Recommended Free Tools
As of October 3, 2026, YouTube’s standard route to Watch Page Ads, Shorts Feed Ads and YouTube Premium revenue requires 1,000 subscribers plus either 4,000 qualified public watch hours in the previous 12 months or 10 million qualified Shorts views in the previous 90 days. Eligible creators in regions with expanded YouTube Partner Program (YPP) access may qualify earlier for certain fan-funding and Shopping features: 500 subscribers, three valid public uploads in 90 days, and either 3,000 qualified watch hours or 3 million qualified Shorts views. Meeting a threshold lets you apply; it does not guarantee approval.
YouTube has also announced a higher ad and Premium entry threshold for new creators starting February 1, 2027. The distinction matters: the 2027 figures are not the requirements in effect on October 3, 2026.
Which YouTube monetization threshold do you need?
There are two YPP entry tiers with different benefits. The lower, expanded-YPP tier can unlock eligible fan-funding and Shopping features; it does not by itself qualify a channel for Watch Page Ads, Shorts Feed Ads or Premium revenue. Those ad and Premium features use the standard threshold. YouTube lists additional eligibility conditions for individual features, so reaching either tier does not automatically enable every feature.
| Route | Subscribers | Other qualifying activity | What the threshold can unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded YPP, where available | 500 | Three valid public uploads in the previous 90 days, plus either 3,000 qualified public watch hours in the previous 12 months or 3 million qualified Shorts views in the previous 90 days | Eligible fan-funding and Shopping features, subject to each feature’s requirements |
| Standard YPP ad and Premium route | 1,000 | Either 4,000 qualified public watch hours in the previous 12 months or 10 million qualified Shorts views in the previous 90 days | Eligibility to apply for Watch Page Ads, Shorts Feed Ads and YouTube Premium revenue, subject to review and feature terms |
The hours and Shorts-view figures in each row are alternatives, not totals to combine. You do not need to meet both viewing routes. The expanded program is available only in participating countries and regions; check YouTube’s expanded YPP overview for current availability.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What counts as a watch hour or Shorts view?
Watch-hour route
The threshold uses qualifying watch hours from public long-form videos. Watch time from Shorts Feed viewing does not count toward the watch-hour requirement. YouTube excludes watch hours from private, unlisted or deleted videos, ad campaigns, and livestreams that remain unlisted, are deleted, or are not converted to video on demand.
Shorts-view route
The threshold uses qualifying views of public Shorts that appear in the Shorts Feed. Views from private, unlisted or deleted Shorts, ad campaigns, and image posts in the Shorts Feed do not count.
Paid promotion is not a shortcut
Views and watch time generated by paid ad campaigns do not count toward these thresholds. YouTube says qualifying organic views that follow promoted content can count. Check the current definitions on YouTube’s YPP eligibility page and monetization feature overview, since eligibility rules can change.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Requirements beyond subscribers and views
YouTube checks account eligibility and channel compliance as well as the numeric thresholds. The main prerequisites listed for applying include:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems- Your channel is based in a country or region where the relevant YPP tier is available.
- You follow YouTube channel monetization policies and have no active Community Guidelines strikes.
- You have 2-Step Verification enabled and access to advanced features.
- You link or prepare to set up one AdSense for YouTube account through YouTube Studio.
Applicants also complete the signup steps and accept the relevant terms. Review YouTube’s channel monetization policies before applying; they cover more than copyright alone, including Community Guidelines, Terms of Service, rights clearance, program rules and advertiser-friendly content standards for ad monetization.
How to check eligibility and apply in YouTube Studio
- Check the Earn area. In YouTube Studio, open Earn to see your channel’s progress toward available YPP thresholds and the features offered in your region.
- Choose the applicable route. Confirm that you meet the subscriber requirement and one of the qualifying activity routes for the tier you want. For expanded YPP, also verify the three-valid-public-upload requirement.
- Complete account prerequisites. Enable 2-Step Verification, confirm access to advanced features, check that there is no active Community Guidelines strike, and prepare one AdSense for YouTube account through Studio.
- Submit the application and accept the terms. Follow the signup steps shown in Studio. YouTube reviews the channel as a whole against its policies and guidelines; reaching the threshold alone is not approval.
- Activate eligible features and modules. If accepted, review the feature-specific conditions and accept the applicable terms or monetization modules in Studio. A channel’s YPP acceptance does not mean every feature is automatically enabled.
What happens during review—and after approval?
YouTube says an application goes through a standard review to determine whether the channel meets its policies and guidelines. Review applies to the channel as a whole, not just the videos or metrics that helped it reach a threshold. YouTube also says it continues monitoring channels after acceptance.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If subscriber or watch-hour counts dip below the threshold while an application is waiting for review, YouTube says that does not stop the review. After acceptance, keep the channel active: YouTube may turn off monetization if a channel has no video uploads or Posts activity for six months or more.
How the monetization features differ
YouTube’s feature comparison places memberships, Super Chat and Super Stickers, Super Thanks, and Shopping among features that may be available at the lower threshold when their other requirements are met. Watch Page Ads, Shorts Feed Ads and Premium revenue are associated with the higher threshold. Age, location, channel content and other conditions can still apply to an individual feature. See YouTube’s feature requirements for the current details.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Shorts ad revenue has an additional timing rule: eligible Shorts views begin qualifying for revenue sharing only after you accept the Shorts Monetization Module. Views from before acceptance are not paid under that module. Review YouTube’s Shorts monetization policies and module terms before opting in.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What changes on February 1, 2027?
YouTube has announced that, starting February 1, 2027, new creators seeking ad and Premium revenue will need 1,000 subscribers plus either 8,000 qualified watch hours in the previous 365 days or 20 million qualified Shorts views in the previous 90 days. YouTube says this change does not affect creators already in YPP. It also says the lower fan-funding and Shopping route remains at 500 subscribers, three public uploads, and either 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views.
These are announced future thresholds, not the standard ad and Premium requirements in effect on October 3, 2026. Check YouTube’s YPP changes notice and the Earn area in Studio for updates before you apply.
Common reasons a channel’s progress may not match its total views
- Shorts watch time is being counted toward watch hours. Shorts Feed viewing time does not count toward the public watch-hour route; use the Shorts-view route instead.
- A video or Short is private, unlisted or deleted. Those formats or statuses are excluded from the relevant qualifying totals.
- The activity came from a paid campaign. Ad-campaign views and watch time do not count toward the thresholds.
- A livestream is not available as a qualifying public video afterward. A livestream that remains unlisted, is deleted, or is not converted to video on demand does not count toward watch hours.
- The channel meets the figures but cannot apply or is not approved. Check region availability, account prerequisites, strikes and policy compliance. Thresholds allow an application; YouTube’s channel review determines acceptance.
- A feature is unavailable after joining YPP. Check its separate age, location, content and module requirements rather than assuming YPP membership activates every feature.
Keep a public livestream running while building a channel
A continuous stream can be one part of a channel’s programming, but livestream activity does not automatically count toward YPP watch hours: it must meet YouTube’s conditions, including remaining public and being converted to video on demand. A stream’s existence also does not replace the subscriber, qualifying activity, policy or review requirements.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
For creators who want to loop uploaded videos as a YouTube livestream, StreamNeo keeps the stream running from the cloud rather than requiring a home computer to stay on. It streams to YouTube only; it does not go live from a camera. StreamNeo does not change YPP eligibility or guarantee that livestream watch time will qualify.
Or let it run in the cloud
- Upload a recording or build a playlist.
- Add your YouTube stream key once.
- Go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud.
Nothing needs to stay on at home. Uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; YouTube-drop recovery is automatic. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo, then start the free first day.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
