You might think that hitting YouTube’s monetization requirements means instant approval, but did you know that some creators wait months while others get approved in just a few days?
The short answer is that YouTube takes about 30 days on average to review and approve a channel for monetization. However, approval times can vary widely depending on various factors.
If you're aiming to turn your YouTube channel into a revenue stream, understanding how long it takes—and how to speed up the process—is crucial. Let's break down the timeline, what affects approval speed, and how you can maximize your chances of getting monetized quickly.
Quick Answer: How Long Does It Take?
On average: It takes about 30 days for YouTube to review a monetization application.
Fastest possible time: Some creators have been approved in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
Longest possible time: If issues arise, the review process can take several months.
What Affects the Time It Takes to Get Monetized?
Several factors influence how quickly YouTube approves your monetization request. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Meeting YouTube's Monetization Requirements
Before applying, you must meet all of YouTube’s monetization criteria:
1,000 subscribers
4,000 watch hours in the last 12 months OR 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days
AdSense account linked
Two-factor authentication enabled
No active Community Guidelines strikes
How to Speed It Up: Make sure everything is in place before you apply, including linking your AdSense account and enabling two-factor authentication.
2. YouTube’s Review Queue & Workload
YouTube manually reviews each monetization request. If they are experiencing a high volume of applications, your approval could be delayed.
How to Speed It Up: Apply at off-peak times (avoid major holidays and year-end rushes when YouTube experiences high workloads).
3. Your Content’s Compliance with Policies
YouTube will reject or delay applications from channels that:
Have copyrighted content (music, clips, or images from other creators)
Use reused content with minimal original value
Include misleading, violent, or controversial material
How to Speed It Up: Make sure your videos are fully compliant with YouTube’s monetization policies before applying.
4. Your Channel’s Activity & Engagement
YouTube prioritizes active, engaging channels over those with minimal uploads. If your channel has few videos or sporadic uploads, your approval could be delayed.
How to Speed It Up: Upload consistently and engage with your audience to show YouTube that your channel is active and valuable.
Best-Case vs. Worst-Case Scenarios
✅ Best-Case: Your channel meets all requirements, has original content, and applies during a low-traffic period. You could get approved in 24-48 hours.
❌ Worst-Case: You have content that requires additional review, there's a backlog, or you need to reapply after rejection. Approval may take months.
Common Mistakes That Delay YouTube Monetization (Avoid These!)
❌ Mistake #1: Applying Before You’re Ready
Why It Delays Approval: If your application is incomplete or your channel doesn’t fully meet requirements, YouTube will reject it.
✅ Fix: Double-check that you’ve met all criteria before applying.
❌ Mistake #2: Copyright or Reused Content
Why It Delays Approval: If YouTube flags your content for copyright issues or lack of originality, they may require a manual review.
✅ Fix: Use 100% original content and check for copyright claims in YouTube Studio.
❌ Mistake #3: Incomplete AdSense Setup
Why It Delays Approval: Without an active and linked AdSense account, you won’t get monetized.
✅ Fix: Set up AdSense before applying for monetization.
❌ Mistake #4: Irregular Uploads or Low Engagement
Why It Delays Approval: Inactive channels take longer to be reviewed since YouTube prioritizes active ones.
✅ Fix: Upload regularly and engage with your audience (comments, community posts, etc.).
FAQs About YouTube Monetization
1) How long does it take for YouTube to approve monetization?
Once you meet the requirements and apply for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), YouTube typically reviews your channel in 1-4 weeks. However, in some cases, it can take longer if there’s a backlog of applications.
2) How much money do you make after getting monetized on YouTube?
Earnings vary widely based on niche, CPM (cost per thousand views), and audience location. On average, YouTubers earn between $3 to $10 per 1,000 views from ads, but revenue also comes from sponsorships, memberships, and affiliate marketing.
3) Does YouTube pay you monthly?
Yes. YouTube pays creators once per month via AdSense, typically between the 21st-26th of each month, as long as you’ve reached the $100 minimum payout threshold.
4) Do YouTube Shorts count towards monetization?
Yes! As of 2023, creators can qualify for monetization through YouTube Shorts by achieving 10 million Shorts views in the past 90 days instead of 4,000 public watch hours.
5) Can you get monetized with reused content?
Not exactly. YouTube’s monetization policies require original content. If you use reused or copyrighted content without significant edits, YouTube may reject your monetization application.
6) Does deleting videos affect monetization eligibility?
Yes! If you delete videos that contributed to your 4,000 watch hours, your total watch time will drop, potentially making you ineligible for monetization.
7) Can you monetize a channel without 1,000 subscribers?
Not through ads, but you can still make money on YouTube through channel memberships, affiliate marketing, and brand deals without being in the YouTube Partner Program.
8) Why did I lose monetization after getting approved?
YouTube can demonetize your channel if: Your watch hours drop below 4,000, You violate YouTube’s community guidelines, your channel stays inactive for 6+ months. To avoid losing monetization, keep posting consistently and follow YouTube’s policies.
9) How do I get monetized on YouTube faster?
Upload consistently (at least 1-2 videos per week), Make longer videos to boost watch time, Optimize for SEO (use strong keywords in titles & descriptions), Promote your videos on social media & forums\n- Encourage viewers to subscribe and engage with your content
10) What’s the best niche for fast monetization?
Some of the best YouTube niches for fast monetization include Personal Finance & Investing (High CPM), Tech Reviews & Tutorials, Make Money Online & Side Hustles, Health, Fitness & Self-Improvement, AI & Software Tutorials.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Getting monetized on YouTube isn’t instant, but if you follow the right steps, you can speed up the approval process. On average, it takes 30 days, but if you’re well-prepared, you could get approved in just a few days.
Are you working toward monetization? Drop a comment below and share your experience or ask any questions!
Comments
Post a Comment