The question of monetization eligibility on YouTube frequently arises for content creators. While accumulating a substantial audience is beneficial, subscriber count is only one element in determining a channel’s capacity to generate revenue. Other factors, such as watch hours and adherence to YouTube’s policies, play equally critical roles.
Historically, a larger subscriber base correlated more directly with potential earnings. This was primarily due to the reliance on advertising revenue, where a greater audience theoretically led to more ad impressions. However, the platform’s evolving policies and diverse monetization methods have broadened the criteria, moving beyond solely focusing on subscriber numbers. This shift has allowed channels with niche audiences and strong engagement to thrive financially, even without millions of subscribers.
