How to monetize YouTube videos in 2027

TL;DR

• In broad terms, monetizing simply means, that you are earning money with your YouTube 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.
• Starting from February 1st. 2027 YouTube updated the requirements to join the YouTube partner program.
• 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

Not everyone can simply monetize videos on YouTube. The platform requires members of the YouTube Partner Program to be active, and their channels to be of a certain size, to make sure:

• ads get enough impressions and quality (real & organic) leads
• prevent spam channels from entering

If you are already in the partner program, there is nothing changing for you. You will not suddenly loose your monetization status if you haven't met those requirements.

When Does YouTube Consider a Channel to be Active?

Only "active" channels are allowed to access the YouTube Partner Program. If your channel would show no activity or growth, it really does not make sense for YouTube to maintain your membership.

Starting on 1 February 2027 YouTube considers a channel to be "Active", when your channel meet any of the following requirements:

• 1,000 valid watch hours in the past 365 days or
• 1M qualified Shorts views in the past 90 days or
• Two long-form videos or five Shorts uploaded every 90 days

If you fall below those requirements, YouTube will label your channel as "inactive". But don't worry, it'll not be the end of your YouTube career. To stay in the program, you need to meet one of the following requirements within a 90-day window:

• 1,000 qualified watch hours in the past 365 days or
• One million qualified Shorts views in the past 90 days

This will make your channel to be considered as "active" again.

YouTube Partner Program Tiers

1. Lowest Tier

As for the early Tier, everything stays the same. These are the minimum requirements to get access to the first few features which lets you generate some revenue.

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

This early 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.

Shopping features are included here aswell. In the early tier you can promote products from your own shop for people to click an buy.

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.

2. Middle Tier (Unlocks the ad placements)

The full tier unlocks YouTube Premium revenue and the coveted ad revenue.

Starting from February 1st, 2027 requirements to enter this tier include:

• 1,000 subscribers
• Either 8,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months OR 20 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days (instead of 4,000 watch hours and 10 million valid short views prior February 1st, 2027)
• Compliance with all YouTube monetization policies
• Create advertiser friendly videos (no sensitive content)
• Living in a country where the YouTube Partner Program is available
• Having an active AdSense account linked to your channel

3. Highest Tier

In this tier, YouTube Shopping expands to allow creators to promote products from shops they don’t own. The requirements for this tier are:

• 10,000 subscribers
• 4,000 public watch hours on long-form videos in the past 365 days
• 10 million public Shorts views in the past 90 days
• You live in South Korea, Indonesia or the US
• Your channel is not set as "Made for Kids"

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 Strikes

Using copyrighted music, video clips, or images without permission is one of the fastest ways to lose monetization. Three copyright strikes and your whole 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 2027 requires understanding the platform's guidelines, 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.