YouTube Shorts is no longer just a “TikTok alternative.” It’s become one of YouTube’s most powerful growth engines and a legitimate income stream for creators.
Since its launch, Shorts has garnered over 50 billion daily views globally and revolutionized how audiences interact with content.
For creators, this presents both a huge opportunity and some new challenges. The rules for YouTube Shorts monetization differ from those for traditional long-form video. You might be wondering:
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- When did YouTube Shorts start, and why did it become so important?
- What exactly are the YouTube Shorts monetization requirements?
- Can you monetize YouTube Shorts in the same way as longer videos?
- How much do YouTube Shorts make, and what strategies work to grow and earn faster?
Below, we’ll unpack all of this with actionable tips you can use right now.
When Did YouTube Shorts Start?
YouTube Shorts was first launched as a beta in India in September 2020. This rollout was strategic.
India had just banned TikTok, leaving millions of creators searching for a new platform to host their short-form content.
By March 2021, YouTube expanded Shorts to the U.S. and began testing monetization features.
Throughout 2021, YouTube began funding creators directly through the $100 million YouTube Shorts Fund to encourage early adoption of the platform.
In 2022, Shorts became globally available and deeply integrated into the YouTube app, complete with its own dedicated tab and Shorts player.
Then, in February 2023, YouTube introduced revenue sharing for Shorts ads, making monetization far more predictable and scalable.
By early 2023, YouTube announced that Shorts were generating 50 billion daily views worldwide, evidence that short‑form content is a core pillar of the platform.
Shorts has gone from a beta test to a central part of YouTube’s ecosystem in less than three years.
For creators, that means the earlier you adapt and master Shorts, the better positioned you’ll be as the platform continues to invest in this format.
What Are YouTube Shorts?
Shorts are vertical videos up to 60 seconds long, designed for quick consumption on mobile devices.
However, they’ve evolved into a unique content format, driven by their algorithm, editing tools, and audience expectations.
Key Specs:
- Length: 15–60 seconds (you can upload longer, but anything over 60 seconds won’t be classified as a Short)
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
- Content Type: Anything engaging and bite‑sized tutorials, quick tips, lifestyle vlogs, product reviews, reactions, comedy, challenges, or highlights from longer videos.
- Reach: Shorts are algorithmically promoted beyond your subscribers, giving you a faster path to new audiences.
Special features:
- Built‑in editing tools: trim, text overlays, speed controls, multi‑segment recording.
- Access to a vast library of licensed music tracks.
- Ability to reply to comments with a Short.
Can You Monetize YouTube Shorts?
Yes, Creators can monetize Shorts through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) via revenue sharing.
Here’s how the process works in detail:
- Ads run between Shorts in the Shorts feed.
- YouTube pools revenue from these ads every month.
- A portion of that revenue covers music licensing (if you use copyrighted tracks).
- The remaining revenue forms the “creator pool.”
- Creators are paid from this pool based on their share of Shorts views.
Important detail about music:
- Using licensed music affects your earnings.
- If you use one licensed track, YouTube deducts a portion of revenue for music rights before calculating your share.
- If you use multiple tracks, your share decreases further.
- If you use no music, your share of the revenue pool is larger.
Extra ways to earn with Shorts:
- Channel Memberships: Once in YPP, you can offer paid memberships.
- Super Thanks & Super Chat: Viewers can tip you directly.
- Affiliate Links: Promote products in Shorts descriptions for extra commissions.
Shorts monetization does not currently include mid-roll or pre-roll ads, unlike long-form videos, which are tied to the Shorts ad pool.
YouTube Shorts Monetization Requirements
To join the YouTube Partner Program (and monetize Shorts), you need to meet one of these sets of requirements:
Path 1; Long‑Form Focus:
- 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 valid public watch hours on long‑form videos over the past 12 months
Path 2; Shorts Focus:
- 1,000 subscribers
- 10 million valid public Shorts views over the past 90 days
Other requirements:
- Follow YouTube’s Community Guidelines and monetization policies.
- Enable 2‑step verification on your account.
- Have a linked AdSense account to receive payments.
Once you apply and get approved, you can monetize Shorts, long‑form videos, and other YPP features.
How Much Do YouTube Shorts Make?
Earnings can vary widely, but here’s what’s known:
- Short-form ads’ CPMs are lower than long-form ads (due to the shorter ad inventory and revenue split).
- Many creators report $100–$500 per million views, depending on factors like:
- Audience location (U.S./U.K. often earn more)
- Niche (finance, tech, and business tend to pay higher CPMs)
- Engagement (likes, comments, and watch time can boost exposure.
Example:
A creator with 5 million Shorts views in a month may earn anywhere from $500 to $2,500, depending on their niche and audience.
While Shorts CPMs are lower, they’re also a powerful way to drive subscribers to your channel, where long‑form content and other revenue streams can multiply earnings. 
What Content Works Best for Shorts?
Here’s what’s working for top creators:
- Quick educational content: Tips, tricks, and hacks your audience can apply immediately.
- Product demos & reviews: Highlight features in 30–60 seconds.
- Behind‑the‑scenes moments: Build a connection by showing your process.
- Trending challenges: Leverage popular sounds and trends while staying on‑brand.
- Snippets of longer videos: Repurpose high‑performing long‑form clips into Shorts.
Study your analytics to identify which Shorts receive the most likes, shares, and watch time, and focus on those formats.
Proven Strategies to Maximize YouTube Shorts Monetization
- Batch and Repurpose:
Film multiple Shorts in one go. Repurpose older long-form content into Shorts to save time and effort. - Optimize the First 3 Seconds:
Grab attention immediately with a thought-provoking question, a bold statement, or a compelling action.
- Consistency is Key:
Aim for at least 3–5 Shorts per week. Regular uploads train the algorithm and keep viewers coming back. - Engage with Your Community:
Reply to comments, create Shorts from questions, and encourage interaction. - Cross‑Post Your Content:
Utilize Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Pinterest to expand your reach and encourage viewers to return to your channel. - Leverage Analytics:
Monitor your audience retention, traffic sources, and subscriber growth to optimize your content strategy. Experiment, test, and improve.
- Build Toward YPP:
If you’re not yet monetized, focus on hitting those view and subscriber milestones. Plan content that encourages repeat watching and subscriptions.
Conclusion
YouTube Shorts officially launched in 2020 and has grown into a powerhouse for both discovery and monetization.
With billions of daily views, Shorts offer creators an unprecedented opportunity to reach new audiences and earn revenue from short-form content.
By meeting the YouTube Shorts monetization requirements (1,000 subscribers plus either 4,000 long‑form watch hours or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days) and applying proven strategies like batching, cross‑posting, and data‑driven optimization, you can turn your Shorts into a real revenue stream.
Monetization isn’t instant, but the creators who stay consistent, focus on quality, and understand their audience are the ones who see long‑term growth.
Start planning your next Short today; the one you upload tomorrow might be the spark that transforms your channel and your income.
