YouTube Implements New Monetization Rules for Shorts Creators
YouTube expanded its monetization policies to better support creators specializing in Shorts, aligning with the platform’s emphasis on short‑form video. The updates include:
⚡ 1. Clear Eligibility and Two‑Tier Monetization
YouTube now offers two monetization tiers, making it easier for creators at different stages to earn revenue:
- Tier 1 (Starter/Fan‑Funding Tier):
Requires 500+ subscribers, 3 public uploads in the past 90 days, and either 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views in 90 days. This unlocks features like Super Thanks, Super Chat, memberships, and affiliate tools reddit.com+15fundmates.com+15stackinfluence.com+15subsub.io. - Tier 2 (Ad‑Revenue Tier):
Requires 1,000+ subscribers, and either 4,000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days, granting full Access to ads revenue, merch shelf, and more pages.creatoreconomyinsider.com+4subsub.io+4trtuneslifestudio.com+4.
These tiers allow creators to start earning earlier through fan‑funding, then graduate to ad revenue as their audience grows.
🎯 2. Ad‑Revenue Sharing on Shorts
Since early 2023, YouTube has shifted from a Shorts bonus fund to an ad‑revenue sharing model. Creators now receive 45% of ad revenue from ads shown between Shorts—upside depends on views and engagement subsub.iotrtuneslifestudio.com+1reddit.com+1.
3. View‑Count and “Engaged View” Metrics
- From March 31, 2025, YouTube counts every play or replay of a Short as a view, following TikTok/Instagram conventions reddit.com+14theverge.com+14searchenginejournal.com+14.
- However, monetization eligibility and earnings still rely on “engaged views”—those that meet a minimum watch threshold stackinfluence.com+15searchenginejournal.com+15theverge.com+15.
This helps creators measure reach while ensuring genuine engagement drives revenue.
4. New Monetization Tools & Policy Adjustments
- Automatic and smarter mid‑roll ads are placed at natural breaks to improve viewer experience and ad performance pages.creatoreconomyinsider.com.
- Human review has been added to adjudicate “yellow‑icon” limited monetization claims, helping creators avoid wrongful demonetization vidiq.com+1air.io+1.
- Inactivity penalties introduced: inactivity of 30–90 days can result in feature restrictions or re‑application to the Partner Program fundmates.com.
🙋♂️ 5. Mixed Creator Sentiment
Reddit creators offer contrasting views:
“Shorts make basically no money… you’ll have to post a ton of shorts to make anything”
“My most viewed short has 140k views and made $14” time.com+7reddit.com+7reddit.com+7
This highlights low RPMs for Shorts compared to long-form content, meaning creators need volume or alternative income tools.
🔍 What It Means for Creators
- Creators can earn earlier: 500‑subscriber tier lets emerging creators access fan‑funding features before waiting years to reach older thresholds.
- Short‑focus channels have clarity: Clear thresholds for Shorts views (3M for Tier 1, 10M for Tier 2) offer transparent milestones reddit.com+2stackinfluence.com+2fundmates.com+2stackinfluence.com+4trtuneslifestudio.com+4subsub.io+4.
- Earnings rely on engagement, not just play counts: High view counts help visibility, but revenue still depends on engaged views reddit.com+2searchenginejournal.com+2theverge.com+2.
- Diversify income streams: Shorts ad revenue is often low; creators should combine ads with Super Thanks, memberships, affiliate tools, or long‑form content.
- Consistency is crucial: Upload schedules and avoiding inactivity ensure sustained monetization privileges
