Monetization on platforms like YouTube allows creators to earn money from their videos through advertisements, subscriptions, and more. However, there are certain requirements and guidelines creators must meet to be eligible for monetization. Getting approved for monetization may seem straightforward, but many creators struggle to understand why their channel or videos are not eligible. This article explores the common reasons why a YouTube channel may not be approved for monetization.
YouTube Monetization Requirements
YouTube has outlined the key criteria creators must meet to monetize their channels and content. These include:
- Having at least 1,000 subscribers
- Having at least 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months
- Having a linked AdSense account in good standing
- Living in a country/region where YouTube monetization is available
- Following all YouTube monetization policies and guidelines
On the surface, the subscriber and watch time requirements may seem simple to achieve. However, many creators struggle to build an audience and get enough consistent viewership to meet the thresholds. Even if your channel metrics look good, there are other reasons your application may get rejected.
Common Monetization Rejection Reasons
1. Reused Content
YouTube strictly prohibits monetizing “reused content” without adding significant original commentary or educational value. What counts as reused content? This includes:
- Repurposing content from other sources without transformation
- Simply modifying the audio or visuals of existing content
- Copying videos from other channels
- Uploading videos without the proper licensing or permission
If the primary purpose of your channel is to repost other content without adding value, you will not be eligible for monetization. YouTube recommends transforming reused content through voiceovers, editing, critique, commentary, etc.
2. Limited Original Content
Along with reused content, YouTube prohibits monetization of channels with very little original content. To be approved, you must have a sufficient catalog of videos that provide original commentary, education, narrative, etc. What constitutes “limited” original content is determined on a case-by-case basis by YouTube reviewers.
3. Niche Content
YouTube restricts monetization of some niches they deem not “advertiser-friendly.” Some examples include:
- Controversial or sensitive current events
- Tragedies and conflicts
- Extreme profanity
- Sexual content
- Highly dangerous acts
Just because you meet the subscriber and watch time requirements does not guarantee approval if your niche violates YouTube’s advertiser-friendliness guidelines. Be sure to thoroughly review their policies.
4. Artificial Inflation of Metrics
YouTube prohibits illegitimate means of inflating channel subscribers, watch time, or views. Tactics like sub4sub exchanges, artificial views, fake engagements, etc. are banned. If YouTube detects metric manipulation, your channel will be immediately disqualified from monetization.
5. Community Guidelines Strikes
Your channel must maintain a clean track record with zero active strikes to be eligible for monetization. Strikes are issued for violations of YouTube’s Community Guidelines, including:
- Spam, deceptive practices, scams
- Violent or dangerous content
- Harmful or dangerous acts
- Hate speech
- Harassment and cyberbullying
- Sexually explicit content
One strike results in a temporary monetization suspension. Three strikes in a 90-day period leads to channel termination. Having good standing means not earning additional strikes once reinstated after a first strike.
6. Copyright Strikes
In addition to Community Guideline strikes, copyright strikes also disqualify channels from monetization. Copyright strikes are issued when you upload videos using copyrighted content without proper authorization. Examples include:
- Movies, TV shows, music
- Sports broadcasts
- Video game footage
- News clips
A single copyright strike also leads to monetization suspension. Three copyright strikes equal channel termination.
How to Regain Monetization
If your channel loses monetization access for any of the reasons above, here are steps you can take to restore your status:
- Carefully review YouTube’s monetization policies and Community Guidelines to identify policy violations.
- Remove any offending videos that led to strikes or rejection.
- Produce sufficient new, original, compliant content on your channel.
- Submit an appeal to YouTube once your channel is back in good standing.
- Provide copies of valid copyright licenses if you were claiming Fair Use exceptions.
- Wait out the 90 day suspension period following strikes.
It may take patience and effort to regain monetization if you’ve been suspended, but doubling down on compliance and original content production will help your case.
Other Monetization Options
Although the YouTube Partner Program provides the most integrated monetization path, you are not completely reliant on it to earn revenue from your viewers. Some other options include:
Affiliate Marketing
Promoting affiliate products and services related to your niche allows you to earn commission on resulting sales or leads. There are affiliate programs across almost every industry. You can promote affiliates via:
- Video links and descriptions
- Channel homepage links
- End screens
- Merchandise shelves
Affiliates provide tracked links so you can monitor your impact. Top programs include Amazon Associates, ShareASale, Rakuten, etc.
Fan Funding
Platforms like Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, and Memberful allow fans to provide direct financial support to creators, often in exchange for perks like bonus content and behind-the-scenes access. You can promote your funding links:
- In YouTube descriptions, end screens, etc.
- On your channel homepage
- On your other social media accounts
Top creators earn tens of thousands per month via fan funding. This provides a stable income separate from ad performance.
Selling Branded Merchandise
You can design custom apparel, accessories, and other products featuring your brand and sell them through platforms like Teespring and Spreadshop. Promote your merchandise shelf via:
- Links in YouTube descriptions
- End screen elements
- Social media posts
You earn commission on every item sold. Merch gives fans a way to visibly showcase support.
Consulting/Expert Services
If you establish expertise in a niche, fans may pay for personalized services like coaching, training, consulting, video editing, design help, etc. You can promote custom offerings through:
- Your YouTube channel
- A professional website
- Social media bios
The sky’s the limit when fans are willing to pay you directly for expertise. Ensure you clearly communicate offerings, rates, and booking/contact details.
Conclusion
Earning YouTube monetization approval involves meeting audience size and content guidelines. Strikes for policy violations or artificial metrics will disqualify your channel. However, with persistent compliance to YouTube’s rules, you can regain eligibility. Even without YouTube monetization, alternatives like affiliates, fan funding, merchandising, and consulting allow you to directly profit from your audience.