YouTube has significantly tightened its monetization requirements, making it harder for new creators to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program. The platform now requires creators to meet doubled thresholds compared to the previous rules before they can start earning revenue.
Under the new policy, creators must accumulate at least 8,000 qualified watch hours within the past year on their long-form videos. Alternatively, creators who focus on Shorts content can qualify by reaching 20 million qualified Shorts views within a 90-day period. Meeting either one of these two benchmarks will grant access to the Partner Program and its monetization features.
Previously, creators needed substantially fewer watch hours to become eligible for monetization. YouTube stated that the change is intended to improve overall content quality on the platform and reduce low-effort or spam-like content that previously found ways to qualify under the older, more lenient thresholds.
This update carries direct implications for Myanmar's growing YouTuber and content creator community. New and aspiring channels aiming to start earning revenue will now need to invest significantly more effort into building watch time before qualifying. As a result, Myanmar creators may need to reassess their content strategies to meet these stricter requirements and remain competitive on the platform.
