
Embarking on the journey of YouTube monetization can be a daunting prospect, especially for those who opt for faceless vlogging.
However, contrary to popular belief, achieving monetization on YouTube without revealing your face is entirely feasible. Here at The Daily Netizen, we’ve experienced this firsthand, attaining monetization within a remarkable 24-hour timeframe following our application.
The landscape of YouTube monetization is diverse, with approval processes varying from mere hours to potentially over a year, as evidenced by verified stories from YouTube vloggers.
While YouTube states that the review process may take up to 30 days, actual timelines can fluctuate. However, a pivotal shift occurred in 2023 when YouTube lowered the entry bar for its Partner Program, offering a more accessible route for aspiring creators.
So, what are the requirements for aspiring creators aiming to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and monetize their channels? Let’s delve into the essentials:
- Reside in an Eligible Country: Confirm residency in a country where the YPP is accessible.
- Adhere to Monetization Policies: Familiarize yourself with YouTube’s policies regarding AdSense, copyright, and terms of service to avoid channel shutdowns.
- Maintain a Clean Record: Avoid active Community Guidelines strikes, as they can jeopardize monetization eligibility.
- Link an AdSense Account: Syncing an AdSense account with your YouTube channel is crucial for payment processing.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Enhance channel security with two-factor authentication to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access.
Now, let’s explore the pathway to monetization based on the number of subscribers:

Start Making Money with Just 500 Subscribers:
In 2023, YouTube introduced an accessible route to the YPP, requiring:
- 500 subscribers
- Three publicly available videos in the last 90 days
- Either 3,000 watch hours in the past year OR 3 million YouTube Shorts views in the past 90 days
While channels with 500 subscribers may not earn revenue from ads initially, they can leverage fan funding features such as channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, Super Thanks, and promote official merchandise via YouTube Shopping.
Unlock Adsense Revenue with 1,000 Subscribers:
To access ad revenue, YouTube Premium benefits, and merch/fan funding revenue, channels need:
- 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time in the last 12 months OR
- 1,000 subscribers with 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days
This achievement grants a share in ad revenue generated by various ad formats and access to YouTube Premium subscription fees.
Generating 4,000 hours of watch time is attainable through consistent publication of engaging content and fostering an engaged subscriber base.

Once eligibility criteria are met, creators can apply for the YPP, with YouTube aiming to process applications within approximately 30 days. Factors influencing processing times include the volume of applications and resource limitations.

Repeated application rejections necessitate rectifying issues, awaiting the designated waiting period, and reapplying. Persistently rejected channels should focus on generating more watch hours and subscribers while ensuring compliance with content and copyright rules.
YouTube monetization for faceless vloggers is within reach, provided adherence to guidelines, perseverance, and commitment to quality content. Stay tuned to The Daily Netizen for further insights and strategies on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of YouTube monetization in 2024 and beyond.