How many views do I need on YouTube to start making money?
Short answer
You start earning from view 1 once accepted into the YouTube Partner Program (1,000 subs + 4,000 watch hours, or 10M Shorts views). First payment lands ~60–90 days after monetization once you cross AdSense's $100 threshold.
YPP requirement: 1,000 subscribers + 4,000 valid long-form watch hours in the last 12 months, OR 10M Shorts views in the last 90 days. YPP Lite (500 subs / 3,000 watch hours) unlocks fan funding only — not ads.
Once in YPP, every monetized view generates revenue. AdSense pays once your balance crosses $100, then around the 21st of the following month.
| Segment | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| YPP threshold (long-form path) | 1,000 subs | 1,000 subs | + 4,000 watch hours |
| YPP threshold (Shorts path) | 1,000 subs | 1,000 subs | + 10M Shorts views |
| AdSense payout threshold | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Typical time to first $100 | 1 month | 3–6 months | 12+ months |
Caveats
- Watch hours from Shorts and private videos don't count toward the long-form requirement.
- Re-applying after rejection has a 30-day cooldown.