Is It Too Late to Make Money with YouTube Shorts? (2025 Guide)

Why YouTube Shorts Are Still Worth It in 2025

When YouTube Shorts debuted in 2020, it quickly became the platform’s answer to TikTok. Since then the feature has grown into a massive content ecosystem; by early 2024, Shorts averaged over 70 billion daily views and served more than 2 billion users per month【544057349850260†L221-L224】. One year after ad revenue sharing was introduced, more than a quarter of creators in YouTube’s Partner Program were earning money from Shorts【544057349850260†L210-L216】. In other words, millions of creators—from hobbyists to major influencers—have already turned Shorts into an income stream. The question many people ask today is whether it’s too late to join the party.

How the Shorts Monetization Program Works

In 2023 YouTube merged Shorts into the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and replaced the old bonus‑style Shorts Fund with a transparent revenue‑sharing model【647746924678707†L70-L80】. Here’s how it works:

• Ad revenue sharing. Ads shown between videos in the Shorts feed are pooled each month and used to pay creators. If a Short uses music, YouTube splits the revenue between the creator pool and music licensing costs【130230255546155†L52-L61】. Finally, creators get 45 % of their allocated revenue and YouTube retains 55 %【544057349850260†L264-L269】.
• Lower eligibility thresholds. To join YPP, you can qualify via Shorts views. In 2023 YouTube introduced an early tier: 500 subscribers, at least three public uploads in the pas

  Is It Too Late to Make Money with YouTube Shorts?

  YouTube’s short‑form video product, Shorts, has grown rapidly since its launch in 2020. Millions of creators now upload 15‑ to 60‑second clips, and many wonder if it’s still possible to earn meaningful income from this format. In 2025, the monetization landscape has evolved: the Shorts Fund bonuses are gone, replaced by a revenue‑sharing model【647746924678707†L46-L55】. This guide explains the current rules, eligibility thresholds and strategies you can use to monetize YouTube Shorts today.

  Revenue Sharing Replaces the Shorts Fund

  When Shorts first launched, YouTube paid top creators through a $100 million Shorts Fund. Those payouts ranged from $100 to $10,000 per month, but they were limited and unpredictable. As of February 2023, Shorts have been integrated into the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Creators now earn money from ads shown between Shorts in the feed【647746924678707†L46-L55】. The revenue split is 45 percent for the creator and 55 percent for YouTube【647746924678707†L50-L53】—the inverse of the 55/45 split used for long videos. The lower creator share helps cover music licensing costs for Shorts.

  What This Means for Earnings

  • Your pay is tied directly to how many ads play between your Shorts. There are no more lump‑sum bonuses.
  • Because ads appear between Shorts from multiple creators, YouTube pools revenue and then allocates a portion to each eligible creator based on their share of views.
  • Long‑form videos still pay out more per view, but Shorts can drive rapid subscriber growth and qualify you for other revenue streams.

  Eligibility Requirements for Shorts Monetization

  To earn ad revenue from Shorts, you must join the YouTube Partner Program and accept the Shorts Monetization Module. There are two tiers of eligibility in 2025:

  Full YPP Access

  • At least 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 hours of watch time in the last 12 months or 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days【647746924678707†L113-L120】.
  • Once approved, you can earn from ads on both long and short content.

  Early Access (YPP Lite)

  • As of mid‑2023, creators can qualify for a limited version of YPP with just 500 subscribers, at least three public uploads in the last 90 days and either 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views【647746924678707†L56-L66】.
  • This tier unlocks features like Channel Memberships, Super Chat/Sticker and shopping integrations, but you won’t receive ad revenue sharing until you reach the full thresholds【647746924678707†L128-L137】.
  • Shorts views now count toward both the 10 million and 4,000‑hour requirements, giving short‑form creators a path to full monetization【647746924678707†L66-L68】.

  Additional Ways to Earn from Shorts

  Beyond ad revenue, YouTube has introduced several tools that make Shorts more lucrative:

  • Super Thanks & Super Chat: Fans can tip creators directly on individual Shorts once your channel has early access【647746924678707†L86-L91】. Each tip includes a highlighted comment.
  • Channel Memberships: Early access also allows you to offer monthly memberships with perks like badges and exclusive content【647746924678707†L128-L134】.
  • Shopping & Affiliate Tags: Eligible U.S. creators can tag products in their Shorts for affiliate commissions【647746924678707†L86-L91】. This feature launched in 2023 and continues to expand.

  Is It Worth Focusing on Shorts?

  While the ad revenue per view is lower than for long‑form videos, Shorts remain a powerful tool for attracting subscribers and broadening your audience. Since they now count toward YPP thresholds, many creators use Shorts to accelerate their path to monetization. Diversify your strategy by combining Shorts with long‑form videos, livestreams and other revenue streams.

  FAQ

  How much do YouTube Shorts pay?

  There’s no fixed rate. You earn 45 percent of the ad revenue allocated to Shorts, divided proportionally among eligible creators【647746924678707†L46-L53】. Earnings depend on the number of views and the types of ads served.

  Do I need 1,000 subscribers to monetize Shorts?

  No. You can unlock tipping and memberships at 500 subscribers with 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views【647746924678707†L56-L66】. However, you must reach 1,000 subscribers and the higher threshold to share in ad revenue【647746924678707†L113-L120】.

  Do Shorts views count toward watch hours?

  Shorts views do not contribute to the 4,000 watch hours requirement, but 10 million Shorts views in 90 days now counts as an alternative path into YPP【647746924678707†L113-L120】. Shorts views also help satisfy the early access requirements【647746924678707†L56-L66】.

  Is the Shorts Fund still available?

  No. YouTube phased out the Shorts Fund in 2023 and replaced it with revenue sharing under the Partner Program【647746924678707†L70-L78】.

  Earnings Potential and Reality Check

  Despite lower barriers, it’s important to understand what revenue looks like. According to YouTube officials, there are now over 3 million creators in the ad‑sharing program; about 750,000 creators monetize Shorts【544057349850260†L210-L216】. While the platform has paid creators over $70 billion across all formats over the past three years【544057349850260†L217-L219】, the majority of that money still goes to long‑form videos. The revenue split on Shorts (45 % to creators) means the payouts per thousand views are lower than long‑form video. The Verge notes that many creators use Shorts primarily as a way to attract subscribers to their main channel【544057349850260†L255-L276】. In other words, Shorts can generate income, but they work best as part of a broader strategy.

  The upside is that demand for short‑form video remains huge: uploads increased by 50 percent year over year【544057349850260†L221-L225】, and YouTube continues to roll out features like Super Thanks tipping and product tagging for affiliate revenue【647746924678707†L86-L90】. Unlike TikTok, Shorts are integrated with long‑form content, which means a single viral Short can drive viewers to your other videos, memberships and merchandise【544057349850260†L241-L244】.

  t 90 days and either 3,000 hours of watch time or 3 million Shorts views in 90 days【647746924678707†L58-L68】. This unlocks fan‑funding features like Super Thanks but not ad revenue. For full access to ad revenue sharing you’ll still need 1,000 subscribers plus either 4,000 watch hours in 12 months or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days【647746924678707†L115-L123】.
• Content eligibility. Shorts must be original, advertiser‑friendly and adhere to community guidelines【130230255546155†L62-L80】. Re‑uploads, compilations or Shorts with ineligible views won’t earn revenue.

These requirements mean that even small channels can begin earning from fan funding and shopping integrations relatively quickly. Once you hit the higher threshold, ad revenue kicks in.

Is It Too Late to Make Money with YouTube Shorts?

YouTube’s short‑form video product, Shorts, has grown rapidly since its launch in 2020. Millions of creators now upload 15‑ to 60‑second clips, and many wonder if it’s still possible to earn meaningful income from this format. In 2025, the monetization landscape has evolved: the Shorts Fund bonuses are gone, replaced by a revenue‑sharing model【647746924678707†L46-L55】. This guide explains the current rules, eligibility thresholds and strategies you can use to monetize YouTube Shorts today.

Revenue Sharing Replaces the Shorts Fund

When Shorts first launched, YouTube paid top creators through a $100 million Shorts Fund. Those payouts ranged from $100 to $10,000 per month, but they were limited and unpredictable. As of February 2023, Shorts have been integrated into the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Creators now earn money from ads shown between Shorts in the feed【647746924678707†L46-L55】. The revenue split is 45 percent for the creator and 55 percent for YouTube【647746924678707†L50-L53】—the inverse of the 55/45 split used for long videos. The lower creator share helps cover music licensing costs for Shorts.

What This Means for Earnings

• Your pay is tied directly to how many ads play between your Shorts. There are no more lump‑sum bonuses.
• Because ads appear between Shorts from multiple creators, YouTube pools revenue and then allocates a portion to each eligible creator based on their share of views.
• Long‑form videos still pay out more per view, but Shorts can drive rapid subscriber growth and qualify you for other revenue streams.

Eligibility Requirements for Shorts Monetization

To earn ad revenue from Shorts, you must join the YouTube Partner Program and accept the Shorts Monetization Module. There are two tiers of eligibility in 2025:

Full YPP Access

• At least 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 hours of watch time in the last 12 months or 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days【647746924678707†L113-L120】.
• Once approved, you can earn from ads on both long and short content.

Early Access (YPP Lite)

• As of mid‑2023, creators can qualify for a limited version of YPP with just 500 subscribers, at least three public uploads in the last 90 days and either 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views【647746924678707†L56-L66】.
• This tier unlocks features like Channel Memberships, Super Chat/Sticker and shopping integrations, but you won’t receive ad revenue sharing until you reach the full thresholds【647746924678707†L128-L137】.
• Shorts views now count toward both the 10 million and 4,000‑hour requirements, giving short‑form creators a path to full monetization【647746924678707†L66-L68】.

Additional Ways to Earn from Shorts

Beyond ad revenue, YouTube has introduced several tools that make Shorts more lucrative:

• Super Thanks & Super Chat: Fans can tip creators directly on individual Shorts once your channel has early access【647746924678707†L86-L91】. Each tip includes a highlighted comment.
• Channel Memberships: Early access also allows you to offer monthly memberships with perks like badges and exclusive content【647746924678707†L128-L134】.
• Shopping & Affiliate Tags: Eligible U.S. creators can tag products in their Shorts for affiliate commissions【647746924678707†L86-L91】. This feature launched in 2023 and continues to expand.

Is It Worth Focusing on Shorts?

While the ad revenue per view is lower than for long‑form videos, Shorts remain a powerful tool for attracting subscribers and broadening your audience. Since they now count toward YPP thresholds, many creators use Shorts to accelerate their path to monetization. Diversify your strategy by combining Shorts with long‑form videos, livestreams and other revenue streams.

FAQ

How much do YouTube Shorts pay?

There’s no fixed rate. You earn 45 percent of the ad revenue allocated to Shorts, divided proportionally among eligible creators【647746924678707†L46-L53】. Earnings depend on the number of views and the types of ads served.

Do I need 1,000 subscribers to monetize Shorts?

No. You can unlock tipping and memberships at 500 subscribers with 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views【647746924678707†L56-L66】. However, you must reach 1,000 subscribers and the higher threshold to share in ad revenue【647746924678707†L113-L120】.

Do Shorts views count toward watch hours?

Shorts views do not contribute to the 4,000 watch hours requirement, but 10 million Shorts views in 90 days now counts as an alternative path into YPP【647746924678707†L113-L120】. Shorts views also help satisfy the early access requirements【647746924678707†L56-L66】.

Is the Shorts Fund still available?

No. YouTube phased out the Shorts Fund in 2023 and replaced it with revenue sharing under the Partner Program【647746924678707†L70-L78】.