Free checklist · YouTube · updated Nov 2026

YouTube 2027 Monetization Checklist

Twelve checks for the Partner Program changes that start on 1 February 2027, plus the inauthentic content and AI disclosure rules that decide which videos keep earning.

Download the PDF Shorts 10M tracker

Deadlines

Sign the updated Partner Program termsExisting partners review and sign them in YouTube Studio; they take effect on 1 February 2027. Signing early means a busy week can't catch you out.
Check your Shorts views for the last 90 daysFrom 1 February 2027, Shorts ad and Premium revenue sharing needs 10 million qualified Shorts views in the last 90 days. Below that you stay in the program and long-form keeps earning; Shorts sharing resumes automatically when you're back over.
Know the new entry barNew channels will need 8,000 watch hours in 12 months or 20 million Shorts views in 90 days. Existing partners don't have to requalify, which makes keeping your place valuable.

Inauthentic content

Find any templated seriesList videos that share one script skeleton, intro, music bed or fact order with names swapped. That repetition is what the inauthentic content policy targets, not AI itself.
Make sure every video adds something of its ownOriginal narration, an argument, research or editing choices. Reading on-screen text over stock clips is the weakest case.
Transform reused footageFootage reused across videos, or other people's clips with little added, is a review risk. Cut it, replace it, or add real commentary.

AI disclosure

Label realistic AI visuals and voicesSet "AI use" to Yes in YouTube Studio when AI makes a real person, place or event look or sound real. The label doesn't reduce monetization.
Skip the label where it isn't neededClearly unrealistic or animated content, colour fixes, beauty filters and AI help with scripts or captions don't need it.

Shorts and income

Write a distinct hook for every ShortTen Shorts that open with the same line read as repetitive, to viewers and reviewers.
Plan your income without Shorts revenueUse Shorts for reach and subscribers; budget on long-form, Premium share, brand deals and shopping.

Records

Keep source notes for factual claimsA simple sheet per video: claim, source, date checked. It makes corrections fast and shows effort if you're ever reviewed.
Pin corrections when you get something wrongA pinned comment plus a fixed description is better than silence or deleting the video.

Want it done for you?

The YouTube 2027 channel check rates your recent videos one by one and hands you a fix list. See a sample or order on Fiverr.

Get updates when these rules change: email hello@astralxstudio.com with "updates" in the subject.

Sources

Not legal advice and not affiliated with YouTube. YouTube decides monetization; nobody can guarantee it.