Monetization features
What are the different ways to monetize?
Your access to features may change depending on the number of subscribers you have and which contract modules you’ve accepted. Learn more about our different features and eligibility requirements.
I meet all the requirements, why can’t I turn on a specific feature?
Our reviewers also check your channel to see whether it’s appropriate for you to turn on a certain feature. Some features may not be available to you due to local legal restrictions or YouTube support capacity in your country/region or language. Remember to accept the relevant agreement to unlock certain monetization features.
Monetization icon and video appeals
What do all the icons mean?
Generally, the icons tell you about the monetization status of the video. Learn more about the monetization icon and how that impacts your revenue.
Can I appeal a yellow icon?
You can check your content against our advertiser-friendly content guidelines and the provided examples. If your content meets all the criteria for “This content can earn ad revenue,” then you can file an appeal.
Access to monetization
What happens if I drop below the monetization threshold?
YouTube will not automatically remove your channel's access to monetization if it drops below the threshold. However, YouTube does reserve the right, at its discretion, to remove monetization from channels if a channel is inactive and not uploading or posting Community posts for 6 months or more.
Channels will lose monetization if they violate any of the YouTube channel monetization policies, regardless of their subscriber count, public watch hours, or public Shorts views.
What happens if I lose access to monetization?
If it's determined that your channel is no longer eligible to monetize, your channel will lose access to all monetization tools and associated features.
If we’ve removed your channel from monetization due to a policy violation, you should start by going to the Earn section of YouTube Studio to read more about the policy your channel violated. Then, review your videos against our YouTube channel monetization policies and our Community Guidelines. The next step is to edit or delete any videos that violate our policies.
You can keep uploading original content and building your audience on YouTube. If your channel is suspended from the YouTube Partner Program, you can appeal the decision within 21 days or re-apply to the program after 90 days.
Other
Does monetization affect search results?
Monetization status is not used to inform how videos display on YouTube. Learn more about monetization and how it works with our Search & Discovery systems.
I can’t find the answer to my question. Help!
If you’re monetizing, you have access to our Creator Support team. Learn how to get support.