Monetizing on YouTube is a common goal for content creators looking to generate income through their audiovisual work.
However, it is not an automatic or simple process, as it involves meeting certain criteria established by the platform, keeping up with YouTube’s policies, and carrying out effective strategies to maximize monetization opportunities.
For that reason, and with the aim of helping you start generating income or improve the income you already receive, in this article we will tell you what the requirements are to monetize on YouTube in 2025, the necessary steps to get started and the key tips you should follow to boost monetization on the platform.
What is Monetization on YouTube?
Monetization on YouTube refers to the process by which content creators generate income using the various tools and functions of the platform by publishing content on a regular basis. By joining the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), creators can access different ways to monetize on YouTube.
Some of these are enabling ads or YouTube ads on their videos, offering channel memberships, receiving income through Super Chats in live streams, and using other advanced options such as product sales or income from YouTube Premium.
The essence of monetization on YouTube lies in a revenue-sharing model, as YouTube allocates a percentage of the advertising revenue generated by the videos to the content creator. This makes the quality, relevance, and compliance with the platform’s policies fundamental to obtaining good results. In this sense, and beyond the ads, there are other opportunities, such as the sale of merchandising or direct interaction with subscribers.
Minimum Requirements to Monetize on YouTube
Meeting the minimum requirements to monetize on YouTube is the first essential step to start generating income from your content. These ensure that channels maintain adequate quality and comply with community and advertiser policies. As established by the platform, these are the requirements to start monetizing on YouTube that you must take into account:
1. Have more than 1,000 Subscribers
Having a base of committed followers is essential. Subscribers are the backbone of your channel and represent the loyal audience that supports your content. In this sense, one of the first requirements to monetize on YouTube is to have at least 1,000 subscribers.
Although this may seem like a challenge, with a well-planned content strategy maintained over time, it is a possible goal.
2. Reach 4,000 Hours of Public Viewing
In addition to the minimum number of subscribers, it is also necessary as another of the requirements to monetize on YouTube to accumulate at least 4,000 hours of public viewing in the last 12 months. This criterion reflects that your content is attractive, valuable, and keeps viewers interested for a significant period.
3. Have a Linked Google AdSense Account
An AdSense account is essential to manage the payments you receive for ads and Premium advertising on your videos. This requirement ensures that revenue is processed correctly and reaches your bank account.
4. Comply with YouTube’s Monetization Policies
Both for publishing content and for monetizing on YouTube, the platform requires that all creators comply with the community guidelines and its content policies suitable for advertisers. This includes avoiding inappropriate content, plagiarism, hate speech, and any material that infringes copyright.
5. Activate Two-Step Verification
Another of the requirements to monetize on YouTube is that you have two-step authentication enabled as a mandatory security measure. This protects your account and the income generated.
6. Have No Active Warnings
Channels with warnings related to violations of YouTube policies, such as copyright infringement or inappropriate content, will not be eligible for monetization. Therefore, maintaining a clean record is key. For more information, we suggest you consult the YouTube channel monetization policies.
Steps to Start Monetizing on YouTube
Especially at the beginning, the road to monetization may seem complicated, but if you follow a strategic and planned approach, it is possible to achieve it. Although they are not requirements to monetize on YouTube established by the platform, these are some of the first steps you should take for your channel to start generating income:
Create a Differentiated Channel
When creating a channel, take into account a series of aesthetic criteria such as the creation of a recognizable logo, an attractive banner that reflects the theme of your content, and choose a name that differs from the rest. Make sure the presentation of your channel is professional and consistent.
Upload Relevant and Quality Content
Choose a topic or sector with which you feel identified, that you like or in which you are really an expert. This will help you create videos that add value to your audience and connect with them. We suggest you investigate the topics that are trending so that you can cover them in a different and close way.
Explore the different formats and possibilities that the tool offers you, such as for example the vertical video through YouTube Shorts that are also monetizable.
Increase your Subscribers and Viewing Hours
Publish content regularly and use strategies to encourage interaction, such as calls to action (for example, “Subscribe and activate the bell!”). It is also important to optimize your videos with relevant keywords to make them easier to find. All this will make you start to increase your subscribers and that your content reaches more users.
For this, this YouTube planner can be very useful when organizing your videos.
Request Access to the Partner Program
Once you have met the minimum requirements, submit your application to the YouTube Partner Program. This process includes a manual review to ensure that your channel complies with the policies.
Enable Monetization
Once your request to join the YouTube Partner Program has been accepted, you can enable monetization from the YouTube Studio panel. To do this, go to the Content tab, choose which videos you want to monetize, and accept the configuration. Do not forget to save the changes so that it starts to be available.
How to Improve the Chances of Monetizing on YouTube?
Meeting the minimum requirements to start monetizing on YouTube is just the first step. To ensure the long-term success of your channel, it is essential to implement effective practices that improve your performance on the platform. Here are some tips:
Plan your Content
Researching and planning the topics of your videos is crucial. Use tools like Google Trends or YouTube’s own search engine to find popular and relevant keywords. This will not only improve your visibility, but also ensure that your content is interesting to your audience.
Publish Regularly
Consistency is key to building a community around YouTube. Establish a schedule and a specific publication frequency. This will help your subscribers know when they can expect new content and remain attentive; something that thanks to Connected TV becomes more relevant and has a greater reach.
Optimize the Quality of your Videos
Investing in good quality recording and editing equipment will make a big difference in the perception of your content. Proper lighting, interference-free sound, and professional editing will make your videos more attractive.
Interact with your Community
Responding to comments and encouraging interaction in your videos creates a sense of community and builds loyalty among your subscribers, improving the perception they have of your channel.
Seek Professional Support
If you want to improve the chances of monetizing or increase your income, consider seeking help from an expert YouTube agency that is a professional partner of the platform. These types of companies offer personalized strategies and professional advice to optimize your channel, protect your content through Content ID, or manage the publication of your videos, among other aspects.
Other Ways to Boost Monetization on YouTube
In addition to meeting the basic requirements to monetize on YouTube, it is important to explore additional options to diversify your income sources. Some of the most effective include:
- Channel memberships: allows your most committed followers to access exclusive content in exchange for a monthly subscription.
- Super chats and Super stickers: these tools are perfect for live broadcasts, where viewers can highlight their messages or support you financially.
- Promotional merchandise store: offers personalized products, such as t-shirts, mugs, or accessories, to strengthen your brand and generate additional income.
- YouTube Premium revenue: receive a portion of the revenue generated by views from users subscribed to YouTube Premium.
What Content Can Prevent Monetization?
It is essential to ensure that all content uploaded to your channel complies with the policies of the platform. Therefore, it is important to take into account what types of videos can be demonetized. These are some of the most frequent:
- Content that violates copyright
- Videos that promote hatred, violence, or discrimination
- Spam or deceptive practices
- Explicit or inappropriate material
- Recycled videos without added value
Compliance with these policies not only ensures monetization, but also protects the integrity of your channel.
In short, and as we have seen, monetizing on YouTube is not an immediate process, but with dedication, a clear strategy, and a focus on quality, it is possible to transform your channel into a sustainable source of income. Each step is essential to achieve this: from meeting the requirements to monetize on YouTube to implementing advanced income strategies.
At 2btube, we have more than 10 years of experience supporting channels of creators, companies, institutions, and media outlets to achieve their objectives and boost their monetization on YouTube. If you want more information, get in touch with our team! We will offer you advice and consulting without obligation.