Imagine turning your passion for teaching, gaming, reviewing tech, or sharing daily life into a real income stream — without needing fancy equipment or a huge following right away. In 2026, YouTube remains one of the most accessible platforms for creators to monetize content, with billions of hours watched daily and multiple revenue streams beyond just ads.
The challenge? Many creators upload videos for months (or years) without seeing a single dollar because they miss key requirements, create non-original content, or fail to optimize for growth. This comprehensive guide cuts through the noise with up-to-date YouTube Monetization Guide, proven step-by-step strategies, realistic earnings expectations, and actionable tips to get monetized faster — whether you’re starting from zero in Dhaka or anywhere else.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what YouTube demands, how to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), and smart ways to maximize earnings once approved.
Why YouTube Monetization Guide Is Still Worth It in 2026
YouTube’s algorithm favors consistent, valuable creators more than ever. With Shorts exploding and long-form content holding strong for deeper engagement, monetization opportunities have expanded.
Key benefits in 2026:
- Multiple revenue streams — Ads, YouTube Premium revenue, channel memberships, Super Chat/Thanks, Shopping, and brand deals.
- Global payouts — Available in Bangladesh and most countries via AdSense.
- Passive potential — Evergreen videos earn for years.
- Low entry barrier — Smartphone + free editing apps get you started.
Realistic timeline: Many creators hit YPP in 6-18 months with consistent posting and optimization.
Current YouTube Partner Program Requirements (2026 Update)
To join YPP and unlock ad revenue (plus other features), meet these thresholds. Note: There are two paths — one for long-form videos and one for Shorts.
Standard Path (Long-Form Videos):
- 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months
Shorts Path:
- 1,000 subscribers
- 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days
Additional Requirements (Applies to Both):
- Live in a country/region where YPP is available (Bangladesh qualifies).
- No active Community Guidelines strikes.
- Follow all monetization policies, including advertiser-friendly guidelines and rules against inauthentic/repetitious content (updated July 2025 to crack down on mass-produced or reused content).
- Enable 2-step verification on your Google account.
- Have an approved Google AdSense account linked.
- Channel must comply with Community Guidelines, Terms of Service, and Copyright rules.
- For full ad revenue sharing: Meet the higher thresholds above (some fan funding features may unlock earlier in expanded YPP for smaller channels, like 500 subs + 3,000 watch hours in some cases, but full ads require the 1k/4k or Shorts equivalent).
YouTube reviews your entire channel manually after application — focus on original, authentic content with real viewer value.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Monetized on YouTube in 2026
Follow this roadmap to build toward eligibility and apply confidently.
Step 1: Set Up Your Channel Properly
- Create or optimize your channel: Use a clear name, professional banner, logo, and description with keywords.
- Add About section, links (including your website or socials), and contact email.
- Verify your channel via phone for features like custom thumbnails and live streaming.
Step 2: Choose a Profitable Niche
Pick something you’re knowledgeable about with decent demand and monetization potential.
Top high-CPM niches for 2026 (based on RPM data):
- Personal finance, investing, crypto, side hustles ($8–$20+ RPM)
- Tech reviews/gadgets ($6–$15 RPM)
- Business/entrepreneurship
- Real estate
- Health & fitness (especially transformations)
- Education/tutorials (how-to guides)
Evergreen niches like motivation, life hacks, or educational facts work well for Shorts.
Avoid oversaturated low-CPM areas unless you have a unique angle (e.g., gaming can work with personality).
Step 3: Create High-Quality, Original Content
- Long-form videos (10-20+ minutes): Aim for strong hooks in first 15 seconds, value-packed middle, clear calls-to-action.
- Shorts: Vertical, under 60 seconds, high-energy hooks, trending audio.
- Use free tools: CapCut or DaVinci Resolve for editing, Canva for thumbnails, phone camera.
- Focus on originality — add your voice, face (or unique edits), research, opinions. Avoid reused clips without transformation.
Post consistently: 1-3 long videos/week + daily Shorts to accelerate growth.
Step 4: Optimize for Growth and Watch Time
- SEO basics:
- Keyword-rich titles (e.g., “How to Start Freelancing in Bangladesh 2026 – No Experience Needed”)
- Detailed descriptions with timestamps, links, keywords.
- Tags: Main keyword + variations.
- Eye-catching custom thumbnails.
- Promote: Share on X (Twitter), Facebook groups, Reddit, WhatsApp.
- Engage: Reply to comments, ask questions in videos.
- Use end screens/cards to link related videos.
Track progress in YouTube Studio → Analytics.
Step 5: Build Toward Requirements
- Aim for 1,000 subs first — easier with Shorts virality.
- Focus watch hours on long-form for retention.
- Once close, check eligibility in YouTube Studio > Monetization tab.
Step 6: Apply for YPP
- In YouTube Studio, go to Monetization.
- If eligible, click “Apply.”
- Link/create AdSense account.
- Wait 1-4 weeks for review (sometimes faster).
- If rejected: Fix issues (e.g., add originality), reapply after 30 days.
Step 7: Turn On Monetization Features(YouTube Monetization Guide)
- Enable ads on videos.
- Activate channel memberships (once eligible).
- Set up Super Thanks/Chat for lives.
- Add Shopping if selling products.
How Much Can You Earn? Realistic 2026 Expectations
Earnings vary wildly by niche, location, audience, and engagement.
Average RPM (revenue per 1,000 views after YouTube’s cut):
- High-CPM niches: $5–$20+
- Average: $2–$8
- Shorts: Lower ($0.01–$0.10 per 1,000 views, but volume compensates)
Examples:
- 100,000 monthly views in finance niche → $500–$2,000+/month from ads alone.
- Add memberships ($4.99/month), affiliates, sponsorships → multiply earnings.
Bangladesh creators: CPM lower than US/UK, but global audience + affiliates help.
Diversify early — ads are unpredictable.
Advanced YouTube Monetization Guide Strategies Beyond Ads
Once in YPP:
- Affiliate marketing — Promote products (Amazon, software) in descriptions.
- Sponsorships/brand deals — Reach out at 10k+ subs.
- Digital products — Sell ebooks, templates, courses via Gumroad. Discover inspiring products or start selling on Gumroad.
- Merch/Shopping — Link physical/digital goods.
- Memberships — Exclusive content for paying fans.
Combine with blogging: Many creators run blogs for AdSense alongside YouTube. When ready for a professional site, reliable hosting makes a difference — start with Hostinger for fast, affordable setups.
YouTube Monetization Guide Common Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
- Reused/mass-produced content — Instant rejection post-2025 updates.
- Buying subs/views — Risks strikes.
- Ignoring mobile optimization — Most views on phones.
- Inconsistent posting — Algorithm punishes.
- No community building — Low retention hurts watch time.
Conclusion: Your Path to YouTube Success Starts Today
YouTube monetization in 2026 rewards consistency, originality, and viewer value over luck. Hit 1,000 subs + watch hours/views, stay policy-compliant, and diversify revenue — and you can build a meaningful income.
Start small: Upload your first video this week. Track progress weekly. Adjust based on analytics.
For more creator tips on content, growth, and online income, subscribe to my newsletter — join Writers Hive here.
Check out my other writings:YouTube Shorts Algorithm 2026: How It Really Works and How to Dominate It for Massive Growth and AdSense Earnings
17 Real Ways to Make Money on YouTube in 2026: Proven Strategies for Creators
TAMZIDUL HAQUE 🖋️Writer —
https://tamzidulhaque.com/ | https://medium.com/@tamzidulhaque
FAQ
What are the exact YouTube monetization requirements in 2026?
1,000 subscribers + either 4,000 public watch hours (last 12 months) or 10 million public Shorts views (last 90 days), plus policy compliance, AdSense, and no strikes.
Can I monetize with only Shorts in 2026?
Yes — the Shorts path (1k subs + 10M views in 90 days) qualifies you for full YPP features, including ads.
How long does it take to get monetized on YouTube?
Typically 6-18 months with consistent effort; some hit it faster via viral Shorts.
What is the best niche for YouTube monetization in 2026?
High-CPM options include personal finance, tech reviews, investing, business — they pay $5–$20+ RPM.
Does YouTube pay in Bangladesh?
Yes — via AdSense, with payouts to local banks once you reach the threshold (~$100).
Can I use AI in videos and still monetize?
Yes, if content is original, adds value, and involves human creativity — avoid fully mass-produced or repetitious AI spam.
What happens if my application is rejected?
YouTube explains why; fix issues (e.g., add originality), wait 30 days, and reapply.
How much does YouTube pay per 1,000 views in 2026?
Varies: $2–$20 RPM depending on niche, audience location, and ad type.