How to Join the YouTube Partner Program in Clear Steps: A Beginner Guide

To make money from YouTube,  you must join the YouTubе Partner Program. 

Now, I did not say that to scare you but to emphasize the importance of the program.

This program gives you greater access to YouTube resources and monetization features. Also, you get access to the YouTube Creator Support teams.

Here’s the good part:

You can also earn money when ads show up on your content.

Amazing, yeah?

The big question is, what should you do to join this program?

Not to worry.

This article will make it easy to understand how to join the YouTube Partner Program. I’ll show you what to do so you can start making money from your YouTube videos.

I will break it down with clear, actionable steps.

Let’s go!

YouTubе Partner Program Requirements

The YouTube Partner Program is open to everyone with a registered YouTube account.

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

Also, to join the program, your content must be valuable.

But, to become a proud member of the YouTube Partner Program, you must meet some requirements.

Think of this as the foundation of your journey. The requirements are as follows:

1. Check the YouTube channel monetization policies.

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

3. Have no active community guideline strike.

4. Meet the eligibility threshold.

5. Have an active AdSense account.

Check the YouTube Channel Monetization Policies

This is the first and most essential step.

You must know the rules to make money on YouTube. Also, you have to follow these rules when you agree to become a partner with YouTube.

Doing this helps ensure that your content aligns well with YouTube’s guidelines.

It also helps you build a lasting relationship with YouTube.

Violating these policies can affect your application.

It can also affect your Google AdSense account.

So, follow these rules for your channel to grow and succeed on YouTube. 

Live In a Location Where the Program Is Available.

The YouTube partnership program is available to creators in 138 countries and regions. So, you can only sign up for the program in this area.

Note: you can travel and upload YouTube videos from anywhere as a YPP member. 

However, your YouTube channel has to be based in one of these countries. 

Have No Active Community Guideline Strike

The Community Guidelines are the rules for how to behave on YouTube.

These rules apply to all types of content on YouTube. 

So, to avoid getting a strike, you must adhere to these rules.

If your channel gets a strike and you feel that YouTube made a mistake, you can ask them to review it.

In essence, these strikes may affect your YouTube Partner program application. 

So, clear them first.

Meet YouTube Studio Eligibility Threshold

Your channel can be for short or long-form videos. But to qualify, you must meet one of these requirements:

1. Gain 1,000 subscribers with 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months. This shows YouTube that your content keeps getting attention over time, not just once.

2. Gain 1,000 subscribers with 10 million valid public Shorts views in the past 90 days. This shows how well you can engage and grow an active community.

Have an Active Adsense Account

You need one active AdSense YouTube account linked to your channel.

So, if you don’t have one, be ready to set one up.

This is because creators get paid in the YouTube Partner Programme through AdSense. 

Note: Only create a new AdSense for YouTube account in YouTube Studio.

Ensure you sign up with the same Google account you use for your YouTube channel.

It’s a simple process, but it’s essential.

1. First, click the monetization tab in your YouTube Studio.

2. Next, you’ll find the option to connect your channel to AdSense.

3. Then, follow the instructions to set up your account.

Once your new AdSense account is active, linking it to your YouTube channel is the next phase.

Remember, this account is where all your ad earnings will go. So, make sure your details are correct and up-to-date.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply For The YouTube Partner Program (YPP)

Now that your AdSense account is in place, you can apply for the YouTube Partner Program.

Doing this means you are inviting YouTube to consider your channel for monetization.

Here are the steps to join the YouTube Partner Program:

• Step 1: Go to youtube.com and sign in with your YouTube channel’s Google account.

• Step 2: Click your profile icon to open some menu. Then, click on YouTube Studio. This will take you to YouTube Studio.

• Step 3: Then click Earn. You can find it in the left-hand menu bar.

  

• Step 4: Select Apply Now to get started.

• Step 5: Click Start to review and accept the YouTube Partner Program Terms.

• Step 6: Set up your AdSense for YouTube account or link an existing active one.

• Step 7: Once you apply, you will see it in progress. Wait for YouTube to review and approve your application.

Remember, approval takes time.

This is because YouTube will review your channel to ensure it follows all the community and monetization policies.

The process can take some time, so be patient.

Tip: You can still earn on YouTube even if you don’t have 1000 subscribers. Join the extended YT Partnership program. What do you need to join?

What You Should Do While Waiting for YouTube’s Review

After you apply for the YouTube Partner Program, the next thing is to wait for a response from YouTube.

YouTube’s review process involves several steps. It may take a few weeks or even longer.

The time it takes depends on how many applications they have to review.

I understand that you may be nervous.

But in this period, you must maintain the momentum of your channel.

Keep creating and uploading videos that are in line with YouTube’s guidelines.

This will keep your viewers’ watch time up. It will also show your commitment to producing quality content.

Here’s another thing to note:

YouTube uses a copyright match tool to scan your videos for unauthorized content.

This ensures that all materials on your channel are original or legally used.

So, fix any copyright issues as they can affect your application.

Once your channel is approved, you’ll officially be part of the YouTube Partner Program.

Next Step After Application Approval

Congratulations, you’ve made it!

I know this is exciting, but the journey begins here.

It’s time to get to work and explore ways to make money on YouTube.

Here’s a quick preview:

1. Set up your ad preferences.

2. Go beyond traditional ads.

3. Keep creating engaging content.

Set up Your Ad Preferences

This is the first step to take after your application gets approved.

This step is crucial as it lets you control how ads appear on your videos

You can choose video ads that best match your content and audience.

Doing this helps you ensure a smooth experience for your viewers.

In short, It helps you balance keeping your content valuable while making money from ads.

Go beyond Traditional Ads

Besides traditional ads, YouTube offers many other ways to make money.

These include channel memberships, Super Chat, and merchandise shelves.

These features give you different ways to connect with and earn from your audience.

When you explore these options, your ad revenue streams increase. This will make your YouTube journey both creatively satisfying and financially rewarding.

Keep Creating Engaging YouTube Videos

In this new stage, ensure you keep making content your audience loves.

This is because the more your viewers enjoy and interact with your content, the more money you can make.

So, keep being creative.

Take advantage of the exciting opportunities of being a YouTube Partner Program member.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

As a YouTube creator, expect this critical challenge:

Reaching the right audience while following Google’s program guidelines.

They must balance these aspects for successful participation in revenue-sharing.

For example, your content may be valuable and engaging. However, your channel may not meet the eligibility criteria.

If this is you, don’t get discouraged.

Instead, regularly review your content to ensure it matches YouTube’s changing guidelines.

This will help you get accepted into the YouTube Partner Program and keep your membership.

Another common issue is setting up and linking your AdSense account correctly with your YouTube account. This issue can lead to delays in monetizing their content.

As you know, this process is essential and requires careful attention to detail.

So, you need to understand and address this challenge ahead of time.

Check how to link your AdSense account here.

Conclusion

Now that you have read this article, I am sure you know how to join the YouTube Partner Program.

Let’s briefly revisit the key points:

1. Know and follow YouTube’s monetization policies.

2. Meet the eligibility criteria of watch hours and subscriber count.

3. Set up and link your AdSense account.

Each step is vital to succeed in the YouTube ecosystem.

Remember to keep growing your channel to resonate with your audience.

So, whether you are just starting or have been on YouTube for a while, now is the time to make money from your passion.

I wish you the best of luck.

FAQ on How to Join the YouTube Partner Program

What Are Valid Public Watch Hours and Valid Public Shorts Views?

Valid public watch hours are gained from long-form videos you’ve set public.

Therefore, these types of videos don’t count for your eligibility threshold:

• Private videos

• Unlisted videos – live streams unlisted, deleted, or not converted to video on demand.

• Deleted videos

• Ad campaigns

• YouTube Shorts

Valid public Shorts views are views of Shorts that you’ve set public that appear in the Shorts Feed

Note:

Public watch hours from Shorts views in the Shorts Feed don’t count towards the 4,000 public watch hours threshold.

What if My Watch Hour and Short Views Count Drop Below the Threshold After I Apply?

YouTube reviews any channel that meets the required watch hours and subscriber count.

So, even if your numbers drop while waiting for review, YouTube will still review your channel.

As long as you’ve applied for the YouTube Partner Program and met the requirements,

Remember that your channel must complete all signup steps before the review.

Note that YouTube can remove its monetization if your channel is inactive for 6 months or more.

I’m seeing ads on my videos. Am I earning revenue from those ads?

Short answer:

if you are not in the YouTube Partner Program, you don’t get a share of the revenue

YouTube can serve ads on all content on the platform. If you were previously a member of the YouTube Partner Program, you may still see ads on your content.

If you rejoin YPP in the future, you can get a share of the revenue from ads served on your content after you rejoin.

What if I don’t meet the eligibility threshold?

If you don’t meet the requirements, keep working. Build your future videos around original content and your audience.

Here are some tips that can help you grow your channel:

1. Watch and learn from other YouTube users in the YouTube Help Forum.

2. Check for tips on how to grow and build YouTube channels in the Creator Tips hub.

3. Also, check out the YouTube Help channel and YouTube Creators channel.

4. You will get tutorials and tip videos from the YouTube Help team.

Regarding the application:

1. If your channel has active Community Guidelines strikes, apply after the strikes expire.

2. You can also apply after you have appealed to have the strikes removed.

P.S.: Current members will not be removed if they receive Community Guidelines strikes.