Over the past year, YouTube has introduced a series of updates that have significantly impacted creators on the platform. While some changes are minor, others have fundamentally altered how YouTube operates, shaping the future of content creation. As we look ahead, it’s clear that YouTube’s pace of innovation shows no signs of slowing down.
To help you stay updated, here’s a breakdown of the most important YouTube updates every creator should be aware of.
Monetization Updates
What are the new eligibility requirements for YouTube fan funding tools?
To unlock fan funding tools like Channel Memberships, Super Thanks, and Super Chats, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Subscribers: 500 subscribers
- Public Videos: Three public videos uploaded in the last 90 days
- Watch Hours: 3,000 watch hours in the last year or 3 million YouTube Shorts views in the last 90 days
How can I unlock ad revenue on YouTube under the new eligibility rules?
To unlock ad revenue, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Subscribers: 1,000 subscribers
- Watch Hours: 4,000 watch hours in the last year or 10 million YouTube Shorts views in the last 90 days
What is the updated reapplication process for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)?
If your YPP application is rejected, you can now reapply after 21 days, instead of the previous 30-day wait. However, if your application is rejected a second time, you’ll need to wait 90 days before applying again.
How can I monetize YouTube Shorts?
To monetize YouTube Shorts, you need 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days. The revenue-sharing model for Shorts differs, with YouTube pooling all Shorts ad revenue, calculating a creator’s share based on views and music usage, and then distributing 45% of the revenue to creators.
What is YouTube's automatic ad placement, and how does it affect creators?
YouTube has introduced automatic ad placement for certain ads, controlling whether pre-roll, post-roll, skippable, or non-skippable ads are shown. While this could increase revenue by optimising ad placement, creators still retain full control over mid-roll ads.
What are YouTube's new profanity guidelines?
YouTube has updated its profanity rules. Creators who use moderate profanity within the first 7 seconds of a video can still monetize fully, while stronger profanity may lead to limited monetization. Additionally, profanity in thumbnails or titles will result in demonetization.
How is YouTube addressing ad blocker usage?
YouTube is taking active steps to discourage ad blocker usage, encouraging viewers to support creators by subscribing to YouTube Premium. This move aims to ensure fair compensation for creators and maintain the platform’s sustainability.
New YouTube Tools
What is YouTube’s Video Inspiration Tool, and how does it help creators?
YouTube is rolling out an AI-powered Video Inspiration Tool that provides personalized content ideas based on analytics and viewer behaviour, helping creators stay relevant and engage their audience more effectively.
How does the Assistive Search for Creator Music feature work?
This new feature simplifies the process of finding the perfect music tracks for your videos. By describing the type of music you need, YouTube’s assistive search recommends tracks, speeding up the content creation process.
What is Dream Screen, and how can creators use it?
Launched in 2024, Dream Screen allows creators to use AI to generate custom backgrounds for YouTube Shorts, adding a new layer of creativity to short-form content.
How have YouTube’s subscribe and like buttons been enhanced?
YouTube has introduced dynamic animations for the subscribe and like buttons, making them more interactive and encouraging viewer engagement when a creator prompts their audience to subscribe or like the video.
What features does the YouTube Create App offer?
The new YouTube Create App is a comprehensive video editor available on Android, allowing creators to trim, split, and rearrange clips, add captions, reduce background noise, and sync videos to music—all within one app.
How can creators use A/B Thumbnail Testing on YouTube?
Creators can now test up to three different thumbnails per video. YouTube will select the most effective one based on watch time, helping optimize video performance.
What is YouTube’s AI Content Certification tool?
In 2024, YouTube will introduce a self-certification tool for AI-generated content to prevent misinformation and impersonation. Creators must disclose AI involvement in their content or face potential penalties.
What is vertical live streaming on YouTube, and how can it benefit creators?
YouTube now supports vertical live streaming, catering to the increasing popularity of vertical video formats like those on TikTok and Instagram, providing creators with new ways to engage their audience.
