🎯 Want to Get Paid for Your YouTube Shorts?
YouTube is no longer just for long videos. With YouTube Shorts, creators can now earn real money — and yes, even if your videos are just 15 seconds long!
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) for Shorts, how to get accepted, and how much you can actually earn.
💼 What Is the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) for Shorts?
The YPP is YouTube’s way of sharing ad revenue with content creators. In 2023, YouTube launched a major update that now allows Shorts creators to earn money through ad revenue — not just bonuses.
Unlike before, where you needed long-form watch time to qualify, now your Shorts views can get you monetized too.
📋 Requirements to Join the YouTube Partner Program (Shorts Creators)
You have two pathways to qualify:
Option 1:
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1,000 subscribers
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4,000 hours of long-form watch time (in the past 12 months)
Option 2 (For Shorts Creators):
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1,000 subscribers
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10 million valid public Shorts views in the past 90 days
💡Pro Tip: If you’re aiming to go viral with Shorts, track your views weekly and double down on what’s working.
💰 How Monetization Works for YouTube Shorts
Unlike long-form videos, Shorts run in a vertical feed, so ads aren’t attached directly to your videos.
Here’s how it works:
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All ads between Shorts are pooled together into a revenue bucket.
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YouTube splits that revenue:
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55% goes to YouTube
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45% is shared with creators
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The 45% is distributed based on views and used to cover music licensing if applicable.
So, if your Short has millions of views, you’re entitled to a slice of that revenue pie.
🧮 How Much Can You Earn with YouTube Shorts?
It depends on:
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Number of views
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Whether you use copyrighted music
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Regional CPM (cost per 1,000 views)
Rough estimate:
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$0.04 – $0.06 per 1,000 views
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1M views = ~$40–$60 (or more if you avoid copyrighted music)
🔥 Pro Tip: Original sounds = more $$.
🛠 Other Ways to Make Money from Shorts
Besides the YouTube ad revenue share, here are other income sources you can plug into:
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Brand Deals & Sponsorships
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Affiliate Marketing (drop links in your bio!)
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Selling Digital Products or Courses
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Promoting Your Merch Store
💡Shorts = attention → attention = leverage → leverage = monetization.
📈 Pro Strategy to Get Accepted FAST
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Post 3–5 Shorts a week around your niche
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Use trending sounds but be mindful of copyright
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Add strong CTAs like “Follow for more tips”
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Aim for content that’s watchable on repeat (loop-friendly)
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Analyze what goes viral and double-down on that style
🧠 Final Thoughts
The YouTube Partner Program for Shorts is a golden opportunity for micro creators to make real money — no studio, no fancy gear, just pure creativity.
Whether you’re an entertainer, educator, or storyteller, now’s your chance to monetize your momentum and build a brand that pays you back.
Shorts are short… but your earnings potential is long.
