YouTube is capitalizing on the Twitch Partner chaos by lowering requirements for its own creators. Here’s the latest.
In a blog post today, YouTube announced it is changing the eligibility requirements to join the YouTube Partner Program. It has also introduced a handful of new monetization features for creators, including paid chat, tipping, channel memberships, and shopping features. The channel memberships feature most closely resembles how Twitch operates today, with users subscribing to individual creators for ad-free browsing.
What are the new eligibility requirements for YouTube Partner Program?
The YouTube Partner Program requirements have been lowered to help smaller creators begin monetizing their content sooner. Now once users have at least 500 subscribers they can apply to join the YPP. Creators must have 3,000 valid watch hours or three million YouTube Shorts views in addition to the subscriber requirement. Previously, a creator needed 1,000 subscribers, 4,000 watch hours, or 10 million YouTube Shorts views to be considered. These new requirements are rolling out across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Taiwan, and South Korea.
TikTok has also lowered the requirements on some of its access to creator monetization features. Creators will more than 10,000 followers now have access to Series, its video paywall feature. Fans pay to access content on Series.
Additionally, YouTube is opening its Shopping affiliate program to subscribers with more than 20,000 followers. This program allows creators to tag products featured in their videos. These affiliate offers have a label noting that they are commission-based and provide a way for creators to review products and earn income from their reviews. It’s worth noting that Artist Channels and channels associated with music partners (music labels, distributors, publishers, VEVO) are not eligible for third-party product tagging on YouTube.
Twitch is fumbling its Partner Program as more live streaming options become available. Mixer may have shut down, but YouTube is just as viable for anyone who wants to watch gamers or musicians have fun. Long-time Twitch creators like Asmongold are calling for a boycott of the service, so YouTube’s timely decision to lower requirements helps give those participating another outlet.