Key Takeaways:
- YouTube is raising the YPP entry threshold for new creators from February 1, 2027.
- Shorts creators will need 10 million qualified views in 90 days to continue earning Shorts ad and subscription revenue.
- Existing YPP creators will not be affected by the higher entry thresholds.
- Premium Lite is expanding to every country where YouTube Premium is available.
- YouTube is creating more earning opportunities through Shopping, brand deals and new creator incentives.
YouTube Raises YPP Thresholds in 2027
YouTube has announced its first major YPP changes since 2018. From February 1, 2027, new creators applying for ad and YouTube Premium revenue sharing will need 8,000 qualified watch hours in 365 days or 20 million qualified Shorts views in 90 days. Fan Funding and Shopping entry thresholds remain unchanged.
| Until Jan 31, 2027 | From Feb 1, 2027 | |
| Long-form creators | 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months | 8,000 qualified watch hours in 365 days |
| Shorts creators | 10M valid public Shorts views in 90 days | 20M qualified Shorts views in 90 days |
| Existing YPP creators | Already in the program | Higher entry thresholds don’t apply to them |
| Shorts revenue sharing | Existing YPP eligibility applies | Creators need 10M qualified Shorts views in 90 days to continue Shorts ad + YouTube Premium revenue sharing |
| Below 10M Shorts views | — | Stay in YPP, but won’t receive Shorts ad/Premium revenue sharing until they reach the 10M threshold |
| Fan Funding & Shopping | Existing lower thresholds | No change announced |
What Is Changing for YouTube Shorts?
From February 1, 2027, creators need 10 million qualified Shorts views in 90 days to receive Shorts ad and subscription revenue sharing. Creators below that mark remain in YPP and can continue earning from long-form content. Shorts revenue sharing resumes when they cross the threshold again.
YouTube is also shifting focus toward incentives beyond advertising, including potential bonuses tied to YouTube Shopping, brand deals and trends.
Premium Lite and New Ways to Earn
YouTube is expanding Premium Lite to all countries where YouTube Premium is available. YouTube says creators will receive revenue from a dedicated Premium Lite pool, with creator revenue shares of 55% for long-form videos and 45% for Shorts.
The broader message is clear: YouTube wants creators to build businesses that do not depend entirely on ads. Shopping, brand partnerships and other monetisation tools are becoming a bigger part of the platform’s creator economy.
Final Thoughts
YouTube’s 2027 YPP update raises the bar for new creators and Shorts monetisation, but it also expands the number of ways creators can make money. Existing YPP creators are protected from the higher entry thresholds, while newer channels will need stronger, sustained performance to qualify for ad revenue sharing.
