For 2023, YouTube is introducing some important updates to its monetization features designed to benefit content creators. These updates bring lower eligibility criteria for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) fan funding features and the opportunity to promote creators' own products within YouTube Shopping. The updates also introduce an additional monetization opportunity through the new YouTube Shopping affiliate program.

Firstly, the eligibility requirements for monetization on YouTube are being lowered. To qualify, channels must have a minimum of 500 subscribers and at least 3 valid public uploads in the last 90 days. Additionally, creators need to meet one of two criteria: either accumulate 3,000 public watch hours in the past year or achieve 3 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days. It's important to note that channels must not have any active community guideline strikes to be eligible for monetization.

Channels that meet these criteria will be able to monetize their videos using fan funding features, such as Super Thanks, Super Chat, Super Stickers, and channel memberships. Furthermore, eligible channels can promote their own products through YouTube Shopping. This opens up a new opportunity for you to showcase and sell merchandise directly to your viewers.

While these updates open up earlier monetization possibilities for channels, it's important to note that higher eligibility criteria still apply for revenue sharing from ads and YouTube Premium. To be eligible for these additional revenue streams, channels need to have a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and either accumulate 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months or achieve 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days. As always, channels must maintain a clean record with no active community guideline strikes.

You can monitor your progress towards eligibility criteria by checking out the Earn tab on desktop or mobile (see screenshot below).

The next monetization opportunity in this update is a new YouTube Shopping affiliate program for eligible creators. This program allows you to tag products from popular brands and retailers in your videos and Shorts. By doing so, you can earn a commission when your fans purchase these products from the featured merchants. There are several benefits to joining the program.

First, it makes it easier for your viewers to shop for the products you recommend. When you tag products in your content, viewers can quickly access helpful information such as pricing, all while continuing to watch your video. They can then proceed to make the purchase on the retailer's site. Additionally, the YouTube Shopping affiliate program enhances the discoverability of your content. You will also earn a competitive commission when viewers buy products through your links. Lastly, since you can tag products, access insights, and review earnings all within YouTube Studio, you can save time managing links and focus more on creating content.

As always, reach out to us with any questions you have on these updates.