Google made significant updates to the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) last year to support creators in increasing their earnings on YouTube. As part of these updates, eligibility for YPP, it extended to include Shorts creators, along with the introduction of Shorts ad revenue sharing.
Continuing their efforts, Google is expanding the program further by providing earlier access to YPP through reduced eligibility criteria. This allows creators to start earning on YouTube at an earlier stage and gain access to fan funding features such as channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Thanks, and more.
Additionally, Google is introducing an update to the YouTube Shopping affiliate program, specifically designed for creators.
Easy access to YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
Google said that, starting today, eligible YouTube creators can apply to YouTube Partner Program (YPP) sooner by meeting specific criteria. To qualify, they need at least 500 subscribers, 3 or more public uploads in the previous 90 days, and either 3000 watch hours in the last year or 3M Shorts views in the same period.
By becoming new partners, creators gain access to fan-funded features such as channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, Super Thanks, and the ability to promote their own products through YouTube Shopping.
Expanding the YouTube Shopping affiliate program
Google further mentioned that, to support creators who have progressed in their YouTube journey, they are expanding the YouTube Shopping affiliate program. This expansion now includes all eligible US-based creators in YPP with over 20,000 subscribers.
Through the affiliate program, creators can feature and tag products from various brands and other creators in their content. They will also be eligible for competitive commission rates on the sales generated through these tagged products in their videos and Shorts.
Partnering with renowned brands
Google also cited that it has partnered with more than 50 brands, including Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and Wayfair, spanning multiple categories such as beauty, tech, home, and apparel. Creators like Andréa Matillano can tag products seamlessly and directly in their videos or Shorts, allowing viewers to conveniently shop while enabling the creators to earn commissions from resulting sales.
Continued growth and benefits
As their channels grow, these creators become eligible for more benefits and a share of ad revenue once they meet the current YPP eligibility criteria, Google stated. There is no need for them to go through the full YPP application process again. The existing requirements for unlocking revenue sharing remain unchanged.
Availability
Google is rolling out this new level of YPP to creators in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Taiwan, and South Korea initially. Google further said that it plans to gradually introduce earlier access to YPP across all countries where the program is available.
Commenting on the announcement, By Amjad Hanif, Vice President of Creator Products, YouTube, said:
We believe in empowering creators at every stage of their YouTube journey, whether they’re just starting out or already well-established. That’s why we’re excited to unlock fresh opportunities for creators to monetize their content and generate income throughout the platform.