YouTube has been a go-to platform for content creators for years.
Previously, though, it was tough to make money from YouTube. Fortunately, in 2023, YouTube made it easier for creators to join its Partner Program by lowering the requirements.
As of 2023, here are the updated requirements to monetise your YouTube channel:
- 500 subscribers
- 3 public uploads (in the last 90 days)
- Either 3000 watch hours (in the last year) OR 3M Shorts views (in the last 90 days)
For seasoned creators and those with viral content, these milestones may seem easy to achieve.
But what do these changes mean for small creators or newcomers to YouTube?
Well, for one, as soon as you meet the requirements above, you can apply for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
Once you get in, you’ll be unlocking access to Fan Funding features like:
- Channel Memberships
- Super Chats
- Super Stickers
- Super Thanks
The supers features are really helpful in engaging with your audience and getting those engagement and subscription numbers up!
While this is great for most YouTube content creators, I have a slightly different way of looking at this.
My take – stop being obsessed with follower count.
And no, I’m not just saying this because I’m stuck at 430 YouTube subscribers. 🤣
My point is: lowered requirements or not – the numbers shouldn’t be your FIRST priority.
Your priority should be providing valuable content for your target audience.
YouTube is more than a video-uploading platform; it’s an engaging community where you can interact with your audience.
One feature you can leverage without being in the YouTube Partner Program is the Community Tab:
With the Community Tab, you can:
- Add posts
- Run polls
- Share images
- Update your subscribers
- Share behind-the-scenes content
You can start doing this now – don’t wait for your 500 subscribers!
Treat the Community Tab like Instagram Stories – share raw and authentic content that gives your audience a peek into your process.
Features like this prove one point: while monetisation might be your YouTube goal, it requires effort. Focus on providing quality content, engaging genuinely with your audience, and nurturing your community. Keep your channel top of mind so viewers return for more.
And then once you DO reach 500 subscribers, consider using the Fan Funding feature to add even more value for your subscribers.
—
What do you think of this new update from YouTube? Share with me in the comments.
