YouTube Shakes Up Creator Scene: Lowering Requirements

YouTube is capitalising on the Twitch Partner chaos by lowering eligibility requirements for creators. In a recent blog post, YouTube announced changes to its YouTube Partner Program, introducing monetisation features like paid chat, tipping, channel memberships, and shopping options.  Creators can now apply with just 500 subscribers, along with 3,000 watch hours or three million YouTube Shorts views. Previously, the requirements were 1,000 subscribers, 4,000 watch hours, or 10 million YouTube Shorts views. TikTok also reduced access requirements for certain monetization features.  YouTube’s Shopping affiliate program is now available to creators with 20,000 followers. Notably, Artist Channels and music-associated channels are ineligible. Twitch creators, are calling for a boycott, making YouTube an appealing alternative.