YouTube monetization review: how long does it take?

YouTube monetization applications: how to they work?

Everyone wants to make money on YouTube but as you might know, before you can begin earning money on your YouTube videos, you need to apply and be approved for channel monetization by the platform. 

YouTube allows users to submit their applications for channel monetization as soon as:

  • the channel has the required number of subscribers and view hours;
  • the owner of the channel agrees to the terms of the YouTube Affiliate Program;
  • the owner links the channel to their Adsense account.

Once all the information has been collected, the platform will analyze it while you wait for approval for channel monetization.

YouTube monetization approvals often come in waves. Moreover, the order of applications is sometimes simply ignored. So channels that have applied for monetization after you may be approved before you. 

Does the size of the channel in terms of the number of views or subscribers and the priority level of the channel owner affect the verification speed? There are different opinions on this matter. Some people say that priority applications are considered first.  Others (including Google employees) argue that the algorithm is complex and we should not assume that a larger channel will receive monetization approval in a shorter time frame.

During the evaluation, YouTube will also review the channel for compliance with content monetization guidelines.

How long to wait for channel monetization approval from YouTube?

If the channel was not previously monetized

In this case, no one will be able to tell you the exact waiting times for motenization approval. The channel can be checked within a day, or it can be under consideration for several months. Of course, you can write to YouTube support if the wait is too long. But be prepared to receive a reply that states that the support staff can’t give you any information about waiting times or influence the situation.

Monetization was disabled on the channel

Now let’s take a look at the second situation. First of all, you need to find out why monetization was disabled. You can see the details in the Creative Studio or find a notification letter in your email explaining why the platform chose to disable your monetization privileges.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my channel is eligible for the YouTube Affiliate Program?

You can monitor your channel statistics on the Monetization page in Creative Studio to see when you reach the threshold for monetization. You can also choose to be notified when you reach the requirements. In this case, YouTube will send you an email when you have the opportunity to apply.

Why was my application for YouTube monetization declined?

The most common reason for rejection is when YouTube decides that the channel’s content does not meet Adsense program policies. It is possible that a significant portion of your videos falls into the category of duplicate or other people’s content.

What to do if your YouTube monetization application was rejected?

You can reapply 30 days after the cancellation. To increase your chances of joining the program, follow the guidelines in this article.