How to Get into the Partner Program with YouTube Shorts

Qualifying for the YouTube Partner Program via Shorts

For many creators, reaching the traditional watch time requirements for monetization can be a significant hurdle. This is especially true for those who focus their energy on short-form content, as the consumption patterns of Shorts differ greatly from long-form videos. If you find that accumulating the necessary watch hours is taking longer than expected, there is an alternative pathway to join the YouTube Partnership Program.

The 10 Million Views Milestone

Rather than relying solely on watch time, YouTube allows creators to qualify for the partner program through a specific volume of views on their Shorts. To be eligible via this route, you must achieve 10 million views on your Shorts.

This alternative is designed to reward creators who can generate high engagement and viral reach within the short-form ecosystem, providing a more accessible entry point for those whose content style doesn’t naturally lend itself to long-duration viewing.

Understanding the 90-Day Window

It is important to note that these views are not cumulative over the entire life of your channel. To qualify, you must hit the 10 million view mark within the last 90 days.

This rolling window means that your eligibility is based on recent performance. If your views fluctuate, you will need to maintain a consistent level of momentum over a three-month period to meet the threshold. This requirement ensures that creators entering the program have an active and engaged audience at the time of their application.

Why This Path Benefits Shorts Creators

The distinction between watch hours and view counts is crucial for your growth strategy. While long-form videos are measured by how long a viewer stays tuned, Shorts are built for rapid discovery and high-frequency viewing.

By focusing on the 10 million views requirement, you can leverage the viral nature of the Shorts feed to accelerate your path toward monetization. Instead of worrying about the clock, you can focus on creating high-impact, concise content that encourages wide distribution across the platform. Once these criteria are met—alongside other program requirements—you can apply for the partnership program and begin accessing the benefits available to official YouTube partners.

Original transcript

Transcript

Don’t worry if you haven’t managed to get the necessary watch time for your Shorts to qualify for the YouTube Partnership Program, there’s another way to apply for the program: 10 million views. 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days, plus the…

Not sure how to hit the YouTube Partnership Program with your Shorts? Don't worry, Creator Services has got you covered. Learn how 10 million views in 90 days can qualify you and get expert support for your channel.