Guide
How to Find a YouTube Channel ID (3 Easy Ways)
Three ways to find a YouTube channel ID: copy it from the About section, read it from the channel URL, or find it in the page source.
Read guideYouTube Monetization Requirements Explained
The YouTube Partner Program thresholds explained: subscribers, watch hours, Shorts views and the other requirements to earn ad revenue.
Key takeaways
- You need 1,000 subscribers plus a second goal.
- The second goal is 4,000 public watch hours in 12 months, or 10 million public Shorts views in 90 days.
- YouTube also reviews the channel against its policies.
- Check the current numbers on YouTube Help before you plan around them.
The thresholds
These figures come from YouTube Help, checked in November 2026.
| Requirement | Long-form path | Shorts path |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Activity | 4,000 public watch hours, past 12 months | 10 million public Shorts views, past 90 days |
Other requirements
- Follow YouTube’s monetization policies and Community Guidelines.
- Turn on 2-Step Verification for your Google account.
- Live in a region where the Partner Program is available.
- Link an AdSense account so earnings can be paid.
How to apply
- Open YouTube Studio and select Earn.
- Review the requirements shown for your channel.
- Accept the terms, link AdSense and submit for review.
What if you do not meet them yet?
- Look at retention in Analytics and improve the first 30 seconds of each video.
- Make more of what already gets watch time, and link to it from new videos.
- Keep your numbers in the Monetization Checker to see how close you are.
Try it yourself with the free YouTube Monetization Checker.
Open the Monetization Checker