YouTube’s monetization program allows creators to earn money from their videos by enabling ads. However, not all channels are eligible to monetize their content. YouTube has specific policies that determine monetization eligibility. Understanding these policies is important for creators who want to monetize their channels.
What are the requirements for YouTube monetization?
To join the YouTube Partner Program and monetize your channel, you must meet these basic eligibility requirements:
- Your channel must follow all YouTube monetization policies and YouTube community guidelines.
- Your channel needs at least 1,000 subscribers.
- Your channel must have at least 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months.
- You must live in a country/region where YouTube monetization is available.
- You must have a linked AdSense account in good standing.
These are the minimum requirements set by YouTube. However, meeting them alone does not guarantee monetization approval. YouTube reviews channels to ensure they comply with all monetization policies before approving monetization.
What types of channels are not eligible for monetization?
YouTube may demonetize or deny monetization to channels that violate its policies. Here are some common types of channels that cannot monetize on YouTube:
Channels with copyright strikes
Channels that have any active copyright strikes are not eligible to monetize. You must resolve copyright strikes and have zero active strikes to qualify.
Reused content
Channels that reuse content without adding significant originality are not eligible. This includes channels that:
- Upload other creators’ content in full without permission
- Simply re-upload other channels’ videos
- Reuse content without narrative or educational value
YouTube aims to monetize original content creators, not content re-uploaders.
Repetitive content
Channels that repeatedly upload content without educational or creative effort may get demonetized. This includes channels that:
- Upload the same content multiple times
- Upload content automatically generated by software without human review or input
- Have minimal changes between repetitive uploads
Harmful or dangerous content
YouTube prohibits monetization of channels that encourage harm or endanger wellbeing. Examples include channels promoting:
- Harmful or dangerous acts
- Eating disorders
- Hard drug use
- Violence or gore just for shock value
Hateful content
Channels that promote hate or incite harm against individuals or groups are not eligible. This includes hate based on:
- Race
- Ethnicity
- Religion
- Gender identity
- Sexual orientation
Content made for kids but not marked as “for kids”
Channels that target children under 13 but do not properly tag content as “made for kids” will get demonetized. This complies with COPPA regulations.
Policy violations
YouTube may restrict monetization if a channel violates other policies like:
- Spam, deceptive practices & scams
- Manipulated media
- Nudity and sexual content
- Inappropriate use of family entertainment characters
What are the consequences of not meeting eligibility requirements?
Channels that do not meet YouTube’s monetization policies may face:
- Limited or no ads: YouTube won’t display ads on ineligible channels or will run very limited ads.
- Suspended monetization: YouTube can temporarily suspend a channel’s monetization until policy issues are fixed.
- Monetization removal: YouTube may permanently demonetize channels for egregious or repeated violations.
Losing monetization means losing a channel’s ability to earn revenue from YouTube. It is crucial that you understand and comply with all eligibility requirements.
How can you check if your channel is eligible for monetization?
Here are some steps to determine if your channel meets YouTube’s monetization policies:
- Check that you have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the last 12 months.
- Make sure your channel has no active copyright strikes.
- Review all your video content and channel metadata for compliance with YouTube policies.
- Remove any content that violates YouTube guidelines.
- Formally apply to the YouTube Partner Program via your YouTube Creator Studio.
- YouTube will review your channel and alert you if you are accepted or if any issues need resolving.
Also keep in mind that even after approval, you must continue complying with YouTube’s monetization and community guidelines. Significant violations can lead to demonetization later on.
What are some best practices for compliant, monetizable YouTube channels?
Here are some tips to help build YouTube channels in compliance with monetization policies:
- Focus on creating original, high-quality content.
- Avoid duplicating other channels’ content verbatim.
- Add educational, creative, or entertainment value with your uploads.
- Avoid shock value just for sensationalism or clicks.
- Strictly follow community guidelines – do not include dangerous, hateful, adult or harmful content.
- Tag content made for children properly for COPPA compliance.
- Understand fair use versus copyright infringement.
- Attribute borrowed content properly by citing sources.
- Be transparent in sponsorships and paid promotions.
- Do not engage in deceptive, scammy or misleading practices.
Following these best practices and YouTube’s policies is the surest path to maintaining monetization consistently.
Conclusion
YouTube has clear monetization requirements centered on creating original, high-quality content that adds value while respecting the community. Channels that violate policies by reusing content, promoting harm, or infringing copyright risk losing monetization approval.
Checking carefully that you meet all eligibility requirements before applying is crucial. Continue to comply with YouTube’s rules even after approval to avoid demonetization later on. Follow best practices focused on originality, quality, and respect. This will set your channel up for compliant, sustainable monetization success on YouTube.