New YouTube Monetization Requirements (YouTube Shorts Monetization and Copyright)

Introduction

YouTube has announced significant changes to its platform, particularly regarding YouTube Shorts monetization and the overall partner program. These updates come as a response to the evolving landscape of content creation on the platform. Here’s a breakdown of what content creators can expect in the coming months.

YouTube Shorts Monetization Updates

Previously, the only way to monetize YouTube Shorts was through the YouTube Shorts Fund. However, major changes are on the horizon for the first quarter of 2023. One of the most notable updates is that YouTube Shorts will soon include ads similar to traditional YouTube content. The ad revenue split for creators will be 45% for the creators and 55% for YouTube, but there are some nuances.

Revenue Distribution

For Shorts creators, the payout will come from a pool of 45% of the ad revenue generated during the session their Shorts are watched. This means if viewers are solely watching your Shorts, you will keep the entire 45% of the ad revenue. If viewers are scrolling through Shorts from different creators, then that 45% will be split among all Shorts creators whose content was viewed during that session.

Music Utilization

One of the significant changes includes the ability to use up to 60 seconds of music from the YouTube Music library in your Shorts. Additionally, for regular videos, creators will have the option to license music, allowing for full monetization. If creators opt out of the licensing, a revenue-sharing model will apply, where the ad revenue is split between YouTube (55%) and the content creator and music rights holder (45%).

New Monetization Pathways

YouTube will introduce a second pathway for monetization. Traditionally, creators needed to reach 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program. Now, creators focusing on YouTube Shorts can qualify with either 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours or by gaining 10 million views in 90 days.

This new requirement aims to cater to creators who produce viral content and encourages more creators to join the YouTube Partner Program.

Access to Fan Funding

For those hoping for lower monetization requirements, YouTube will launch a new fan funding tier. While the YouTube Partner Program will remain unchanged, this new tier will include features like Super Chats, Super Thanks, Super Stickers, and Channel Memberships. This will allow fans to support creators directly, although ad revenue and brand partnerships will not apply. The revenue share for fan funding will be 70% for creators and 30% for YouTube.

While specific subscriber and watch time requirements have yet to be confirmed, speculation suggests they might be around 500 subscribers and 2,000 watch hours.

Conclusion

YouTube's evolving monetization landscape holds promise for creators on the platform. The introduction of new monetization pathways, improved ad sharing for Shorts, and enhanced music usage rights will provide more opportunities for content creators to monetize their work effectively.

Keyword

• YouTube monetization
• YouTube Shorts
• Partner Program
• Ad revenue split
• Music licensing
• Fan funding
• Super Chats
• Super Thanks
• Revenue share

FAQ

Q: What are the new monetization requirements for YouTube Shorts?
A: Creators need either 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours or 10 million views in 90 days to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program.

Q: How is the ad revenue split for YouTube Shorts creators?
A: The revenue split is 45% for creators and 55% for YouTube, with certain conditions based on whether users are watching only one creator's content or multiple creators' Shorts.

Q: Can I use music in my YouTube Shorts?
A: Yes, you can use up to 60 seconds of music from the YouTube Music library in your Shorts, and there is also an option to license music for regular videos.

Q: What is the new fan funding feature?
A: Fan funding allows creators to receive direct support from their audience through Super Chats, Super Thanks, and other features, with a revenue share of 70% for creators and 30% for YouTube.

Q: Will the changes in monetization affect existing creators?
A: The new monetization pathways are not retroactive, meaning existing creators who have already met the traditional requirements will not automatically qualify for the new criteria.