You Don’t Need 1,000 Subscribers for YouTube Monetization—Here’s What Changed

What used to be a hobby for many is now becoming a serious income stream. Believe it or not, many creators are making content and getting paid for it. And no, they’re not all celebrities or tech geniuses. Some started with just a smartphone and zero followers. So what’s the secret? How are ordinary people turning their YouTube channels into money-making machines? Stick around, because in this article, we’re entering the world of YouTube Monetization—and trust me, it’s more powerful than you think.

YouTube Monetization Requirements 2025

So, you’re ready to turn your YouTube channel into a revenue stream? If we talk about the requirements, the Monetization Policies have changed. Gone are the days when just uploading a few viral videos could open the doors to ad revenue. Today, YouTube wants serious creators who show up, engage, and build real communities.

To get monetized on YouTube, here’s what you need: 

1. 500 Subscribers (for early access to basic monetization features like Super Thanks and Shopping)
2. 3 Public Uploads in the Last 90 Days
3. 3,000 Public Watch Hours in the Last 12 Months or 3 Million Shorts Views in the Last 90 Days
4. AdSense Account Linked
5. Follow All YouTube Community Guidelines. 

While the lower threshold (500 subs) unlocks limited monetization options, full ad revenue sharing requires you to hit the higher tier: 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views within 90 days.

Applying for YouTube Monetization

Once your channel meets the eligibility metrics, applying for is a simple process:

1. Go to YouTube Studio and click on “Earn” in the left menu.
2. Review the Partner Program terms and accept them.
3. Link your AdSense account or create one.
4. Your channel will undergo manual review by YouTube to ensure it complies with the platform’s monetization policies.
5. If approved, you can start earning through ads, channel memberships, Super Chats, and more.

You’ll typically receive a response within a month. If denied, you can reapply in 30 days.

Read More: How Many Views on YouTube to Make Money: A Secret Formula

Shorts vs. Long-Form Content

What’s better? 60 seconds of viral fame or 10 minutes of deep engagement? There is a big question for creators: should they focus on short content or invest time, energy in long-form content? There is no denying that Shorts can help in visibility, engagement, but fast reach doesn’t have a lasting impact. Long-form content, on the other hand, is where creators build real communities. It’s where binge-watching happens, watch time piles up, and YouTube monetization opportunities multiply. More minutes, more depth, more value. But how do Shorts stack up against traditional long-form videos when it comes to making money? 

Most creators use a mix of both, using Shorts for visibility and long-form videos for depth and monetization.

How Much Can You Earn from YouTube Videos?

YouTube community guidelines don’t allow creators to reveal their revenue or how much they earn in a month, but here a estimated figures that can help you understand better. 

1. Ad Revenue: YouTube pays creators via ads. CPM (cost per 1,000 views) varies ($0.50-$25+), influencing your actual earnings, or RPM, which is typically $1-$5 per 1,000 views after YouTube’s cut.
2. Channel Memberships: Creators can offer exclusive perks like badges, emojis, and members-only content in exchange for monthly payments from subscribers. It’s a great way to build recurring revenue from your most loyal fans.
3. Super Chats & Super Thanks: These features allow viewers to tip creators during live streams or comment sections. Viewers pay to have their message highlighted, and creators keep 70% of the amount (YouTube takes 30%).
4. Affiliate Marketing: By promoting products or services and including trackable links, creators earn a commission for every purchase made through their content. This income varies but can surpass ad revenue, especially in niches like tech, beauty, or finance.
5. YouTube Premium Revenue: When YouTube Premium members watch your content, a portion of their subscription fee is shared with you. It’s passive income based on watch time and helps support creators even when ads aren’t shown.

On average, a creator with a well-engaged audience and a monetized channel can earn $3 to $10 per 1,000 views, but this can scale significantly depending on strategy.

Tracking Your Monetization Progress

Monitoring your performance is key to growth and sustained earnings. YouTube Studio provides robust analytics tools to help:

• Revenue Tab: Tracks monthly income, estimated earnings, and transaction types
• Audience Tab: Understand demographics and viewer behavior
• Content Tab: Measures video performance—CTR, watch time, retention
• RPM vs. CPM: RPM (Revenue Per Mille) gives a more accurate picture of what you earn after YouTube’s cut

Creators serious about scaling should regularly review their top-performing videos and replicate successful formats while refining underperforming content.

Other Types of YouTube Monetization on YouTube

Apart from YouTube Ads, Channel Membership, Super Chats, Super Thanks, you can also earn money through Youtube Shopping (For creators promoting products, merchandise, or affiliate links), Sponsored Content (Brands pay to integrate their messaging within your content), Licensing & Syndication (Selling the rights of your video to other media platforms). Combining multiple revenue sources is the best way to maximize income and reduce dependency on any single stream.

Also Read: A Deep Dive into YouTube’s Impactful Marketing and Revenue Strategies.

Common Monetization Mistakes

Even after meeting YouTube’s monetization requirements, many creators struggle to earn a consistent income, often because of avoidable mistakes. Here are some of the most common pitfalls:

• Violating Community Guidelines: One strike can demonetize your entire channel
• Clickbait Titles & Thumbnails: Misleading content hurts watch time and trust
• Neglecting Viewer Engagement: Ignoring comments and not building a community leads to lower retention
• Inconsistent Upload Schedule: Irregular uploads confuse both the algorithm and your audience
• Ignoring Analytics: Not tracking performance metrics is a major lost opportunity

Treat your channel like a business—stay professional, consistent, and focused on quality content.

After Monetization, What’s Next?

YouTube is no longer just a platform—it’s a career pathway. With the right strategy, you can turn your passion into profit. Plan for your content, create your brand, collaborate with other fellow creators, and optimize your content with relevant keywords in titles, descriptions, and tags to boost visibility. The rules of YouTube monetization help you create engaging content and leverage analytics. You’re not just chasing views—you’re building a sustainable income stream.