monetizing fully.

- **Premium:** creators share in a pool of 60% of net Premium Lite revenue and 30% of net Premium revenue.

## What to do now

- **Close to 4,000 hours?** If you can reach the current threshold before 1 February 2027, apply before the change. The new rules only apply to new applicants.

- **Mostly Shorts?** Check your 90-day Shorts views in YouTube Studio. After the change you need 10 million in 90 days to keep earning from the Shorts pool.

- **Estimate what monetization is worth** for your channel with our [YouTube money calculator](https://shortformkit.com/youtube-money-calculator/).

Source: [YouTube Help: Changes to the YouTube Partner Program](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/12843009). Checked 2026-10-13.

All platform programs in one table: [creator monetization data 2026](https://shortformkit.com/creator-monetization-data-2026/).

## FAQ

**When do the new YouTube Partner Program requirements start?**
On 1 February 2027. They apply to channels that apply after that date.

**How many watch hours do I need from 2027?**
8,000 qualified watch hours in the last 365 days, plus 1,000 subscribers. The alternative is 20 million qualified Shorts views in the last 90 days.

**Do I lose monetization if I'm already a partner?**
No. YouTube says existing members are not affected by the new entry thresholds. You do have to accept the updated terms by 31 January 2027.

**What changes for Shorts earnings?**
To earn from the Shorts Creator Pool in a month, a channel needs 10 million qualified Shorts views over the last 90 days. Below that you stay in the program and keep long-form earnings.


Source: Shortform Kit (https://shortformkit.com/youtube-partner-program-2027-changes/). Free, no login.