NEW YouTube Shorts Monetization Requirements Explained (2023)

Education

Introduction

YouTube has recently rolled out a major update regarding the monetization of YouTube Shorts starting from February 1st, 2023. This update has stirred the waters of the content creation world, and in this article, I will walk you through the process step-by-step. So, let's dive in!

Overview

By now, most are familiar with YouTube Shorts, YouTube's answer to TikTok, featuring short, attention-grabbing clips. With a staggering 440 million videos posted by 23 million different channels, the growth is undeniable. Initially designed to counter TikTok's popularity, other social media giants like Instagram and Facebook followed suit with their own versions called Reels.

Until now, monetizing YouTube Shorts was no small feat. Creators relied on the YouTube Shorts Fund, a $ 100 million pot, rewarding original creators. However, it wasn't the most efficient way to pay creators. The new updates aim to simplify this process.

Current Requirements for Long-Form Videos

For context, to monetize a regular YouTube channel, creators need at least 1,000 subscribers and 40,000 hours of watch time over the past year. While this may seem daunting, it isn't insurmountable. One viral video could achieve such numbers single-handedly.

New Requirements from February 1st, 2023

The system is changing. For YouTube Shorts, creators will now need the following to qualify for monetization:

  1. 1,000 subscribers.
  2. 10 million valid public short views in the last 90 days.

The Importance of Original Content

YouTube emphasizes originality. Non-original content, such as unedited movie clips or TV shows, and re-uploaded content without added value, don't qualify. Therein lies a precise opportunity for content creators focusing on originality.

Example Strategy: Fair Use Content

Fair Use allows for the use of another's content under certain conditions like criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, and scholarship. Adding original commentary or face cam reactions can transform otherwise ineligible content into monetizable material.

Case Study: Dylan Anderson

One impressive example is Dylan Anderson, who gathered 3.9 million subscribers and 5.7 billion views within just nine months using a simple but unique strategy. He narrates viral videos from the internet with short, informative commentaries without even showing his face. This makes his content eligible for monetization under Fair Use.

Monetization Transition

The Shorts Fund is being replaced by a new monetization structure, which is good news for many creators.

Conclusion

YouTube Shorts offer creators a tremendous opportunity to expand and monetize their channels effectively. Whether you want to use Dylan's strategy or come up with your own, now is the best time to get started.

Keywords

  • YouTube Shorts
  • Monetization
  • YouTube Shorts Fund
  • Subscribers
  • Watch time
  • Fair Use
  • Originality
  • Content Creation

FAQ

Q1: What are the new monetization requirements for YouTube Shorts? A1: Creators need 1,000 subscribers and 10 million valid public short views in the last 90 days.

Q2: What is the YouTube Shorts Fund? A2: It was a $ 100 million fund for rewarding YouTube Shorts creators, now being replaced by a direct monetization model.

Q3: What counts as valid public short views? A3: Views from short clips that are original and follow YouTube's community guidelines.

Q4: Can I monetize reposted content from other platforms? A4: Only if you add significant original content or commentary that transforms the original material.

Q5: What is Fair Use, and how does it apply to YouTube Shorts? A5: Fair Use allows the use of copyrighted content for criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, and scholarship. Adding your own contribution, such as commentary, makes the content eligible for monetization.