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To join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), meet an eligibility route, satisfy the account and channel requirements, then apply in YouTube Studio under Earn. Accept the base terms and link an active AdSense for YouTube account through Studio. YouTube reviews the channel as a whole, so meeting the numbers makes you eligible to apply; it does not guarantee acceptance. This guide reflects YouTube’s published requirements checked October 3, 2026. Confirm the Earn page for your channel’s location because availability and terms can change.
How many subscribers do you need to get monetized?
As of October 3, 2026, YouTube has two relevant eligibility levels. The lower threshold provides earlier access to certain features in eligible countries or regions; the higher threshold is the route to eligibility for ad revenue sharing and YouTube Premium revenue. Neither threshold guarantees acceptance or makes every feature available automatically.
| Route | Subscriber and activity requirement | Viewing requirement | What it can unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded YPP | 500 subscribers and 3 valid public uploads in the previous 90 days | Either 3,000 qualified public watch hours in the previous 12 months or 3 million qualified public Shorts views in the previous 90 days | Earlier access to eligible fan-funding and Shopping features, subject to each feature’s rules and availability |
| Ad-revenue eligibility | 1,000 subscribers | Either 4,000 qualified public watch hours in the previous 12 months or 10 million qualified public Shorts views in the previous 90 days | Eligibility for ad revenue sharing and YouTube Premium revenue, subject to terms and feature rules |
The expanded route is available only in eligible countries or regions. The three-upload requirement applies to that route, in addition to its subscriber and viewing threshold. Individual features can also have location restrictions. Check the current Earn area in YouTube Studio rather than relying on an older country list. See YouTube’s expanded YPP overview and guide to earning on YouTube.
What counts toward the thresholds?
Shorts Feed watch time does not count toward the 4,000 public watch-hours route. Views and watch time from paid advertising campaigns do not count toward the eligibility thresholds; qualifying organic views that follow a campaign may count. YouTube defines the qualifying metrics and displays progress in Studio, so use that progress rather than adding figures from unrelated analytics reports. For the standard thresholds, see YouTube’s YPP overview and eligibility.
Features have their own conditions
Reaching the expanded threshold does not automatically grant ad revenue sharing. Features such as fan funding and Shopping have their own eligibility, location, content, and contract requirements. YouTube lists an age requirement of 18—or an adult guardian to handle AdSense payments—for ad revenue, and an age requirement of 18 for some fan-funding features. Check the conditions for the specific feature you intend to use.
Check these requirements before applying
Alongside an audience route, YouTube’s standard YPP requirements include channel and account conditions. Review them before applying so that a missing account setting does not hold up the process.
#1 Best Overall
- [Natural Audio Clarity] Operated with frequency response of 50Hz-16KHz, the podcasting XLR mic delivers balanced audio range, likely to resonate with your audience. Directional cardioid dynamic microphone corded will not exaggerate your voice, while rejects unwanted off-axis noise for vocal originality and intelligibility during your PS5 gaming streaming video recording. (Tips: Keep the top of end-addressing XLR dynamic microphone AM8 facing audio source, and suggested recording range is 2 to 6 in.)
- [XLR Connection Upgrade-Ability] To use XLR connection, connect the podcast microphone to an audio interface (or mixer) using a separate XLR cable (NOT Included) . Well-connected and smooth operation improves audio flexibility to make you explore various types of music recording singing. The streaming mic isolates the pristine and accurate sound from ambient noise with greater no interference and fidelity. (RGB and function key on mic are INACTIVE when using XLR connection.)
- [USB Connection with Handy Mute] Skip the hassle of setting something up and plug the cable to play the dynamic USB microphone directly, which suits for beginner creators or daily podcast. You can quickly control the gamer mic with tap-to-mute that is independent of computer/Macbook programs to keep privacy when live streaming. LED mute reminder helps you get rid of forgetting to cancel the mute. (RGB and function key are only available for USB connection, but NOT for XLR connection)
- [Soothing Controllable RGB] RGB ring on the desktop gaming microphone for PC, with 3 modes and more than 10 light colors collection, matches your PC gears accessories for gaming synergy even in dim room. You can control the RGB key button of the dynamic microphone USB directly for game color scheme gaming or live streaming. Configured memory function, the streaming microphone RGB no need to repeated selections after turnning off and brings itself alive when power on. (Only available for USB connection)
- [More Function Keys] Computer microphone with headphones jack upgrades your rhythm game experience and gets feedback whether the real-time voice your audience hear as expected. Get the desired level via monitoring volume control when gaming recording. Smooth mic gain knob on the PC microphone gaming has some resistance to the point, easily for audio attenuation or boost presence to less post-production audio. (Only available for USB connection)
- Your channel follows YouTube’s channel monetization policies.
- YPP is available in your country or region.
- Your channel has no active Community Guidelines strikes.
- 2-Step Verification is enabled on the Google Account associated with the channel.
- Your channel has access to advanced features.
- You have one active AdSense for YouTube account linked, or you are ready to create or link one during the Studio application flow.
Do not create a new AdSense for YouTube account outside the YouTube Studio application process. YouTube’s eligibility guidance explains the account prerequisites; check Studio’s Earn section for your channel-specific status.
How to apply for the YouTube Partner Program
- Open YouTube Studio. Sign in to the Google Account that owns or manages the eligible channel and go to YouTube Studio.
- Open Earn. Select Earn in the left-hand menu. Studio shows eligibility progress and whether you can apply.
- Select Apply Now. When it appears, open the application.
- Accept the base terms. Review the terms presented in Studio and accept them to continue.
- Link AdSense for YouTube. Select Start to connect an existing active account or set one up through Studio. Avoid creating a separate account outside this flow.
- Confirm review status. Check the Get Reviewed step. In Progress means YouTube has received the application.
These are the application steps described in YouTube’s YPP overview. After acceptance, review and accept the applicable monetization modules for the features you want. YPP membership alone does not turn on every earning feature.
What YouTube reviews—and how long it takes
YouTube says automated systems and human reviewers assess the channel as a whole. Its policy identifies areas reviewers may examine, including the channel’s main theme; most-viewed and newest videos; videos responsible for the largest share of watch time; titles and thumbnails; and the About section. This list is not exhaustive. The review assesses applicable policies, not just whether a channel has reached an audience threshold. Read YouTube’s channel monetization policies.
Rank #2
- [Convenient Setup] Plug and play recording USB microphone for PC, with 5.9-Foot USB cable included for computer PC laptop, is connected directly to USB-A port for recording music, computer singing or podcast. The office condenser microphone for computer is easy to use and install. (NOT compatible with Xbox and Phones)
- [Durable Metal Design] Solid sturdy metal construction design, the computer microphone for Zoom meetings with stable tripod stand is convenient when you are doing voice overs or livestreams on YouTube. Durable material extends the service life of the voice-over microphone.
- [Mic Volume Knob] Gaming condenser USB mic compatible for PS4 with additional volume knob itself has a louder or quieter adjustment and is more sensitive. Your voice would be heard well enough through the zoom microphone USB when gaming, skyping or voice recording. Also, you can adjust your volume to zero and protect your privacy.
- [Widely Use] USB-powered design, the condenser microphone for recording no need the 48v Phantom power supply, works well with Cortana, Discord, voice chat and voice recognition. The podcast microphone for Mac, with USB-B to USB-A/C cable, is compatible with desktop, laptop or PS4/PS5, which meets most of your daily recording needs.
- [Clear Output Voice] Cardioid condenser microphone for PC captures your voice properly, producing clear smooth and crisp sound. Great computer recording mic for gamers/streamers/youtubers focus on the main source and reduces background noise. The streaming microphone does the job well for broadcast ,OBS and teamspeak.
Make your original contribution clear
YouTube’s policy says monetized content should be the creator’s original work. Borrowed material needs significant transformation, while repetitive or mass-produced generic content may not qualify. In practical terms, make the channel’s authorship and original value apparent across its videos, not only in a channel description. No particular editing style or single video can guarantee approval; YouTube evaluates the channel against its policies.
Typical review time
YouTube says a decision typically takes about one month. Application volume, system issues, resource limits, or extra reviewer checks can extend that period. Monitor the application in Studio’s Earn area. If your count falls below the threshold after you have met it and applied, YouTube says the review can continue; changing video privacy or deleting videos may affect the application.
Rank #3
- Studio-Quality Sound for Clear Podcast Recording – The K66 USB podcast microphone delivers studio-quality, broadcast-level audio using a high-performance condenser capsule and cardioid pickup pattern that focuses on your voice while reducing unwanted background noise. Designed as a reliable microphone for PC, it features a wide 40Hz–18kHz frequency response and a 46kHz sampling rate to reproduce rich lows, smooth mids, and clear highs for natural, detailed vocals. With –45dB ±3dB sensitivity, it captures balanced sound without distortion during expressive speaking. Ideal for podcasting, voice-over, online classes, meetings, and professional content creation.
- Intelligent Noise Reduction Mode for Cleaner Podcast Audio – This podcast microphone features an advanced Noise Reduction Mode designed for clearer, more focused voice recording in real-world environments. Press and hold the mute button to enable noise reduction (blue indicator). In this mode, the microphone helps reduce keyboard clicks, PC fan noise, air conditioner hum, and background chatter. Default Mode maintains a warm, natural vocal tone for quiet spaces. Designed as a reliable microphone for PC, it allows creators to identify the active mode instantly and adapt as needed, ensuring clear audio for podcasting, gaming, streaming, online classes, meetings, and recording.
- True Plug-and-Play USB Microphone with Wide Device Compatibility – Engineered for effortless plug-and-play use, the K66 USB microphone requires no drivers, apps, or software installation. Simply connect and start recording on Windows PC, Mac, laptops, PS4, PS5, and tablets. Included USB-C and Lightning adapters ensure seamless compatibility with iPhone, iPad, and modern USB-C phones and devices, making it easy to switch between desktop and mobile recording. Ideal for creators working across multiple platforms, this microphone delivers consistent, high-quality audio for YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, Zoom, Discord, OBS Studio, Streamlabs, podcasting, livestreaming, and professional voice recording.
- Real-Time Zero-Latency Monitoring with Adjustable Volume Control – This podcast microphone features real-time, zero-latency monitoring through a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing you to hear exactly what’s being recorded without delay. Designed as a reliable microphone for PC, it includes a dedicated monitoring volume control that lets you adjust headphone listening levels independently for accurate and comfortable audio monitoring. Real-time feedback helps identify distortion, background noise, or uneven volume before it affects your final recording, making this podcast microphone ideal for podcasting, streaming, online teaching, voice-over work, and professional content creation.
- Precision Audio Adjustment Knobs for Full Sound Control – This podcast microphone gives creators hands-on control with dedicated knobs for microphone volume, monitoring volume, and echo adjustment. Fine-tune mic gain to maintain clear, balanced vocal output, adjust headphone monitoring levels independently for comfortable listening, and add or reduce echo to enhance depth and presence. Designed as a reliable PC microphone, these intuitive physical controls allow fast, on-the-fly adjustments without software, helping identify distortion, background noise, or level inconsistencies instantly. Ideal for podcasting, streaming, ASMR, voice-overs, singing, and professional multi-platform recording.
If YouTube rejects your application
Read the policy named in the Earn area and make meaningful changes to the channel before applying again. YouTube’s options depend on whether this is the first rejection or a later one:
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →| Situation | Available next step | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| First unsuccessful application | Appeal the decision or reapply | Appeal within 21 days, or reapply after 30 days |
| Later rejection | Reapply after addressing the cited policy concerns | Wait 90 days before reapplying |
Check the rejection notice and current instructions in YouTube’s YPP overview and application guidance before choosing an appeal or reapplication. The applicable wait depends on your application history.
Rank #4
- 360 Degree Position Adjustable Gooseneck Design --Plug and play USB microphone Pick up the sound from 360-degree with high sensitivity, in the best possible location for sound to your PC gaming, dragon voice dictation, and talk to Cortana
- Mute Button & LED Indicator --One-click to mute/unmute your microphone for pc, Build-in LED indicator tells you the working status at any time
- Intelligent Noise-Canceling Tech --Premium omnidirectional condenser microphone with noise-canceling technology can pick up your clear voice and reduce background noise and echo
- USB Plug&Play(1.8/6ft USB Cable) -- No driver required. Just need to plug & play for the microphone to start recording, well compatible with Windows(7, 8, 10 and 11) and macOS. (NOT compatible with Xbox/Raspberry Pi/Android)
- Solid Construction--Adopting premium metal pipe and heavy-duty ABS stand to make sure that you will be satisfied with our computer mic quality
Important announced change for February 1, 2027
The thresholds above are the current published thresholds as of October 3, 2026, not the announced future requirements. YouTube says that beginning February 1, 2027, new applicants seeking ad and Premium revenue eligibility will need 1,000 subscribers plus either 8,000 qualified watch hours in 365 days or 20 million qualified Shorts views in 90 days. YouTube says this change will not affect creators already in YPP. The announcement keeps the expanded fan-funding and Shopping route at 500 subscribers, three uploads, and either 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views. Existing partners are asked to accept updated terms by January 31, 2027, to continue fully monetizing. See YouTube’s announcement about YPP changes and verify the current requirements in Studio when you apply.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you also want to keep a prerecorded YouTube stream live around the clock, StreamNeo is a separate tool from YPP: upload a recording or playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos from the cloud; it does not stream from a camera. Nothing has to stay on at home, it streams your upload at its original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo, then start your free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Custom three-capsule array: This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming, podcasting, Zoom meetings, music recording and more
- Blue VO!CE software: Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples
- Four pickup patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics, for vocals, instruments and podcasts
- Onboard audio controls: Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in charge of every level of the audio recording and streaming process
- Positionable design: Pivot the mic in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality thanks to the adjustable desktop stand and track your voice in real time with no-latency monitoring
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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