[REVISION HISTORY]

YouTube creator monetization and shopping updates

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-13 02:30 UTC → 2026-08-15 14:45 UTC · added ~~removed~~

YouTube has implemented new monetization and shopping features for creators. Initially, the platform launched a Shopping Affiliate Programme in the United Kingdom, allowing creators with at least 500 subscribers to earn commissions by tagging products from retailers such as M&S and Boots. This included an ‘Early Access’ tier for monetization. Following these updates, YouTube announced a significant overhaul of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) scheduled for February 1, 2027. The new policy will effectively double the thresholds for new creators to earn advertising revenue, requiring 1,000 subscribers and either 8,000 watch hours or 20 million Shorts views. Additionally, existing creators must maintain 10 million qualified Shorts views within a 90-day period to continue receiving a share of the Shorts Creators Pool. To offset these stricter requirements, YouTube plans to introduce new incentives involving brand partnerships and YouTube Shopping bonuses. Under the new rules, channels that fall below the 10 million Shorts view threshold will remain in the YPP and can continue to monetize long-form content, but Shorts-specific revenue will be paused until the threshold is met again. Existing YPP members will not be subject to the new entry requirements but must accept the updated terms by January 31, 2027, to continue receiving payments. YouTube stated these changes are intended to keep pace with the platform's growth, noting that Shorts now receive over 200 billion daily views. Separately, YouTube is expanding its Premium Lite subscription service to all countries where YouTube Premium is currently available. Under this expansion, creators will receive a 60 percent share of net subscription revenue from the Premium Lite tier.

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