Do This Quickly After Your Channel Joins the YouTube Partner Program


Congratulations! If you're reading this, chances are your YouTube channel has just been accepted into the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). This is a major milestone in your content creation journey, unlocking new opportunities for revenue, growth, and professional development. However, joining the program is only the beginning.


Once accepted, there are several key actions you should take immediately to set yourself up for long-term success. This article walks you through the essential steps you need to take—quickly—after joining the YouTube Partner Program.


1. Set Up Ad Preferences and Monetization Defaults

The first thing you should do is configure your monetization settings.

a. Turn On Monetization for Existing Videos

Go to the YouTube Studio, navigate to Content, and bulk-enable monetization for all eligible videos. You can do this by selecting multiple videos and applying monetization settings at once.

b. Choose the Right Ad Types

Under each video’s monetization settings, you'll see options like:

  • Display ads

  • Overlay ads

  • Skippable video ads

  • Non-skippable video ads

  • Mid-roll ads (for videos longer than 8 minutes)

Make informed decisions based on your audience. For example, non-skippable ads can generate more revenue, but they may also lead to a higher drop-off rate.

c. Set Monetization Defaults for Future Uploads

In YouTube Studio, go to Settings > Upload Defaults > Monetization, and choose the monetization options you want to apply automatically to all new uploads. This saves time and ensures consistency.

2. Link and Verify Your Google AdSense Account

If you haven’t already, connect your AdSense account to receive your earnings. YouTube pays creators through AdSense, and you won’t receive any payments unless this is correctly linked.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Visit YouTube Studio > Monetization > AdSense.

  2. Link your existing AdSense account or create a new one.

  3. Ensure the account is verified and fully approved.

Also, remember:

  • AdSense requires a physical address for PIN verification.

  • You need to reach a $100 threshold to receive your first payment.

3. Enable Other Revenue Streams (If Eligible)

YouTube offers multiple ways to earn beyond just ads. As soon as you qualify, activate these features:

a. Super Chat & Super Stickers

If you do live streams, enabling Super Chat and Super Stickers allows viewers to pay to have their messages highlighted during the stream.

b. Channel Memberships

Once you hit 1,000 subscribers and meet the eligibility criteria, you can offer channel memberships, allowing fans to pay a monthly fee for perks.

c. YouTube Shopping (Merch)

If you sell merchandise and meet the required subscriber count (usually 500–1,000), you can link to your products directly from your videos.

d. YouTube Premium Revenue

This is passive revenue earned when YouTube Premium members watch your content.

Enable all monetization features you're eligible for to maximize your earnings.

4. Review and Update Your Video Descriptions and Thumbnails

Now that you’re monetized, it’s crucial to optimize your content presentation for click-through rate (CTR) and viewer retention, which are key to monetization success.

  • Update Descriptions: Add time stamps, links to playlists, affiliate products, or social media.

  • Improve Thumbnails: Design clear, compelling thumbnails that capture attention without being misleading.

  • Add End Screens and Cards: These help keep viewers on your channel longer, improving your video watch time—a factor in both YouTube's algorithm and your revenue.

5. Understand and Comply With YouTube’s Monetization Policies

Now that you’re earning from your videos, you’re held to a higher standard. Violating any monetization rules could result in demonetization or removal from the YPP.

a. Review the YouTube Monetization Policies:

  • Advertiser-friendly content guidelines

  • Community Guidelines

  • Copyright policies

b. Learn About the Yellow Dollar Sign

This icon means your video is not fully monetized due to limited ad suitability. You can request a manual review, but it’s best to understand the types of content that trigger this flag.

c. Use the "Checks" Feature

YouTube now checks for copyright and ad suitability issues before your video goes public. Always use this feature before publishing.

6. Use YouTube Analytics to Monitor Performance

Now that money is involved, you should regularly track how your videos are performing financially.

a. Key Metrics to Watch:

  • RPM (Revenue Per Mille): How much you earn per 1,000 views (after YouTube's cut).

  • CPM (Cost Per Mille): How much advertisers are paying (before YouTube’s cut).

  • Ad Types Performance: Understand which ads generate the most revenue.

b. Use Audience Retention Reports

Retention impacts both monetization and algorithmic visibility. Review your audience retention graphs to find drop-off points and adjust your content accordingly.

c. Track Subscriber Growth and Engagement

Monitor how your monetized content affects:

  • Subscriber growth

  • Likes and comments

  • Sharing behavior

This helps you refine your content strategy to grow revenue faster.

7. Create a Content Strategy Focused on Revenue Growth

Not all content is equally monetizable. After joining the Partner Program, consider how your niche, content type, and audience affect monetization.

a. High CPM Niches:

Certain topics attract higher ad revenue. These include:

  • Finance

  • Tech

  • Education

  • Business and entrepreneurship

  • Health and wellness

If relevant, try to incorporate these themes into your content mix.

b. Mix Evergreen and Trending Content

  • Evergreen content (e.g., tutorials, how-to videos) continues to generate revenue over time.

  • Trending content brings in spikes of traffic but often declines quickly.

A balanced strategy maximizes both short-term and long-term revenue.

8. Engage With Your Audience More Actively

Now that your fans can support you directly, it’s time to build a strong creator-community relationship.

a. Post on the Community Tab

Ask questions, run polls, or post behind-the-scenes updates. This boosts engagement and loyalty.

b. Reply to Comments

Viewers appreciate creators who are responsive. This can lead to more subscribers and increased watch time.

c. Shout-Out Super Chatters and Members

Acknowledging your biggest supporters during livestreams can encourage more contributions.

9. Consider External Monetization and Business Expansion

While YouTube ads are great, diversifying your income protects you from algorithm or policy changes.

a. Affiliate Marketing

Promote products in your niche and earn commissions. Add your links to the video descriptions.

b. Sponsorships

As a monetized creator, you may start attracting brand deals. Be transparent with paid promotions and use YouTube’s disclosure tools.

c. Sell Digital Products or Services

Examples include:

  • eBooks

  • Courses

  • Consulting/coaching sessions

Use platforms like Gumroad, Teachable, or your own website to sell.

10. Stay Updated and Educated

YouTube changes fast. As a monetized creator, it’s your job to stay informed and adapt.

a. Follow Official YouTube Channels

YouTube Creators and YouTube Help post regular updates, tips, and policy changes.

b. Join Creator Communities

Facebook groups, Reddit, Discord, and forums can be great sources of insight and support.

c. Take YouTube Creator Academy Courses

Free, platform-provided training to help you grow as a creator and entrepreneur.

Final Thoughts

Joining the YouTube Partner Program is not just about making money—it’s about stepping into a new level of professional content creation. By acting quickly and smartly, you can make the most of the tools and opportunities available.

To recap, here’s what to do immediately after joining:

  1. Configure monetization settings and ad types.

  2. Link and verify your AdSense account.

  3. Activate all available revenue features.

  4. Optimize your thumbnails, descriptions, and metadata.

  5. Follow all monetization and community guidelines.

  6. Monitor performance using analytics.

  7. Adapt your content strategy for better monetization.

  8. Engage more deeply with your audience.

  9. Explore external monetization options.

  10. Keep learning and adapting.

Your journey has just begun—but now you're playing in the big leagues. Stay consistent, strategic, and passionate, and success will follow.

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