How to monetize YouTube videos in 2026

TL;DR

• In broad terms, monetizing simply means, that you are earning money with your YouTube videos.
• Those sources of revenue can be fan funds, channel membership fees and ads running on your videos.
• In order to monetize YouTube videos, you need to join the YouTube Partner program. For this, you need to meet certain subscriber-, upload-, and view count requirements.
• Even if you have a small channel, you can monetize through YouTubes new early monetization tier.
• Earnings vary a lot depending on niche, view counts, ad types, engagement rates and your audience.
• Make sure to follow YouTube’s Community Guidelines. Several pitfalls can result in a demonetization of your videos.

What Does Monetize Mean?

Monetization refers to the process of earning money from your YouTube content. To do that, you have to be part of the YouTube Partner Program (often referred to as ”YPP”).

When people speak of “monetize YouTube videos”, they mostly refer to allowing YouTube to display advertisements on content and sharing the revenue generated from those ads.

Beyond traditional ad revenue, monetization also includes other income streams like channel memberships, Fan Funds and YouTube Premium revenue sharing.

 

YouTube Partner Program Requirements

Here we have some good news for all small channels. YouTube’s Partner Program just became more beginner friendly. They now offer a two-tiered approach that allows creators to start earning earlier in their YouTube career. Great news for when you are just starting out!

Early Tier

The Early Tier allows newer creators to start earning through fan funding features. To qualify, you need:

• 500 subscribers
• 3 valid public uploads in the last 90 days

and

• Either 3,000 valid public watch hours in the past year OR 3 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days

This tier includes the Super Chat, Super Thanks, Super Stickers, which let your viewers purchase chat messages and stickers during live streams, that stand out and sometimes pin them to the top of a chat feed. Basically, fans pay to get highlighted in chat streams.

Additionally, the channel memberships give your viewers access to exclusive videos on your channel for a monthly recurring fee, allowing you to build revenue even if you have a relatively small channel.

Full Tier (Unlocks the ad placements)

The full tier unlocks all monetization features, including the coveted ad revenue. Requirements include:

• 1,000 subscribers
• Either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months OR 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days
• Compliance with all YouTube monetization policies
• Living in a country where the YouTube Partner Program is available
• Having an active AdSense account linked to your channel

How to Turn On YouTube Monetization

Once you meet the these requirements, you’re first step is to apply for the YouTube Partner Program:

1. Sign in to YouTube Studio
2. Navigate to the left menu and click on “Earn”
3. Review and accept the YouTube Partner Program terms
4. Connect your existing AdSense account or create a new one here.
5. Wait for YouTube to review your channel (typically takes about a month)
6. Once approved, set your monetization preferences for individual videos

After approval, you can choose which types of ads to display on each video and adjust settings based on your content and audience preferences.

 

How Much Money Do You Earn With YouTube?

YouTube earnings vary dramatically based on multiple factors including niche, audience demographics, engagement rates, and ad types. On average, creators earn between $2 to $12 per 1,000 views through AdSense, though this figure can fluctuate significantly.

There are a few highly profitable YouTube niches like finance, technology, and business can earn $15-$30 per 1,000 views, while entertainment and gaming content typically falls on the lower end. Beyond ad revenue, successful creators often generate substantial income through:

• Sponsorships and brand deals
• Affiliate marketing
• Channel memberships
• Merchandise sales
• Super Chat and Super Thanks during live streams

Top 5 Reasons for YouTube Demonetization

Understanding why channels get demonetized is essential for maintaining your monetization status. Here are the most common culprits:

#1 Reused Content

YouTube’s policies prohibit monetizing content that isn’t original. This includes compilations of other creators’ content, videos with stock footage and minimal commentary, or content that’s been republished from other sources.

To avoid this, ensure your videos feature original commentary, unique perspectives, or substantial creative editing that transforms the source material.

#2 Inappropriate Speech or Unsafe Content

Content containing excessive profanity, hate speech, dangerous activities, or sensitive topics without proper context can lead to demonetization. While you can discuss controversial subjects, you must do so responsibly with appropriate disclaimers and age restrictions.

YouTube’s AI systems scan both audio and visual elements, so be mindful of background music lyrics and on-screen text as well.

#3 Spam and Misleading Metadata

Using clickbait titles, misleading thumbnails, or keyword stuffing in descriptions violates YouTube’s policies. This includes promising content that isn’t delivered in the video, using irrelevant tags, or creating content solely to drive traffic without providing value.

Always ensure your titles, thumbnails, and descriptions accurately represent your video content.

#4 Copyright Claims

Using copyrighted music, video clips, or images without permission is one of the fastest ways to lose monetization. Three copyright strikes and your channel will be terminated. Even a single strike can prevent you from monetizing new content for 90 days.

Always use safe-to-use royalty-free music, obtain proper licenses, or create original content to avoid copyright issues.

#5 Inactivity

YouTube may remove monetization from channels that haven’t uploaded new content or posted community updates for six months or longer. This policy ensures that monetization is reserved for active creators who consistently engage with their audience.

To maintain your monetization status, aim to upload regularly and interact with your community through posts or shorts.

What to Do If Your YouTube Video Got Demonetized?

Even if you do your best to stay within these boundaries, YouTube can demonetize your videos because of minor details you’ve overlooked.

Your videos are periodically reviewed by a human, so demonetization can happen unexpectedly—even if you haven’t had any issues for a long time.

Unfortunately, once your channel got demonetized, it is almost impossible to get back on that monetization status on that channel again.

But don’t worry, that’s where HookSounds can help you.

Simply by using our music you can re-activate monetization.

Monetize YouTube Videos Safely With HookSounds

One of the most common monetization pitfalls are copyright claims from unlicensed music. HookSounds provides a comprehensive solution with a vast library of royalty-free music and sound effects specifically designed for content creators.

With HookSounds, you get:

• Unlimited downloads of high-quality, claim-free music
• Legal protection and documentation for YouTube
• Regular additions of new tracks across all genres
• Simple licensing that covers all your YouTube content
• Music designed specifically for video content

By using properly licensed music from HookSounds, you eliminate one of the biggest risks to your monetization status while enhancing your video quality with professional soundtracks.

Conclusion

Monetizing YouTube videos in 2026 requires understanding the platform’s requirements, maintaining compliance with content policies, and protecting yourself from copyright issues.

While the path to monetization may seem challenging, the two-tiered system allows creators to start earning earlier through fan funding before reaching full ad revenue eligibility.

Remember that sustainable YouTube income comes from diversifying your revenue streams and consistently creating valuable, original content.

By avoiding common demonetization pitfalls—especially copyright issues with music—and focusing on building an engaged audience, you can create a successful, monetized YouTube channel that generates reliable income.

Remember that when your channel got demonetized for any reason, HookSounds can help you reactivate monetization.

Start your monetization journey today by ensuring your content meets YouTube’s guidelines, and protect your earning potential by using properly licensed music from services like HookSounds.

With dedication and the right approach, you can turn your YouTube passion into a profitable venture.