Detailed Guide on How to Enable YouTube Monetization from A to Z

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What is Monetizing YouTube?

Monetizing on YouTube is the process of generating income by uploading and developing video content on this platform. Creators can earn revenue from various sources such as ads displayed on videos, paid channel memberships, or through affiliate marketing programs and sponsorships.

When videos attract a lot of views and interactions, YouTube shares a portion of the ad revenue with the channel owner, with long videos earning you 55%, and short videos (shorts) earning you 45%. To qualify for the monetization program, the channel needs to meet specific requirements regarding the number of subscribers and total watch time from users. Building stable income on YouTube not only requires creativity in content but also demands a long-term channel development strategy, persistence, and consistency.

How to Enable Monetization on YouTube: Latest Guide from A to Z

What is the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)?

The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is YouTube's partnership program that allows you to earn money from content. Once joined, the channel can enable ads, receive revenue from YouTube Premium, activate Memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, Merch Shelf... Depending on the level (level 1 or level 2), you will unlock groups of features suitable for the channel's scale.

Differentiating Level 1 and Level 2 in YouTube Monetization

Level 1:
- Requirements:
  - Reach 500 subscribers or more
  - Reach 3,000 public watch hours in the last 12 months, or 3 million Shorts views in 90 days
  - Have uploaded 3 valid public videos in 90 days
  - Enable 2-step verification (2FA) and no policy violations
- Benefits:
  - Membership & Super Chat/Super Stickers
  - Super Thanks
  - Merch Shelf (Shopping)
  - Jewels & Gifts livestream
Level 2:
- Requirements:
  - Reach 1000 subscribers or more
  - Reach 4,000 public watch hours in the last 12 months, or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days
  - Enable 2-step verification (2FA) and no policy violations
- Benefits:
  - All benefits of level 1
  - Ad revenue sharing (Display, Overlay, Skippable...)
  - YouTube Premium revenue

After meeting the requirements, on the "Monetization" page, you will see a screen like this

Guide on How to Sign Up for YouTube Monetization

For those doing YouTube, I think what you're most looking forward to is earning money through views (level 2). I was the same, so I waited until I met the requirements for level 2 before signing up.

Notes Before Clicking the Sign-Up Button for Monetization

Check account: Remove violating videos, handle strikes if any.
Design branding: Professional and consistent banner, logo, avatar.
Content scheduling: Release videos regularly, at least 1 video/week, combining long videos and Shorts.
Create AdSense account: Valid email, personal information, address, taxes prepared in advance.

Once ready, go to YouTube Studio, select the "Monetization" menu, then click the "Sign up now" button.

Step 1: Review the Base Terms

You should read through YouTube's terms, then select confirm

Step 2: Link to AdSense Account

Select create new if you don't have an AdSense account yet, if you do, link to the existing account via email.

Note that YouTube's policy allows only 1 person to own exactly 1 AdSense account.

Step 3: Wait for YouTube to Review

The review time can be a few days or faster. In my case, I signed up on Friday evening, and by Saturday morning, I was already monetized. You should sign up in the morning US time, before they start their workday.

How to Enable Monetization for Videos After Becoming a YouTube Partner

YouTube Sends a Congratulatory Notification That You Are Now a YouTube Partner

After YouTube has reviewed and approved you as a partner, you will receive an email notification.

Enable Monetization for Long Videos

First, go to the "Monetization" menu in YouTube Studio. Then select "Ads on watch page".
Select the "Turn on" button in the middle of the screen to start the process of enabling ads for long videos.

Enable Monetization for Short Videos (Shorts)

Go to the "Monetization" menu in YouTube Studio. Then select "Ads on Shorts feed".
Select the "Turn on" button in the middle of the screen to start the process of enabling ads for short videos.

Next, read and agree to the terms, skim through to know.

Notes When Enabling Monetization for Short Videos

Usually, right after YouTube approves monetization, you can't enable it on short videos yet, but have to wait about 24 hours. After 24 hours, come back and you can enable monetization on short videos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I enable Level 2 right when I reach 1,000 subs?
- Yes, if you also meet the watch hours or Shorts requirements at the same time.
After meeting level 1 requirements, can I enable ads?
- No, only fan funding, Super Chat & Merchandise are unlocked.
How long after approval can I start earning?
- Right after approval, you can enable ads immediately for long videos and income starts being recorded. For short videos, usually wait after 24 hours.
How many videos are needed to enable monetization?
- No minimum number of videos required. As long as your channel meets the requirements for subscribers and watch hours (1,000 subs & 4,000 public watch hours or 10 million Shorts views), you can enable monetization even with just 1 video.
If rejected, can I apply again?
- Absolutely! After 30 days from receiving the notification, you can reapply. Use this time to fix copyright violations, community strikes, or improve content quality.
How does YouTube pay?
- YouTube pays through Google AdSense, based on ad impressions and interactions. Depending on the country, you'll receive payments via bank transfer or methods supported by AdSense, after fully declaring tax information.
Does enabling monetization help the channel rank higher?
- Not directly. However, when monetizing, you often invest more in video quality, increasing interactions and watch time—which indirectly improves chances of being recommended on YouTube.
Can children's content channels monetize?
- Yes, but due to COPPA laws, videos targeting children don't use personalized ads, so AdSense revenue will be lower. You can supplement through Merchandise, sponsorships, or Super Chat to increase income.