YouTube is clarifying what will count toward its new monetization thresholds for creators. The company’s explanation addresses questions about qualified watch hours and Shorts views.
What We Know: Beginning February 1st, 2027, new creators seeking advertising and Premium revenue sharing will need 8,000 qualified watch hours over 365 days or 20 million qualified Shorts views over 90 days. Existing YouTube Partner Program members won’t face those higher entry requirements. For watch hours, YouTube says only public long-form videos, including podcasts, and archived livestreams will qualify. Meanwhile, private, unlisted, or deleted videos won’t count. Watch time from ads also won’t qualify, while Shorts watch hours and non-archived livestreams remain excluded.
What They Said: “To count as a qualified Shorts view, it has to be an engaged view, meaning someone didn’t just see the first frame and swipe or cancel out, but actually watched for long enough for YouTube Analytics to count it as an engaged view.” -YouTube Creator Liaison Rene Ritchie
What Remains Unclear: YouTube hasn’t provided a detailed public formula for how long viewers must watch before a Shorts view becomes engaged. The company also hasn’t indicated whether the new thresholds could change again before taking effect. Creators will likely need to monitor YouTube Analytics closely as they adjust their strategies.
What It Means: The clarification gives creators a clearer target, but the new rules will make monetization harder for newcomers. Podcasts and long-form programming can still build qualifying watch hours, while Shorts creators must focus on sustained engagement. Ultimately, YouTube appears focused on rewarding viewing behavior that demonstrates genuine audience interest rather than passive impressions.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.