✅ Do This Quickly After Your Channel Joins the YouTube Partner Program



Congratulations! You’ve been accepted into the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)—a major milestone on your journey as a content creator. But joining is just the beginning. To make the most of your monetization opportunities, there are key steps you must take quickly after acceptance.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the first 10 things you should do after joining the YPP—each step designed to help you maximize earnings, protect your channel, and grow sustainably.

🚀 1. Enable All Available Monetization Options

Once accepted, the first thing you should do is enable monetization on your videos.

Here's how:

  • Go to YouTube Studio > Monetization.

  • Enable ads across your content. You’ll choose formats like:

    • Skippable ads

    • Non-skippable ads

    • Overlay ads

    • Bumper ads

    • Mid-roll ads (for videos over 8 minutes)

Also enable Shorts monetization if eligible. As of 2023, YouTube monetizes Shorts via an ad revenue-sharing model, not just the Shorts Fund.

Pro Tip: Go to Bulk Editor in YouTube Studio to monetize multiple videos quickly, and enable monetization by default for future uploads.

💳 2. Set Up and Verify Your AdSense Account

No AdSense = No money. If you haven’t already linked a valid AdSense account during the application, now is the time.

Steps:

  • Visit YouTube Studio > Monetization > AdSense Settings

  • Link an existing Google AdSense account or create one.

  • Complete identity verification and submit payment info.

It can take a few days to finalize. Make sure your name and address match your legal documents to avoid delays.

Important: AdSense requires a $100 threshold before issuing your first payout.

🏷 3. Enable Channel Memberships and Super Features

Once in YPP, you can unlock additional revenue streams beyond ads:

Available Features (if eligible):

  • Channel Memberships: Fans pay monthly for perks like badges, emojis, exclusive posts.

  • Super Chat & Super Stickers: Viewers tip during livestreams.

  • Super Thanks: Viewers tip on regular uploads.

These features may not be available in all regions, so check your eligibility at [YouTube Creator Studio > Monetization > Supers/Memberships].

Tip: Create custom emojis and badges before launching memberships to make your offering attractive.

📦 4. Turn On Monetization for YouTube Shorts

In 2023, YouTube introduced Shorts ad revenue sharing. If your channel is eligible:

  • You’ll earn from ads shown between Shorts in the feed.

  • Revenue is pooled and distributed based on views and music usage.

How to activate:

  • Go to YouTube Studio > Monetization > Shorts Feed Ads.

  • Accept the Shorts monetization terms.

Note: Shorts require consistent performance—try to post at least 3–5 Shorts per week if this format is part of your strategy.

📈 5. Optimize for CPM and RPM

Monetization isn't just about turning ads on—it's about earning more per view. Here’s how to optimize:

Know your numbers:

  • CPM (Cost per Mille): How much advertisers pay per 1,000 ad views.

  • RPM (Revenue per Mille): Your actual earnings per 1,000 video views (includes ads, memberships, Super Chats, etc.)

CPM optimization tips:

  • Target Tier-1 Countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia)

  • Make educational or business content—they attract higher-paying advertisers.

  • Use relevant keywords in titles and tags.

  • Keep videos over 8 minutes to enable mid-roll ads.

Note: RPM is usually lower than CPM, but optimizing both matters for long-term earnings.

🧹 6. Review & Update Old Videos for Monetization

Many creators forget about their old content. After joining YPP, revisit your video library.

Audit checklist:

  • Are all eligible videos monetized?

  • Do any have limited monetization (yellow $ sign)?

  • Remove profanity, violent thumbnails, or background music that violates content guidelines.

Use YouTube’s Self-Certification Tool to get more accurate monetization decisions over time.

🎯 7. Understand Monetization Policies

Just because you're in YPP doesn’t mean monetization is guaranteed. YouTube regularly demonetizes content that violates policies.

Review these:

  • Advertiser-Friendly Guidelines

  • Copyright Policy

  • Community Guidelines

  • Reused Content Policy

  • Misleading Metadata Policy

Pro Tip: Avoid uploading reused TikToks or Instagram Reels without significant editing or commentary. It could get you demonetized under the "reused content" rule.

🔐 8. Enable 2-Step Verification & Security Features

Now that you can earn real money, protect your channel like a business.

Do this:

  • Enable 2-Step Verification on your Google Account.

  • Set up recovery options: phone, backup codes, secondary email.

  • Use a strong password and avoid public Wi-Fi.

Tip: Consider setting up a Brand Account to separate personal and channel ownership and invite team members safely.

📅 9. Plan Your Content Strategy Around Monetization

Now that you're monetized, consistency and content quality matter more than ever.

Actionable steps:

  • Stick to a posting schedule (1–2 uploads/week minimum)

  • Focus on watch time, not just views—more watch time = more ads = higher RPM.

  • Analyze your audience demographics in YouTube Analytics. Double down on geographies with high CPMs.

  • Try series formats to increase binge-watching and session time.

Example: Instead of random uploads, create themed playlists or mini-series.

🧠 10. Learn From Analytics & Start Experimenting

YouTube Analytics is your best friend. After monetization, you’ll see Revenue reports that show:

  • Estimated monthly earnings

  • RPM and CPM over time

  • Revenue by video, region, and traffic source

  • Memberships, Super Chat income

Use this to:

  • Identify top-earning videos (make more like them)

  • Spot low-RPM content (experiment with titles/topics)

  • Track spikes around topics or trends

Bonus Tip: Export data monthly and track your growth in Excel or Google Sheets.

✨ Bonus: Build Your Creator Business

Now that you’re in the Partner Program, think bigger than just ads. Turn your channel into a full-time brand:

Revenue streams to explore:

  • Affiliate Marketing (Amazon, TubeBuddy, etc.)

  • Sponsorships & Brand Deals

  • Online Courses / Digital Products

  • Merch via YouTube Shopping or third-party platforms (Spring, Shopify)

  • Patreon or Ko-fi for donations and exclusive content

Use your Community tab and YouTube Stories to engage and convert your audience into loyal supporters.

⚠️ What NOT to Do After Monetization

Avoid these common pitfalls that could harm your growth or get your channel demonetized:

  • Don't click your own ads – It violates AdSense terms.

  • Don't upload copyrighted content – Even short music clips can lead to strikes or demonetization.

  • Don't neglect your audience – Monetization is just a tool. Without audience trust and value, revenue will eventually fade.

  • Don’t chase trends blindly – Stay aligned with your niche to build loyal viewership.

💡 Final Thoughts

Joining the YouTube Partner Program is an exciting milestone—but it’s only the beginning of building a sustainable creator business. The steps you take immediately after being accepted can shape your future revenue, growth, and opportunities.

To recap, here’s your post-monetization checklist:

✅ TaskPurpose
Enable Monetization on All VideosStart earning right away
Link Your AdSense AccountGet paid on time
Turn On Shorts, Super Chat, MembershipsMaximize earnings
Optimize for CPMBoost ad revenue
Secure Your ChannelProtect your income
Learn PoliciesAvoid demonetization
Use AnalyticsGuide your content strategy
Expand Revenue StreamsBuild long-term income

Treat your YouTube channel like a business, stay consistent, deliver value, and watch your creator career take off.

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