YouTube Monetization Rules 2025: Activity Requirements
Learn about the new YouTube monetization rules for 2025, including tiered requirements, penalties for inactivity, and key eligibility guidelines.
To earn money on YouTube in 2025, creators must meet updated requirements under the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Here's a quick breakdown:
- Two Monetization Tiers:
- Tier 1: 500+ subscribers, 3,000 watch hours/year, or 1.5M Shorts views in 90 days.
- Tier 2: 1,000+ subscribers, 4,000 watch hours/year, or 3M Shorts views in 90 days.
- Activity Standards: Upload regularly, engage with your audience, and follow YouTube’s rules.
- Penalties for Inactivity: Monetization features may be restricted or suspended after 30-90 days of inactivity.
- Eligibility Basics: Verified account, two-factor authentication, no active strikes, and original content.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Requirement Type | Tier 1 | Tier 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | 500+ | 1,000+ |
| Watch Time (Videos) | 3,000 hours/year | 4,000 hours/year |
| Shorts Views | 1.5M views/90 days | 3M views/90 days |
| Uploads | 5+ in 6 months | 10+ in 6 months |
| Channel Age | 3+ months | 6+ months |
To keep monetization, focus on consistent uploads, audience engagement, and compliance with YouTube’s policies. Missing these requirements could lead to feature restrictions or reapplication to YPP.
YouTube Has NEW Monetization Requirements!
2025 YouTube Monetization Rules
YouTube's updated 2025 rules outline clear standards for monetization, introducing tiered requirements and stricter consequences for inactivity. Here's a breakdown of what creators need to know.
Tier 1 and Tier 2 Requirements
The new system offers two monetization paths based on channel performance:
| Requirement Type | Tier 1 | Tier 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | 500+ | 1,000+ |
| Watch Time (Regular Videos) | 3,000 hours/year | 4,000 hours/year |
| Shorts Views | 1.5M views/90 days | 3M views/90 days |
| Active Videos | 5+ uploads/6 months | 10+ uploads/6 months |
| Channel Age | 3+ months | 6+ months |
Creators qualify by meeting either regular video or Shorts metrics, ensuring consistent activity over time.
Basic Eligibility Rules
In addition to meeting the numbers, channels must follow these essential guidelines:
- Account Verification: Complete phone and identity verification.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Enable this security feature.
- Content Guidelines: No active community strikes.
- Original Content: Avoid reusing or recycling material.
- AdSense Account: Link a valid payment account.
Creators also need to stay connected with their audience through comments, posts, and regular uploads.
Inactive Channel Penalties
To encourage consistent activity, YouTube has introduced stricter penalties for inactive channels in 2025:
-
Warning Phase
After 30 days of inactivity, YouTube sends an automated warning about possible monetization suspension. -
Restricted Features
After 60 days without uploads, channels lose access to features like Super Chat, channel memberships, and merchandise integration. -
Monetization Suspension
After 90 days of inactivity, YouTube may:- Suspend monetization privileges.
- Require the channel to reapply to the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
- Reset watch time metrics.
To avoid these penalties, creators should plan ahead with a content calendar and schedule uploads during breaks. Tools like Fundmates offer support by connecting creators with video editors and content planning resources, helping maintain activity and monetization eligibility. Up next, we’ll dive into strategies for staying active and avoiding these penalties.
Meeting Activity Requirements
Creating consistent content and keeping your audience engaged are key to meeting YouTube's 2025 activity requirements. Here’s how you can grow your channel effectively.
Growing Your Subscriber Base
Building a strong subscriber base boosts your channel's activity metrics, which are crucial for monetization. Here are some tips to help:
- Stick to your niche: Establish yourself as a trusted source in your area of expertise.
- Engage quickly: Reply to comments within 24-48 hours to foster a sense of community.
- Encourage subscriptions: Add clear calls-to-action during high-engagement moments in your videos.
- Brand consistency: Use the same visual style for thumbnails, banners, and video intros to create a cohesive look.
If you need additional guidance, services like Fundmates specialize in helping creators grow their channels.
Upload Schedule Management
A consistent upload schedule is critical for maintaining viewer interest. Here’s a breakdown of time and effort required for different upload frequencies:
| Upload Frequency | Content Mix | Time Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly (Minimum) | 1 long-form video | 8-10 hours |
| Bi-weekly | 2-3 Shorts + 1 long-form | 12-15 hours |
| Optimal | 2 long-form + 4-5 Shorts | 20-25 hours |
Tips for staying on schedule:
- Batch production: Record multiple videos in one session to save time.
- Content planning: Build a 3-4 week content bank to stay ahead.
- Dedicated workdays: Assign specific days for filming, editing, and audience interaction.
- Professional help: Hiring video editors can help you maintain quality and consistency.
A steady upload schedule helps keep viewers engaged over time, which leads directly to higher activity metrics.
Increasing Watch Time
Watch time is a key metric for YouTube success. Use these strategies to keep viewers watching longer:
- Optimal video length: Aim for 10-15 minutes for long-form videos to maximize engagement.
- Retention strategies: Add engaging content shifts every 2-3 minutes to maintain interest.
- End screens: Include video recommendations to encourage viewers to keep watching.
- Create series: Develop multi-part content that naturally leads viewers from one video to the next.
Focus on solving specific problems or addressing audience needs in your videos. This approach keeps viewers engaged, as they’re more likely to watch content that offers practical solutions.
For creators balancing quality and quantity, services like Fundmates can provide professional support, including video editing and thumbnail design, to help meet activity goals while delivering engaging content.
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Keeping Your Monetization Status
To keep your YouTube channel monetized, you must stick to YouTube's rules and have a solid content plan. This ensures your channel stays in good standing and continues earning revenue.
Following YouTube Rules
YouTube has strict policies, and following them is a must to maintain monetization:
- Community Guidelines: Avoid posting harmful content, hate speech, harassment, or dangerous stunts.
- Advertiser-Friendly Content: Make sure your videos align with YouTube's advertising standards.
- Copyright Compliance: Only use content you have permission to use or that qualifies under fair use.
- Engagement Authenticity: Don’t artificially boost views, likes, or subscribers.
Breaking these rules repeatedly can lead to demonetization, so it’s crucial to stay compliant.
Content Schedule Planning
A well-organized schedule keeps your channel active and helps protect your monetization. Here’s how to plan effectively:
| Schedule Component | Recommended Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Content Calendar | Plan at least 30 days in advance | Maintain a steady upload flow |
| Production Timeline | Dedicate 3–4 days per video | Ensure high-quality content |
| Publishing Windows | Post during peak hours (2–4 PM EST) | Boost initial viewer engagement |
Use your analytics to fine-tune your posting times based on your audience's behavior and seasonal trends.
Growth Tools and Support
Using professional tools and services can help you maintain monetization while growing your channel. Here are some options:
- Professional Support: Hire video editors and thumbnail designers to keep your content polished.
- Channel Optimization: Work with experts to improve your channel’s performance.
- Content Distribution: Share your videos across different platforms to reach more viewers.
- MCN Benefits: Join a multi-channel network for extra monetization support.
These resources let you focus on creating content while meeting YouTube’s activity standards. Plus, many services offer flexible funding options that let you keep full ownership of your content.
Monetization Features and Perks
After meeting YouTube's activity requirements, you gain access to monetization features and tools designed to increase your revenue and grow your audience.
Revenue Options
Once you qualify for monetization, YouTube offers several ways to earn:
| Revenue Stream | Requirements | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ad Revenue | Active status | Creators typically receive 55% of ad revenue. |
| Channel Memberships | Meet YouTube's eligibility criteria | Offer memberships with a monthly fee set by you. |
| Super Chat/Stickers | Live streaming enabled | Earnings depend on viewer contributions during live streams. |
| YouTube Shopping | Product and channel approval | Commissions vary based on approved products. |
| Merchandise Shelf | Significant subscriber base | Profit depends on merchandise sales, often allowing creators to keep all earnings. |
In addition to earning potential, monetized channels gain access to tools that help grow and engage their audience.
Channel Growth Tools
Monetized channels unlock features that support faster growth and better audience interaction:
| Tool Category | Features | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Analytics Suite | Advanced metrics and real-time data | Helps refine content strategies for better performance. |
| Copyright Tools | Access to Content ID | Protects your content from unauthorized use. |
| Community Tab | Polls, posts, and updates | Builds stronger connections with your audience. |
| End Screen Elements | Custom CTAs and video links | Boosts viewer retention and guides traffic to other videos on your channel. |
| Translation Tools | Auto-captions and subtitles | Broadens your reach to audiences worldwide. |
Additionally, Fundmates provides:
- Tools to distribute your content more effectively
- Free MCN (Multi-Channel Network) benefits to enhance monetization
- Funding options ranging from $30,000 to $1 million to help scale your channel
These features allow you to focus on creating content while meeting YouTube's requirements and growing your channel.
Conclusion
Here’s a quick recap of the updates and support options available:
Key Updates
YouTube’s monetization rules for 2025 put a spotlight on consistent activity and audience engagement. The platform now prioritizes metrics like watch time, regular uploads, and subscriber growth. To qualify for monetization and boost earnings, creators need to stick to consistent schedules and actively build their communities. These changes aim to encourage engaging, steady content while rewarding creators who put in the effort.
Support Options
Meeting these new requirements can be tough, especially for newer creators. That’s where Fundmates comes in, offering tools and resources to help you stay on track:
- Upfront funding to support regular content production
- Video editing and thumbnail design services
- Expert advice on growing your channel
- Content distribution tools to expand reach
- Translation services to connect with global audiences
With a short-term revenue-sharing model that lets you keep full ownership of your content, Fundmates provides what you need to maintain quality and meet YouTube’s updated standards.