When you set up a YouTube channel, more often than not, the aim is to start generating revenue as quickly as possible. There are 4 requirements that you need to have met in order to be accepted into the YouTube Partner Program, which are:

• Your channel must have at least 1000 Subscribers.
• Your videos must have generated 4,000 Watch Time hours over the last 12 months.
• You have an AdSense account.
• You comply with all YouTube's policies and guidelines.

Reaching Your Watch Time Hour Target

This refers to how much video content is watched on your channel from people all across the world in the last 12 months. You could well have well 4,000 hours of Watch Time over the lifetime of your channel, but it's only the last 12 months that count for YouTube Partner Program requirements.

Some useful things to remember is that live streams do count towards that total, as do unlisted videos. If you delete any videos, however, that Watch Time will be removed from your channel Watch Time hours. Also, if you are already in the YouTube Partner Program but loose your 4000 hours of watch time in any given period of time, you will not automatically be removed, but, YouTube could action this at any time at their discretion.

Google Adsense Account

YouTube needs a way to pay you if you are going to start earning money from them. If you haven't got an AdSense account, you can set one up during the YouTube Partner Program application process. If you do already have an account, you can connect multiple channels to it.

Adhering To Youtube's Policies And Guidelines

YouTube state: When you apply for the YouTube Partner Program, you'll go through a standard review process to see whether your channel meets YouTube's policy and guidelines. Only channels that meet them will be accepted into the program.

It’s well worth familiarizing yourself with the very comprehensive YouTube policies and guidelines. Generally speaking however you need to apply a little bit of common sense. If in your gut you feel a video may be inappropriate, then it likely is. Adding content is purely at your own risk and regardless of if you have met all of the other requirements such as subscribers and watch time, YouTube can reject you or chuck you out of the YPP at any time.

A really important point to also consider is how strict YouTube are with copyrighted material.
You have to make sure that you're adding value to any third party content you monetize, and that your content has significant original commentary, educational value, or editorialized statement. However, this does not give you a license to use other people's content in your videos all of the time. YouTube may still use this as an argument not to monetize your content.

Applying To The Youtube Partner Program

Once you have met all of the requirements discussed above, its time to apply to the YouTube Partner Program. This can take a while, usually up to a month, as actual people are reviewing content and making the decisions. Sometimes it can be much quicker, and YouTubers have been approved in days, however, it can also be the case that it takes longer than a month. If this happens, it’s likely because YouTube feels that your channel needs further review. Unfortunately, this will likely cause lengthy delays, meaning it could take as long as 12 months to get a decision. If this happens, the best thing to do is to talk to TeamYouTube on Twitter and make sure that everybody knows that you have an issue with your monetization decision. This could help speed things up.

What If I Get Rejected?

Let’s start with the good news. If this happens you can reapply after just 30 days. However, YouTube will only ever give you a general reason as to why you were rejected. They will never tell you specifically what video or content is causing the issue. This can leave you in the dark as to what it is you need to change.

The best approach is to, again, apply a little common sense. Ask yourself if there are any videos that may have copyright content on them? If so, delete these videos. Are there any videos that YouTube may deem inappropriate? If so, delete them!

How Can I Check On The Progress Of My Application?

You can view all of your analytics by clicking on your logo in the top right-hand corner of most YouTube pages, and then clicking on YouTube Studio Beta. To quickly check the progress on monetization hover your mouse over "Other features", and then click on "Status and Features". On this screen, you should see a monetization box, and if you click "Learn more", it will tell you exactly where you currently stand with subscribers and Watch Time hours.

So now you have all of the requirements, tips and tricks on how to start monetizing your YouTube channel. Good luck, you are on your way to becoming a YouTube superstar.