A Guide to YouTube Monetization: From Zero to Earning
- micah
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
So, you’ve been creating amazing content on YouTube, or maybe you’re just getting started, and you’re wondering: “How do I actually make money from this?”
YouTube is more than just a place to share videos; it’s a real opportunity to turn your creativity into a revenue stream. Whether you’re in healthcare, legal services, marketing, or any industry in between, there’s an opportunity for you to not only take your business to the next level, but get monetized for it too!
Setting up your channel for monetization isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Let’s break it down step by step!
The Two-Tier Journey to the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
The first step to earning is joining the YouTube Partner Program. In 2025, there are two tiers you should know about. Think of the first one as a stepping stone to the second.
Tier 1: Kickstart Your Earnings
This is a fantastic place to start, as it lets you unlock a number of cool monetization features even before you hit the big numbers.
To be eligible, you'll need to hit all of these milestones:
500 Subscribers: You've got to build your community to at least 500 people.
3 Public Videos: Be sure you've uploaded at least three public videos in the last 90 days.
Watch Time or Shorts Views: You'll need to hit one of these two benchmarks:
3,000 valid public watch hours from your long-form videos in the past year.
3 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
Once you meet these, you can start earning from fan funding features like Channel Memberships, Super Chats, Super Thanks, and even some YouTube Shopping features. How cool is that?
Tier 2: Unlock the Ad Revenue
This is the ultimate goal, where you get to share in the ad revenue from your videos.
To get here, you need to meet one of these two, more advanced thresholds:
1,000 subscribers with 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months.
1,000 subscribers with 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
Remember, watch hours from Shorts don't count towards that 4,000-hour goal, so keep that in mind as you plan your content.
Getting Your Channel in Tip-Top Shape
Hitting the numbers is just one part of the equation. To get accepted, your channel has to be in good standing with all of YouTube’s policies and guidelines. This is where the human touch comes in—a real person will review your channel.
Clean Record: Make sure you don’t have any active Community Guidelines strikes.
Secure Your Account: You must have 2-Step Verification turned on for your Google Account. It's a simple step that keeps your channel safe.
Originality is Key: YouTube is all about rewarding creators who make original, authentic, and transformative content. If you use someone else's content, be sure to add significant value with your own commentary, editing, or creative spin. It’s what sets you apart!
The Application Process: The Home Stretch
When you’ve met the requirements for your desired tier, it’s time to apply! You can do this right from the "Earn" section of your YouTube Studio.
Agree to the Terms: You'll first review and accept the base terms for the YouTube Partner Program.
Connect AdSense: You'll need to link an active Google AdSense for YouTube account to your channel. This is how you'll get paid!
The Final Review: Now comes the waiting game. YouTube will review your channel, looking at everything from your most popular videos to the newest ones you’ve uploaded. It can take a few weeks, so be patient and keep creating amazing content. If your first application isn't approved, don't sweat it. You can always reapply after 30 days.
Once you’re in, you'll activate the different monetization modules you're eligible for, such as those for Watch Page ads and Shorts Feed ads.
Ready to Start Earning?
As you can see, the path to monetization is less about a single moment and more about a continuous journey of growth and creativity. It's a journey that's well worth the effort. By focusing on creating great content, understanding the requirements, and maintaining your channel's integrity, you're not just aiming for a milestone; you're building a sustainable future as a creator. The hard work you put in today will pay off, not just in dollars, but in the community you build and the passion you get to share every single day.
So, take a deep breath, and get back to creating! Your community is waiting for your next great video.
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Written by Micahrae Osteria
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