YouTube monetization has strict requirements. They’re different for long-form videos and YouTube Shorts. There are thresholds to meet, policies to follow, and delays to deal with - even after you’re approved.
Let’s break down how YouTube monetization works and how to make it work smoothly with MilX.
Monetization Requirements on YouTube
Before you can earn anything, you need to be part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Eligibility is different for long-form videos and Shorts:
For Long-form Videos:
- 1,000 subscribers;
- 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months.
For Shorts:
- 1,000 subscribers;
- 10 million valid public Shorts views in the past 90 days.
Once you're eligible, monetization is not automatic. You still need to apply and meet YouTube’s monetization policies.
Long-Form Video Monetization
You make money when ads play before, during, or around your videos. YouTube gives you 55% of the ad revenue, and keeps 45%.
How much you earn depends on your:
- CPM (higher in niches like finance, tech, education);
- Viewer location (US, UK typically pay more);
- Ad type (skippable, non-skippable, bumper, overlay);
- Audience engagement and retention.
You control ad formats via YouTube Studio. Choose:
- Skippable or non-skippable ads;
- Bumper ads, overlays, mid-rolls (only if video >8 min).
But YouTube can still adjust placements if it sees better performance opportunities.
How YouTube Payouts Work
Even after you monetize, getting paid is slow. YouTube earnings go through AdSense, which pays out once a month - around the 21st, and only after you hit the $100 threshold.
That’s on top of the 30-day delay between when ads run and when that money even shows up in your account. Payout methods are limited to bank transfers and checks.
MilX flips that. As a creator-first app, MilX lets you:
- Access YouTube earnings anytime.
- You can withdraw anytime, in your preferred currency or even crypto, using over 10 payment methods.
- Need more flexibility? MilX unlocks up to six months of future YouTube revenue upfront, so you can reinvest now instead of waiting for the next AdSense cycle
To get started with MilX, all you need is:
- 1,500+ subscribers and 5,000 watch hours in the past year.
That’s it, hit those numbers, and you’re in.
Tired of monthly AdSense delays?
Get upfront YouTube payouts, early access to future revenue, and full control with MilX. Try MilX app free today and unlock your earnings.
YouTube Monetization for Shorts: No 4,000-Hour Rule
Monetizing Shorts works differently from long-form videos and follows its own rules.
Shorts don’t count toward the 4,000-hour requirement for long-form monetization, but they’re a fast track to building your subscriber base.
Once you qualify for monetization, Shorts enter a shared revenue model:
- YouTube pools ad revenue from all Shorts;
- 55% goes to music licensing;
- Remaining 45% is split among creators based on watch time;
- You earn more if you avoid licensed music and drive high views.
You can even turn your TikToks into Shorts with tools like repurpose.io, btw.
How YouTube Shorts Payouts Work
Every month, YouTube calculates a Shorts revenue pool for your country.
Your share depends on how many views you brought in. If you earn 3% of the eligible Shorts views, you get 3% of the pool.
More views = more money especially if you use little or no licensed music.
Your payout changes monthly based on performance, reach, and how “clean” your content is.
Content Compliance
To earn ad revenue, your videos must meet Advertiser-Friendly Content Guidelines.
For each video, you’ll fill out a quick ad check, marking things like language, violence, or sensitive topics.
Be honest. It helps YouTube rate your content correctly. If you mislabel videos or violate guidelines, you could lose ads or get demonetized.
Clean, consistent content builds trust and brings in better-paying ads.
Copyright
You can only earn from content you fully own or have licensed. Copyright claims can cut your YouTube earnings. Strikes can stop monetization altogether. Using unlicensed music or clips puts your channel at risk.
Even one strike restricts you from joining or staying in the Partner Program. Play it safe, create your own content or get the rights.
Policy Violations
YouTube checks your entire channel for compliance with monetization policies and spam, scams, and deceptive content rules.
They look for reused content, misleading titles, mass-produced clips, or AI voiceovers with no real value.
Spammy tactics or policy violations can lead to rejection or even demonetization later.
Even one serious breach can stop you from joining the Partner Program.
It’s not just about hitting the numbers, YouTube wants creators who are original, honest, and follow the rules. Trust and quality matter just as much as views.
Maximize Your YouTube Monetization with MilX
Whether you're monetizing long-form videos or Shorts, one thing matters: access to your YouTube earnings, on your terms.
MilX can help you access your earnings anytime, flexibly.
Get paid upfront, not monthly. Access up to six months of future YouTube income upfront with MilX Active Funds, and move your money instantly across 40+ currencies and 10+ payment methods including crypto.
Need flexibility? Withdraw your YouTube channel earnings anytime to a bank account, card, e-wallet, or crypto wallet, with ultra-low fees.
Running a growing channel? Use your future monetization to invest in gear, ads, or content without slowing down.
MilX is fast, secure, and built for creators who want financial freedom without friction.
Start for free and power up your monetization journey with MilX.
