The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) gives accepted creators three categories of benefit: monetization features (ads, memberships, Supers, Shopping), access to Creator Support teams, and additional YouTube resources. Per the official page, YPP operates through a module system — you accept the Base Terms to join, then independently activate the optional modules you want to use.
The two YPP tiers: expanded and full
According to YouTube's expanded YPP overview page and YouTube's YPP overview page, the program has two tiers:
| Criterion | Expanded YPP | Full YPP |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum threshold | 500 subscribers + 3 uploads in 90 days + (3,000 watch hours or 3M Shorts views) | 1,000 subscribers + (4,000 watch hours or 10M Shorts views) |
| Geographic restriction | Yes — specific countries | Broader — check official list |
| Watch Page ads and Premium | No | Yes |
| Shorts Feed ads | No | Yes |
| Channel memberships, Supers, Shopping | Yes (with conditions) | Yes |
| YouTube Shopping Affiliate | No | Yes (eligible countries) |
| Creator Partnerships | No | Yes (18+ and eligible countries) |
| Creator Support access | Yes | Yes |
Key takeaways:
- Per YouTube's updated YPP terms page, YPP uses a module system — accept Base Terms to join, then independently accept optional modules. Joining YPP does not activate features automatically.
- You can opt out of any specific module at any time by contacting Creator Support — but this will pause the features associated with that module.
- Creator Support access is a meaningful non-financial benefit of YPP — it gives you a direct line to YouTube's creator support teams.
- YouTube continuously reviews channels after acceptance — compliance with monetization policies must be maintained, not just met at application time.
How does the YPP modules system work?
According to YouTube's updated YPP terms page, the program has two layers:
Layer 1: Base Terms (mandatory)
Required for all creators joining or remaining in YPP. Covers: how YouTube pays you, content policies, country pass-throughs, and other foundational terms. Must be accepted before anything else.
Layer 2: Modules (optional, independent)
After accepting the Base Terms, you choose which modules to activate:
- Watch Page Monetization Module: Enables ad and YouTube Premium revenue from long-form videos and live streams on the Watch Page.
- Shorts Monetization Module: Enables ad and YouTube Premium revenue from Shorts in the Shorts Feed. Full details.
- Commerce Product Module (CPM): Unlocks fan funding features: channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, Super Thanks.
- Additional modules may be added in the future — the module system lets YouTube introduce new monetization opportunities without requiring a full agreement update.
✅ Your right to opt out of any module
Per the official page, you can opt out of any specific monetization module at any time by contacting Creator Support. Opting out pauses the features associated with that module but does not remove you from YPP.
YPP benefits beyond revenue
Per the official page, YPP offers more than monetization features alone:
- Creator Support: Access to YouTube's dedicated support teams for creators — available for help with monetization issues, content questions, and policy clarifications.
- YouTube resources: Access to creator-specific programs, events, and educational resources reserved for YouTube partners.
- Creator Partnerships tab: A built-in brand deal discovery tool in YouTube Studio available to eligible full YPP creators. Full details.
How do you activate monetization features after joining YPP?
After your application is accepted, from YouTube Studio:
📋 Steps to activate modules after YPP acceptance
- Open YouTube Studio → Earn.
- Each available module has its own Get started button.
- For long-form video ads: accept the Watch Page Monetization Module.
- For Shorts ads: accept the Shorts Monetization Module.
- For channel memberships and Supers: accept the Commerce Product Module (CPM).
- After accepting each module, enable individual features (e.g., Super Chat vs. Super Thanks) independently from the same Earn section.
How do you maintain your YPP status?
Per the official page, acceptance into YPP is not permanent — ongoing conditions apply:
- Continuous monitoring: YouTube reviews channels in YPP on an ongoing basis to verify continued policy compliance.
- Regular activity: Channels that have not uploaded a video or posted to the Posts tab for 6 months or more risk having monetization turned off.
- Policy compliance: Violating monetization policies or Community Guidelines can result in removal regardless of subscriber count.
- Active AdSense for YouTube account: The account must remain active and linked. If it lapses or is closed, monetization enters a paused state.
Frequently asked questions
Does joining YPP automatically activate all monetization features?
No. Per the official page, YPP uses a module system — Base Terms are accepted to join, then each additional module is accepted independently. Watch Page Module for video ads, Shorts Module for Shorts ads, Commerce Product Module for memberships and Supers. Without accepting a module, the associated features are not activated even after YPP acceptance.
Can you apply to YPP with a channel that has old policy violations?
Per the official page, applications require no active Community Guidelines strikes. Past violations that have expired or been successfully appealed do not prevent applying. However, the review examines the entire channel — videos with past policy issues may still reduce the likelihood of acceptance even if the strike itself has expired.
Can existing YPP members stay in the program while having a Community Guidelines strike?
Per the official page, current YPP members are not automatically removed upon receiving a Community Guidelines strike — this is different from new applicants who need no active strikes to apply. However, violations of monetization policies (distinct from Community Guidelines strikes) can result in removal from YPP regardless of membership status.
Can you apply to YPP with a second channel while your first channel is suspended?
Per YouTube's monetization policies, if your channel is suspended from YPP due to a policy violation, you should not attempt to circumvent restrictions by using new channels or related channels during the suspension period. Violations may apply to all channels associated with the same user or channels the creator regularly appears on.
Can you opt out of one YPP module while keeping others active?
Yes. Per the official page, you can opt out of specific modules at any time by contacting Creator Support. For example, you can deactivate the Commerce Product Module while keeping Watch Page ads active. Opting out of a module stops only the features associated with that module and does not remove you from YPP.
Official sources
- YouTube Help — YouTube Partner Program overview and eligibility: program definition and benefits
- YouTube Help — Expanded YPP overview: features available from 500 subscribers
- YouTube Help — Changes to YPP terms: Base Terms and modules system
- YouTube Help — Choose how you want to monetize: modules and available options
- YouTube Help — YouTube Partner Program tips: making the most of program features