01 / THE DEFINITION
YPP (YouTube Partner Program), explained.
The Partner Program unlocks monetization. As of 2026, Tier 1 (fan funding) is roughly 500 subs + 3,000 watch hours (or 3M Shorts views) in 90 days; Tier 2 (full ads) roughly 1,000 subs + 4,000 watch hours (or 10M Shorts views).
02 / THE CONTEXT
Why it matters for growth
Knowing the thresholds tells you whether to optimize for watch hours, Shorts views, or subs next.