Monetizing Your YouTube Channel After 12 Months: Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

Many creators on the platform wonder whether their YouTube channel can still be monetized even if it is more than 12 months old without reaching the required level for monetization. In this article, we will explore the conditions under which a channel can be monetized, despite not meeting the initial eligibility criteria within the first year.

Eligibility Criteria for YouTube Monetization

YouTube's monetization eligibility criteria include having at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time over a 12-month period. It's important to note that these requirements need to be met within the 12-month window starting from the first upload on your channel. However, even if these conditions are not met during the initial 12-month period, all is not lost; you can still apply for monetization later.

Ensuring Monetization After 12 Months

If your channel has been active and you manage to meet the required 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time within the 12-month window, you can still apply for monetization through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). This means that even if your channel has not met these requirements during the first year, you can still be eligible for monetization as long as these criteria are met at the time of your application.

Monetizing Before 12 Months

It's important to clarify that before reaching the 12-month mark, you can also monetize your channel if you meet the initial requirements of having 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time. This means that you can apply for YouTube Partner Program eligibility from the moment these criteria are met, regardless of the initial 12-month period.

Conditions for Monetization

To summarize, the conditions for monetizing a YouTube channel after 12 months include:

1,000 Subscribers: Your channel must have at least 1,000 subscribers. 4,000 Watch Hours: Your channel must have 4,000 hours of watch time on all videos over a 12-month period. 12-Month Time Frame: The 12-month period starts from the first upload on your channel.

For example, if you created your channel in November 2018 but did not start uploading videos until October 2021, the 12-month period for meeting the watch time and subscriber requirements will be from November 2021 to October 2022 (12 months).

Ensuring Consistent Uploads

Consistent uploads are crucial for amassing the necessary watch time and growing your subscriber base. Posting high-quality content on a regular basis will help you meet these requirements and keep your channel active and engaging for viewers.

Note on YouTube Policies

It is also important to comply with all of YouTube's policies and guidelines when applying for monetization. YouTube has specific rules and regulations that creators must adhere to in order to maintain their eligibility for the YouTube Partner Program.

Conclusion

So, to answer the question directly: Yes, you can still monetize your YouTube channel after 12 months if you meet the eligibility criteria. Consistent content uploads and meeting the watch time and subscriber requirements will be key to your success. If you are planning to monetize your YouTube channel, make sure to track your progress and work towards meeting the necessary criteria within the 12-month window.