Many Pakistanis start YouTube channels hoping to earn from ads. To get paid by YouTube you must join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). The requirements are clear, and YouTube has announced that they will become stricter for new creators in 2027. Here is what you need to know.
The two YPP tiers in 2026
| Fan funding tier | Full monetization (ads) | |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | 500 | 1,000 |
| Uploads | 3 public videos in the last 90 days | No upload count required |
| Long-video path | 3,000 public watch hours in 12 months | 4,000 public watch hours in 12 months |
| Shorts path | 3 million Shorts views in 90 days | 10 million Shorts views in 90 days |
| What you unlock | Memberships, Super Thanks and other fan funding | Ad revenue, YouTube Premium revenue and all features |
You qualify through either watch hours or Shorts views. The two do not add together, and watch time from Shorts does not count toward the watch-hour target.
What counts as a watch hour
- Only public long-form videos count.
- Private, unlisted and deleted videos do not count.
- Views from YouTube ad campaigns do not count.
- Shorts have their own separate views target.
Other requirements
- Follow YouTube’s monetization policies and Community Guidelines, with no active strikes.
- Turn on 2-Step Verification on your Google account.
- Live in a country where YPP is available. Pakistan is included.
- Link one Google AdSense account for payments.
How to apply
- Open YouTube Studio and go to the Earn section.
- Check your progress toward the targets.
- When eligible, accept the terms and link or create your AdSense account.
- Wait for review, which usually takes about a month.
Why channels get rejected
- Reused content: compilations, re-uploads or clips from TV and films without meaningful original commentary.
- Repetitive or mass-produced videos that look the same with tiny changes.
- Misleading thumbnails and titles.
- Bought views or subscribers, which can also get the channel removed.
How payment works in Pakistan
YouTube earnings go to your AdSense account. AdSense verifies your address with a PIN letter, and once your balance reaches the payment threshold it sends the money to your Pakistani bank account by wire transfer. Use a bank account in your own name, and read our tax guide for general tax basics.
Should you hurry before 2027?
If your channel is close to 4,000 hours or 10 million Shorts views, applying before 1 February 2027 makes sense. If you are far away, focus on quality: original content in a clear niche keeps viewers watching and survives policy reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Do Shorts views count toward 4,000 hours?
No. Shorts use the separate views target.
Will existing partners lose monetization in 2027?
YouTube has said existing partners need to accept updated terms and remain active. Check YouTube Studio for notices.
Can I monetize Urdu content?
Yes. Language is not a barrier as long as the content follows the policies.
This guide is for general information and was last checked in November 2026. Rules, fees and dates change, so always confirm on the official website before you make a decision. Jobkad is an independent website and is not affiliated with any company or government body mentioned here.
