YouTube Changes Ad Revenue Standards for New Channels

For new YouTube channels seeking to profit off of the content they produce, it appears that 10,000 total views is now the number that must be reached in order to begin receiving ad revenue. The popular video site recently made several announcements about changes to its partner program in order to ensure the legitimacy of YouTube channels. New creators that reach this benchmark will then be subject to a review process for the YouTube Partner Program. If they pass this check, then YouTube will begin to implement ads into their videos, allowing them to earn revenue. Channels that were already earning revenue despite having less than 10,000 views before these changes were announced will not be affected.

Despite my typical reservations about how YouTube is operated and how it treats its content creators, I actually like these new changes, at least in theory. Having a simple, efficient check for new channels at an early benchmark is a smart idea, mostly in order to show that content creators are willing to play by the rules. Also, creators that are serious about making a living out of producing content on YouTube will need far more than 10,000 views to be financially successful, so the benchmark is low enough that it does not really hurt them very much. It will be interesting to see, however, if the review process is actually as effective and fair as it needs to be. If it is anything like YouTube's now infamous copyright claims process, then new content creators have a right to be concerned. Time will tell, and it will certainly be interesting to see how this procedure affects new content on YouTube.