The short answer
In India, you can join the YouTube Partner Program at two levels. With 500 subscribers, three public uploads in the last 90 days, and either 3,000 watch hours in the last year or 3 million Shorts views in the last 90 days, you unlock fan funding like channel memberships and Super Thanks. With 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours in 12 months or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days, you can also earn a share of ad revenue[1].
YouTube monetization requirements, side by side
Level 1: fan funding and Shopping
- 500 subscribers
- 3 public uploads in the last 90 days
- 3,000 public watch hours in the last 12 months, or 3 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days
- Unlocks: channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, Super Thanks and YouTube Shopping
Level 2: ad revenue
- 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 public watch hours in the last 12 months, or 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days
- Unlocks: a share of ad revenue and YouTube Premium revenue
- Follow YouTube's monetization policies and Community Guidelines
- Live in a country where YPP is available (India is)
- Have 2-step verification on your Google account
- Have one active AdSense account linked to your channel
YouTube lists India among the countries where the lower 500-subscriber level is available[1]. Shorts views and long-video watch hours count separately; you need to meet one of the two routes, not both.
How much YouTube pays
YouTube doesn't pay per view at a fixed rate. Advertisers pay for ads, and you get a share. On long videos, creators keep 55% of the ad revenue from their videos. On Shorts, ad revenue is pooled each month, a part is set aside for creators, and you keep 45% of your share, based on your portion of Shorts views[2].
What you actually earn per 1,000 views depends on your topic, your viewers' country, video length and the time of year. Finance, tech and business topics usually earn more per view than entertainment, because advertisers pay more to reach those viewers. Check the RPM figure in YouTube Studio for your own number rather than trusting averages online.
Five ways to earn beyond ads
- Brand deals and sponsorships: often the biggest income for channels with a clear niche, even with a small audience.
- Affiliate links: earn a commission when viewers buy products you recommend, through Amazon, Flipkart or brand programs.
- YouTube Shopping: tag products in your videos once you are eligible.
- Memberships and Super Thanks: available from 500 subscribers[1].
- Your own product: a course, a consultation, a template pack or merchandise.
India now has 2 to 2.5 million creators who earn from their content, and they influence an estimated $350 to 400 billion of consumer spending[3]. Brands pay for that influence, so a focused channel with trusted reviews can earn well before its ad income is big.
Tax and paperwork in India
- Submit your tax info in AdSense so YouTube deducts US tax correctly on earnings from US viewers.
- YouTube income is taxable in India. File it in your income tax return; consult a CA about whether GST applies to you.
- Keep invoices for brand deals and note free products you receive; these can also have tax implications.
Grow to monetization faster
The gap between 0 and 1,000 subscribers is mostly about consistency and editing quality. Retales edits videos and Shorts for creators and connects them with brands, so you can reach monetization and stay there.
Sources
Every statistic in this article comes from one of these publications. Links open the original source in a new tab.
- 1Overview of the expanded YouTube Partner Program Eligibility for both YPP tiers: 500 subscribers for fan funding, 1,000 subscribers for ad revenue. India is included in the lower tier.
- 2YouTube outlines new monetization program for Shorts creators Creators keep 55% of ad revenue on long videos and 45% of their share of the Shorts revenue pool.
- 3From Content to Commerce: Mapping India's Creator Economy 2 to 2.5 million monetised creators in India influence over $350 to 400 billion of consumer spending.
This article is for general information and isn't financial or legal advice. Figures are as published by each source on the date shown.