Most artists already have tools that can make them money on YouTube — they just don’t know it. Here’s how to get monetized, connect Content ID, and finally start getting paid for the traffic your music already earns.
Table of Contents
What This Article Covers
- What the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) actually is
- How it’s different from Content ID
- How to qualify and apply for monetization
- How to actually get paid
- How to check if you already have Content ID or an Official Artist Channel
There Are Two Ways to Make Money on YouTube
Everybody wants to know how to make money on YouTube — and the truth is, most artists already can. They just don’t know it yet.
- Content ID – for musicians. Learn more about Content ID here.
- YouTube Partner Program (YPP) – for creators.
If you’re an artist, you might already have Content ID running in the background — it just hasn’t been activated properly. But if you’re uploading regular content — talking to fans, vlogs, behind-the-scenes clips — you’ll eventually want to join YPP too.
What the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) Actually Does
The YPP is what lets creators make money directly from ads on their channel. Once you’re accepted, every video you upload becomes eligible for ads — pre-rolls, mid-rolls, and display ads. And you can use the same song in multiple videos. That’s the beauty of YouTube.
But not all views are equal. A view from Los Angeles or London might earn you 5–10x more than a view from India or the Philippines. That’s not YouTube being unfair — it’s just ad spend. Advertisers in richer countries pay more per impression. Learn more about this here.
Still, once you’re monetized, you’ve crossed the line from posting to earning.
How to Qualify for the YouTube Partner Program
There are two routes to get in: the Long-Form Route or the Shorts Route.
Option 1: Long-Form Route (Classic YouTube Videos)
- 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 hours of valid public watch time in the past 12 months. That means organic watch time, NOT derived from ads. People have to find your videos and watch them themselves.
Option 2: Shorts Route (Vertical Video Path)
- 1,000 subscribers
- 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days
Yes — Shorts can get you monetized too, but it’s a grind. Long-form content tends to build real watch time faster and attract higher ad rates.
Why the Numbers Sometimes Change
You’ll see people online saying, “I got monetized with 2,000 hours.” That happens because YouTube occasionally tests lower thresholds for smaller countries or channels using Shorts-only monetization. For most of the world, it’s still 1,000 subs + 4,000 hours.
The Hidden Rules
- At least three public uploads in the last 90 days
- No copyright or community strikes
- 2-Step Verification turned on
- AdSense account connected
How To Hit 4,000 Hours Organic Watch Time
If your average viewer watches 15 seconds, you’ll crawl toward 4,000 hours forever. But if you post five-minute videos that people actually finish, you’ll fly.
- Post long-form content (5+ minutes)
- Hook people fast — first 3 seconds matter
- Create series or playlists to encourage bingeing
- Aim for 50%+ retention
Once You’re Eligible: How to Actually Get Paid
Step 1: Apply for Monetization
- Go to YouTube Studio → Monetization → Apply.
- Accept all agreements.
- Confirm you own your content and follow guidelines.
Step 2: Link Your Google AdSense Account
If you already have an AdSense account, link it. If not, YouTube will walk you through setup:
- Add your legal name and address
- Enter your bank info
- Verify your identity with photo ID
- Wait for your PIN code in the mail
Note: Only one AdSense account per person. Duplicates cause delays.
Step 3: Wait for Review
YouTube reviews your content for originality, activity, and compliance. It can take a few days or weeks. If rejected, fix issues and reapply after 30 days.
Step 4: Turn On Monetization Per Video
In YouTube Studio → Content:
- Select a video → Monetization → On
- Answer ad suitability questions honestly
If you misreport profanity, violence, or adult themes, your video will get limited ads (the yellow icon).
Step 5: Get Paid
Payments are processed via AdSense once your balance hits $100. Payouts occur between the 21st–26th each month.
Bonus: How to Tell If You Already Have Content ID or an Official Artist Channel
Check for Content ID
- Go to your distributor (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, etc.).
- Look for “YouTube Content ID” or “YouTube Monetization.”
- If it’s off, toggle it on or request it.
Every video that uses your music — even fan uploads — becomes a monetized video once Content ID is active.
Check for an Official Artist Channel
- Google your artist name + “YouTube.”
- If your channel says “Official Artist Channel,” you’re set.
- If not, request it through your distributor to merge your topic and personal channels.
This gives you a verified badge, better analytics, and full control over your branding. Learn more about Official Artist Channels here.
Summary
| Tool | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Content ID | Monetizes your music wherever it’s used. |
| YPP | Monetizes your uploads — ads, memberships, and more. |
| Official Artist Channel | Combines all your music and uploads into one verified channel. |
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to get serious about YouTube infrastructure — from channel setup to Content ID and monetization — check out our services:
360 Promo is a full-service music marketing, promotion, distribution, and admin company. Learn more at 360promo.net, follow us on Instagram, and contact us to tailor a plan that works for you.