YouTube Shorts is no longer just for exposure. In 2026, it's a legitimate revenue stream.
But here's what most creators don't understand: Shorts monetization works completely differently than regular videos. And if you don't understand the rules, you're leaving money on the table.
Let's break it all down.
How YouTube Shorts Monetization Works in 2026
Unlike long-form content where ads play before or during your video, Shorts uses a revenue pool model.
Here's how it works:
- YouTube collects all ad revenue from Shorts Feed ads
- They pool the music licensing costs
- The remaining revenue is distributed to creators based on their share of total Shorts views
Important
You earn based on your PERCENTAGE of total Shorts views, not a fixed CPM. This means your earnings fluctuate based on total platform activity.
YouTube Shorts revenue pool model showing how creator earnings are distributed
Requirements to Monetize YouTube Shorts
To join the YouTube Partner Program and monetize Shorts, you need:
| Requirement | Threshold |
|-------------|-----------|
| Subscribers | 1,000 minimum |
| Public Shorts Views | 10 million in last 90 days |
| OR Watch Hours | 4,000 public watch hours in 12 months |
Pro Tip
The Shorts-only path (10M views in 90 days) is often faster for new creators than the traditional 4,000 hours route. Use our Content Calendar Generator to plan a consistent Shorts posting schedule.
How Much Do YouTube Shorts Pay?
Let's be honest: Shorts pay significantly less than long-form content.
Average Shorts RPM (2026)
| Country | RPM per 1,000 Views |
|---------|---------------------|
| 🇺🇸 USA | $0.04 - $0.08 |
| 🇬🇧 UK | $0.03 - $0.06 |
| 🇮🇳 India | $0.01 - $0.02 |
| Global Average | $0.03 - $0.05 |
Real Example:
- 1 million Shorts views (US audience)
- RPM: $0.05
- Earnings: $50
Compare that to long-form content which might earn $2,000-$5,000 for the same view count.
Why Shorts Still Matter for Revenue
Despite lower direct earnings, Shorts are valuable for:
1. Growing Your Subscriber Base Fast
Shorts can bring 10x more subscribers per view than long-form. More subscribers = more long-form views = more revenue.
2. Sponsorship Leverage
Brands pay $200-$2,000 for sponsored Shorts. A viral Short with sponsorship can earn more than the AdSense on 10 million organic views.
3. Driving Traffic to Higher-CPM Content
Use Shorts as trailers. Pin comments linking to your full videos: "Watch the complete tutorial here."
Maximizing Your Shorts Revenue
Strategy 1: Volume is King
With low RPM, you need volume. Post 2-3 Shorts per day minimum.
Strategy 2: Target US Viewers
US Shorts pay 4x more than India. Use US-relevant topics and English content.
Strategy 3: Use Trending Audio
Shorts with trending sounds get more promotion. The more views, the bigger your share of the revenue pool.
Strategy 4: Create "Looping" Shorts
Videos that loop seamlessly get watched multiple times, increasing your view share.
Use our YouTube Hashtag Generator to find trending hashtags for your Shorts.
The Bottom Line
YouTube Shorts won't make you rich from AdSense alone. But as part of a hybrid strategy—combining Shorts for growth with long-form for revenue—they're incredibly powerful.
Use Shorts to grow fast, then monetize your audience with long-form content, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Related Resources
- YouTube Shorts Domination – Viral Shorts strategies
- YouTube Monetization Guide – Full YPP breakdown
- Hashtag Generator – Find trending tags
Topics
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How much does YouTube Shorts pay per 1000 views?
YouTube Shorts pays approximately $0.03-$0.08 per 1,000 views for US audiences in 2026. This is significantly lower than long-form content ($2-$7 per 1,000 views). Global average is around $0.03-$0.05. Earnings vary based on the monthly ad revenue pool and your share of total Shorts views.
Can I monetize YouTube Shorts without 4000 watch hours?
Yes! YouTube offers an alternative path: 10 million public Shorts views in the past 90 days with 1,000 subscribers. This allows creators focused on short-form content to monetize without hitting the 4,000 watch hours requirement for long-form videos.
Do YouTube Shorts hurt my channel?
No, YouTube Shorts do not hurt your channel in 2026. YouTube now better separates Shorts and long-form audiences. Shorts can actually help grow your subscriber base faster, which benefits your long-form content. Many successful channels use a hybrid strategy of both formats.