Thousands of smaller creators have expressed their outrage this week at YouTube’s unexpected update to their Partner Program terms. The changes, effective from 17th January 2018, mean that YouTube channels will only be eligible for monetization of their videos if they have 4,000 hours of viewing time over 12 months and at least 1,000 subscribers.
Previously, channels could join the Program once they had reached 10,000 public views, over no specific timeframe. Any channels falling short of this new requirement have been handed a 30-day notice to either reach the new threshold or lose their ad income from 20th February 2018.
YouTube explained of the changes in their blog:
“We’ve arrived at these new thresholds after thorough analysis and conversations with creators like you. They will allow us to significantly improve our ability to identify creators who contribute positively to the community and help drive more ad revenue to them (and away from bad actors). These higher standards will also help us prevent potentially inappropriate videos from monetizing which can hurt revenue for everyone.”
This is certainly a blow for small YouTubers who feel the changes will make it more difficult to grow their channel. But it has also seen the community band together in order to help each other reach the new threshold.
Have you been affected by these changes? Let us know!
If you need advice on your YouTube channel please get in touch with Sam on 01903 234094 or email sam@starboxaccountants.com.