YouTube Doubles Watch-Time Requirements for New Creators to Monetize Content
YouTube is increasing the eligibility requirements for its Partner Programme starting February 1, 2027. New creators must now have 8,000 qualified watch hours in the past year or 20 million qualified Shorts views in the last 90 days, doubling previous thresholds. The 1,000 subscriber minimum remains unchanged. Existing creators are unaffected. Additionally, creators must maintain 10 million Shorts views over 90 days to continue earning from Shorts, though they can still monetize long-form videos if they fall below this mark.
First-hand measurement across 2 sources
We measured how 2 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is neutral (50/100). Lens Score 42/100.
Outlets measured: indiatoday, firstpost. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (50–50/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
firstpost broke this story on 10 Aug, 07:47 pm. Other outlets followed.