YouTube Monetization Calculators
5 free tools to track and accelerate your path to YouTube monetization. Start with the YPP Eligibility Checker to see where you stand across all three monetization paths, then use the Watch Time Calculator to build a realistic upload plan.
YPP Eligibility Checker
Check your progress toward all three YouTube Partner Program paths — standard (1K subs + 4K watch hours), Shorts-based (1K subs + 10M Shorts views in 90 days), and the lower-tier fan funding path (500 subs + 3K hours or 3M Shorts views).
Inputs
- • Current subscribers
- • Watch hours (12 months)
- • Shorts views (90 days)
- • Public video status
Outputs
- • YPP eligibility status
- • Progress % per path
- • Hours/views remaining
- • Estimated days to qualify
Watch Time Needed Calculator
Calculate exactly how many videos, views, and watch hours you need to hit the 4,000-hour YPP threshold. Enter your average video length and retention rate to see a realistic upload schedule.
Inputs
- • Current watch hours
- • Avg video length (min)
- • Avg retention %
- • Monthly views
Outputs
- • Hours remaining
- • Videos needed
- • Months to 4K hours
- • Weekly upload pace needed
YouTube Partner Program Requirements (2026)
YouTube offers three paths to monetization. Each unlocks different features — knowing which path is fastest for your channel type is the first step to planning your strategy.
| Path | Subscribers | Watch Hours / Views |
|---|---|---|
| Standard YPP | 1,000 subscribers | 4,000 watch hours (12 months) |
| Shorts-based YPP | 1,000 subscribers | 10M Shorts views (90 days) |
| Lower-tier (fan funding) | 500 subscribers | 3,000 watch hours OR 3M Shorts views (90 days) |
Requirements verified as of early 2026. YouTube may update thresholds — always confirm in YouTube Studio > Monetization.
How to Use This Calculator Suite
- Check eligibility first — Run the YPP Eligibility Checker with your current stats to see which path is closest.
- Model your watch hour timeline — Use the Watch Time Needed Calculator to build an upload pace that hits 4K hours by a specific date.
- Understand AVD's role — The AVD to Watch Time Calculator shows how small improvements in video length or retention dramatically shorten your timeline.
- Improve retention — Use the Retention Drop-off Impact Calculator to quantify what better hooks and pacing are worth in watch hours and revenue.
- Track Shorts separately — If Shorts is your primary content, use the Shorts Views Needed Calculator to track the 90-day rolling window.
More YouTube Creator Calculators
Once you're monetized, use these calculator suites to maximize earnings and grow your channel: