Introduction
YouTube has entered the short-form video arena in a big way with YouTube Shorts—and now, creators can actually get paid for their content through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). If you’re a college student looking to grow your online presence and earn real money by making videos from your dorm room, this guide is made for you.
Let’s dive into how the YouTube Partner Program for Shorts works and how you can join, grow, and get paid on one of the world’s largest video platforms.
What is the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)?
The YouTube Partner Program is a monetization program that allows creators to earn revenue from ads and other tools. While it used to be exclusive to long-form videos, in 2023 YouTube extended YPP to Shorts, making it a game-changer for short-form content creators.
You can now earn money from:
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Ads shown between Shorts
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Fan funding (Super Thanks, Super Chats)
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Channel memberships
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Shopping (affiliate and product shelf)
Requirements to Join YPP via Shorts
There are two main ways to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program. You only need to meet one of these:
Option 1 (Long-form Path)
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1,000 subscribers
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4,000 public watch hours (in the last 12 months)
Option 2 (Shorts Path)
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1,000 subscribers
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10 million valid public Shorts views (within 90 days)
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re focusing on Shorts, aim to post consistently and engage with trending sounds or challenges to build momentum fast.
How YouTube Shorts Revenue Sharing Works
Here’s a simplified breakdown:
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YouTube collects ad revenue from ads shown in the Shorts feed.
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A portion of that revenue goes into a pool for Shorts creators.
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From this pool:
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45% goes to YouTube
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55% is distributed to creators based on their share of total views
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Unlike TikTok Creator Fund or Facebook Reels bonuses, YouTube uses ad revenue, making it more sustainable long-term.
How to Get Started (Step-by-Step)
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Create a YouTube Channel
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Use your Gmail account and set up a branded channel name.
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Add a logo and banner, especially if you’re targeting a specific niche.
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Focus on Shorts Content
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Videos must be vertical (9:16), under 60 seconds, and highly engaging.
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Use trending audio, effects, and text overlays.
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Post Consistently
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Aim for 3–5 Shorts per week.
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Stay on niche—whether it’s campus life, study hacks, or skits.
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Track Your Progress
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Use YouTube Studio to monitor your subscriber count and Shorts views.
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See what types of content perform best.
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Apply for YPP
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Once you meet the criteria, go to YouTube Studio > Monetization > Apply.
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You’ll be reviewed within 30 days.
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College Student Content Ideas for Shorts
As a student, you’re in a great position to create relatable content. Try these:
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Day in the Life at My University
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Dorm Room Hacks
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How I Study for Finals
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Budget Meals in 60 Seconds
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Campus Confessions or Challenges
Keep it fun, raw, and real—your audience will love the authenticity.
Realistic Earnings from Shorts
Shorts monetization is still evolving, but some creators report making anywhere from $50 to $2,000+ per month depending on:
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Total views
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Niche (tech, education, lifestyle often pay more)
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Engagement and audience retention
It might not make you rich overnight, but it’s a solid step into building your creator brand.
Common Questions
Q: Do I need a fancy camera or mic?
Nope. Your smartphone is more than enough for Shorts!
Q: Can I use TikTok videos on Shorts?
Avoid reposting watermarked videos. YouTube prefers original content.
Q: What if I don’t meet the views requirement?
Stay consistent. One viral Short can skyrocket your numbers overnight.
Final Thoughts
The YouTube Partner Program for Shorts is one of the most promising ways for college students to start earning money and growing a digital presence. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle, building a personal brand, or just exploring your creative side, this is your shot.
Start posting, experiment with content, and stay consistent—your dorm room might just be the next creator HQ.
