YouTube is changing the rules of how it makes money, making it easier for more creators to join its affiliate program.

This move is intended to help more people earn revenue from their videos.

At the same time, YouTube is expanding its shopping affiliate program, which could bring in more money for YouTubers with large audiences.

This article explains the changes to YouTube’s monetization policies and what they mean for content creators.

YouTube Partner Program: Easier Access, More Opportunities

By lowering the eligibility criteria, YouTube is giving creators earlier access to its affiliate program.

The company states in an announcement:

“Now we are expanding the program by introducing early access to the YPP with lower eligibility criteria that will help you start earning on YouTube sooner by providing access to fan funding features like channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Thank and more .”

To be eligible for the affiliate program, creators must meet a threshold of 500 subscribers, three public uploads in the last 90 days, 3000 clock hours in the past year or 3 million shorts views in the last 90 days.

This changed requirement allows new creators to monetize content faster without having to meet previously high standards.

Expansion of the YouTube Shopping Affiliate Program

Screenshot from: blog.youtube/news-and-events/more-ways-for-creators-to-earn-on-youtube/, June 2023.

In addition to changes in the partner program, YouTube is expanding its shopping affiliate program.

This update allows creators with over 20,000 subscribers Feature other brands’ products in their content, which entitles them to competitive commission rates on sales of products tagged in their videos and shorts.

Creators can now monetize their influence in a new way and benefit directly from sales of the products they promote.

Andréa Matillano, YouTube Beauty Creator, praised the program, stating, “By joining the YouTube Shopping Affiliate Program, it’s easy for viewers to shop right next to me and learn more about the products I offer.” The program itself makes it incredibly easy to view commission rates on products and tag videos.”

What’s next for YouTube and YouTubers?

These changes coincide with a contentious situation at one of its main competitors, Twitch.

Proposed changes to Twitch’s monetization policy caused frustration among creators as they fear the potential negative impact on their revenue.

With updates to the affiliate program, YouTube could attract disgruntled creators to its platform and allow them to make money faster.

In addition, the expansion of the Shopping Affiliate Program allows YouTubers with a large subscriber base to earn commissions on product sales featured in their videos.

YouTube’s reduced monetization requirements are seen as a step in the right direction, as they increase the earning potential for creators while maintaining a competitive advantage in the streaming video market.

Featured image created by the author using Midjourney.

source: Youtube.