How to Monetize YouTube Channel? Youtube Partner Program

March 10, 2025 Ulviye Suna

Table of Contents

Since I started creating videos on how to monetize on YouTube using artificial intelligence, the most common question I’ve received is whether a channel can be monetized. Some critics argue that such channels wouldn’t be eligible for monetization. To clear up any confusion, I decided to address this topic in detail.

First, all the information provided here is sourced from Google’s official support pages. However, keep in mind that these guidelines may change over time. I recommend checking the links I’ve included at the end of this article for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, at the end, I’ll explain whether channels using AI-generated content can be monetized and how you can easily check this yourself.

What is the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)?

In short, YPP is a program that allows content creators to earn revenue from their videos. This revenue can come from ads, channel memberships, Super Chat, and other features like “Thanks.”

How to Join the YPP?

To join, you need to meet both the eligibility and participation requirements.

Participation Requirements:

Comply with YouTube’s monetization policies. I’ll elaborate on this later.
Live in a country or region where the YouTube Partner Program is available.
Have no active Community Guidelines strikes on your channel.
Enable 2-Step Verification on your Google Account.
Have access to advanced features on YouTube.
Have an active AdSense account linked to your channel or be ready to create one through YouTube Studio.

Eligibility Requirements:

500 subscribers; either, 3,000 hours of watch time on public videos in the last 12 months (excluding Shorts) or 3 million views on Shorts in the last 90 days. (This unlocks features like Super Chat and Thanks.)
Alternatively 1.000 subscriber; 4,000 hours of watch time on public videos in the last 12 months (excluding Shorts) or 10 million views on Shorts in the last 90 days. (This unlocks ad revenue.)

Applying for YPP

Meeting these requirements doesn’t automatically enable monetization. You need to apply for the program. Once you apply, YouTube’s team will review your channel for compliance.

You can apply through the Earn section in YouTube Studio.

What Does YouTube Review During the Process?

Originality: Are the videos created by you and original? If you use someone else’s content, you must significantly transform it to align with your unique style.
Content Repetition: Are your videos repetitive or solely aimed at increasing views? Your content should aim to entertain or educate viewers.
Main Theme: What is the primary focus of your channel?
Top-Performing Videos: Which videos have the most views?
New Videos: Are you consistently uploading new content?
Watch Time Distribution: Which videos contribute the most to your watch time?
Video Titles, Thumbnails, and Descriptions: Are they optimized and relevant?
About Section: Is your channel’s “About” section complete and informative?

If your application is rejected, you have 21 days to appeal. If you believe your channel meets the requirements, you can appeal. Otherwise, you can make necessary adjustments and reapply.

What Content is Allowed for Monetization?

To get your channel approved, you must adhere to YouTube’s policies. Here’s what’s allowed and what’s not:

✅ Monetization-Friendly Content:

Critical commentary on clips.
Re-dubbed and re-scripted movie scenes.
Analysis of key moments in sports tournaments.
Reaction videos (with meaningful commentary).
Edited content that adds stories or commentary to other creators’ videos.
Remixed Shorts content (with original audio or video).
Videos where the creator is actively involved throughout.
Content enhanced with original audio or visual effects.

❌ Content Not Eligible for Monetization:

Videos reading text from websites or news sources.
Content with only pitch/speed changes, but otherwise identical to the original.
Repetitive content with no educational or narrative value.
Automated content using the same template across multiple videos.
Slideshows with no commentary or narration.
Content slightly modified from another creator’s work.
Reaction videos with no commentary, just facial expressions.
Compilations from social media without original input.
Episodes of shows or programs shared without commentary.
Uploading others’ songs or content, even with permission (e.g., song collections).
Content copied from other sources without meaningful changes.

To monetize on YouTube, your content must include meaningful commentary, original contributions, or significant edits. However, this alone isn’t enough. You must also avoid copyright and trademark violations. You can explore these topics in detail through the links provided.

What About AI-Generated Content?

Currently, there’s no explicit rule in YouTube’s guidelines stating that AI-generated content is ineligible for monetization. However, it’s crucial to ensure that any AI-generated content is thoroughly reviewed and edited before publishing.

How to Check if a Video is Monetized?

Let’s take the example of SDB Artist, a channel with AI-generated videos featuring background music. To check if this channel is monetized:

Click on a video.
Right-click and select “View Page Source.”
Search for “yt_ad.” If this code appears, it means ads are enabled, and the video is monetized.

By following these steps, you can determine whether a channel or video is eligible for monetization. If you have further questions, feel free to explore the links provided or reach out for more information.

Google Support Links: