How Long Does It Take to Get Monetized on YouTube?

“Ever asked how long does it take to get monetized on YouTube? Get the answer here and learn key strategies to start earning from your YouTube channel.”

When I started my YouTube channel, I had no idea about monetization.

For a few days, I kept thinking about one big question: How long does it take to get monetized on YouTube?

I mean, we’re not just uploading funny cat videos for fun, right?

Well, maybe some of us are, but let’s talk business.

I’ll start by sharing this:

After setting up my YouTube channel, I started gaining a lot of views.

My subscriber count and engagement were growing.

I was happy about the progress, but at some point, I really wanted to know when I would start getting paid.

Maybe you are just like me.

Unfortunately, a content creator can’t start earning money when they begin their channel.

You’ll start getting paid on YouTube when you have at least 1,000 subscribers.

Then, 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months or 10 million valid public Shorts views in the past 90 days.

You can then Join the YouTube Partner Program to monetize your channel.

This may seem like a lot, but keep reading to learn more about how to make money on YouTube.

How Long Does YouTube Monetization Take?

This question has no straightforward answer since it hinges on a few key factors.

In my experience, it took over eight months of regular content posts and engagement.

On the other hand, some YouTube channels take longer to build a base of dedicated YouTube users.

The key takeaway here is consistency and patience.

Generally, it takes creators a few months to a year to meet the eligibility criteria.

As mentioned, this includes gaining 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours.

But, the timeline can vary depending on the following:

1. The type of content you create

Make quality videos that match your audience’s likes and needs.

Besides making quality videos, longer videos can help you reach your goal faster.

This is because if the average watch time for a long video is lower than that of short videos, long videos make up for it when viewers watch until the end.

You can do this by leveraging podcasts and live streams.

1. How consistently do you post?

Posting your videos on a schedule can increase your watch time.

Because it is regular, your viewers will start looking forward to it and showing up.

So, your video becomes part of their routine.

Make this easier for yourself by creating a content calendar to plan your content.

1. How well you engage your audience.

Carry your viewers along with your content by asking for their takes and suggestions.

This way, they can relate to your videos and keep coming back.

You can even allow them to support you.

Another way is selling custom products to them.

This way, you build a community where you can connect with your viewers.

In the end, your watch hours will increase.

Note:

YouTube shows videos and ads to people based on their likes, settings, and interests.

This means the more your videos connect with your viewers, the faster you’ll hit your goals.

So, keep making quality videos, post regularly, and engage your viewers.

Understanding the YouTube Partner program

Before understanding YouTube’s monetization, you must know the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) requirements.

This is essential because you must join the program to earn money on YouTube.

The first thing to do is to have a registered YouTube account.

Then, ensure your content is valuable to viewers.

Note: Remember to turn on two-step verification for your Google account.

Now, there are some requirements you must meet to join YPP.

They are as follows:

1. Check the YouTube channel monetization policies.

You must know and follow these rules to ensure your content meets YouTube’s guidelines.

Violating these rules can affect your application. It can also affect your Google AdSense account.

1. Have no active community guideline strike.

Adhere to the community guidelines to avoid getting a strike.

And if you end up getting a strike, ensure to clear them. This is because a strike can affect your application.

If you feel that YouTube made a mistake, contact them to review it.

1. Meet the eligibility threshold.

To become eligible for the YouTube partnership program, your channel must:

– Gain 1,000 subscribers with 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months or

– Gain 1,000 subscribers with 10 million valid public Shorts views in the past 90 days.

1. Live in a location where the program is available.

The YouTube partnership program is available to creators in 138 countries and regions.

This means you can only join the program if you live in one of these places.

1. Have an active AdSense account.

You will get paid in the YouTube Partner Programme through AdSense.

So, if you don’t have an account, set it up in the YouTube studio.

This account is essential, so ensure that your details are correct.

Also, remember to sign up with the same Google account you use for your YouTube channel.

Creating Content That Accelerates Your YouTube Channel Monetization

The kind of content you create is essential if you want to do well in the YouTube Partner Program.

So, you must create enough good-quality videos.

Here are some tips to help you create more engaging content:

1. Know Your Audience: First, use cookies and data to gain insights into your audience’s preferences. Then, create content that meets their interests. This can lead to higher engagement rates.

2. Focus on Quality: Regular Posting is good. What’s better is posting regular quality videos. This will make your viewers stay on your channel. The good part is that YouTube will recommend your channel to new viewers.

3. Engage With Your Audience: Reply to your viewers’ comments. Beyond replies, create community posts and host live sessions. This builds a loyal community and positively impacts watch time.

4. Optimize for SEO: Use relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags. This will help people and search engines find your video easily.

5. Diversify Your Content: Try different content formats, such as tutorials, vlogs, or Q&As. This variety can attract a broader audience and keep your existing subscribers interested.

6. Leverage Trends: Stay updated with current trends to re-evaluate your knowledge. Then, incorporate them into your content strategy. Trending topics often have higher search volumes, which can lead to increased exposure.

7. Call to Action: Encourage viewers to like, share, and subscribe. This will help YouTube find your content helpful and fit for recommendations.

Remember, regular posting and viewer engagement plays a significant role.

They keep your channel active and signal to YouTube’s algorithm that your content is reliable.

This increases the chances of your videos reaching more people.

Navigating the Review Process for Monetization

Once you’ve met the YouTube Partner Program criteria, the next thing to do is apply for monetization.

The next phase is a YouTube review, which shows that your channel is fit for monetization.

Understanding how this works can be a lot.

Not to worry.

Here’s a quick overview:

1. Application Submission: Once eligible, apply for the YouTube Partner Program in YouTube Studio.

2. Review Your Content: Before you submit, ensure your channel follows all YouTube’s community rules. Think of your channel as a storefront; you want it to be inviting and compliant.

3. Waiting For Review: YouTube reviews can take several weeks to months, so be patient. Use this time to keep your viewers engaged and your site active with new content.

4. Linking Google AdSense: If you pass the review, the next step is to link a Google AdSense account to your YouTube channel. This account is where all your ad earnings will go. So, make sure your details are correct and up-to-date.

5. After Approval: Monitor your videos to ensure they comply with YouTube’s policies. Regular checks will keep your channel in good standing, making you eligible to earn money.

From my experience, audience engagement and quality content are essential to passing the review.

Update your content regularly and check your channel’s analytics.

Doing this will help you maintain a good standing.

It will also make your channel fit to be featured on YouTube’s homepage and receive tailored YouTube ads.

Beyond Monetization: Maximizing YouTube Earnings

With YouTube monetization, you get traditional ads on your channel depending on your settings.

Beyond this, YouTube offers many other ways to make money.

They are as follows:

1. Diversify with Sponsorships: To make more money, work with brands for sponsorships. This is easy for big YouTube channels, but even smaller channels can attract niche brands. Finding brands that match your videos and what your audience likes is essential.

2. Merchandise Your Brand: If you have a loyal fanbase, you can sell custom products. Thankfully, some platforms work with YouTube to make this easier. With them, you can sell your products directly through your channel.

3. Fan Funding: Platforms like Patreon allow dedicated viewers to support you directly. Offering exclusive content or perks can encourage more fans to join.

4. Super Chat and Super Stickers in Live Streams: This allows viewers to pay to highlight their messages. It’s a fun way to connect with your viewers and earn simultaneously.

5. YouTube Premium Revenue: Earn money from YouTube Premium subscribers who watch your videos.

My Advice:

To sustain and grow your revenue, continue engaging with your viewers. Your viewers’ feedback can guide your content strategy and open up new revenue opportunities.

So, keep your site dynamic, listen to your audience, and don’t be afraid to try new things. 

Wrapping Up

First, getting monetized on YouTube requires hard work and creativity.

You’ll get various results on this journey depending on how well you do

In short, it is a mixture of hard times and wins.

You’ll feel frustrated some days, but other days, you’ll feel on top of the world.

Whatever it is for you, be ready to embrace good and bad moments.

Remember, whenever someone sees your video, it is a testament to your passion and effort.

So, don’t stop at the first video. Soon enough, you’ll reach your goal.