How To Fix Not Eligible For Monetization YouTube

Introduction

Imagine putting hours into creating videos, growing your audience, and finally hitting that exciting moment when you think it’s time to start earning from your content—only to find out you’re not eligible for monetization on YouTube.

It’s frustrating, confusing, and can feel like a huge setback. But the good news is, this isn’t the end of the road. There are clear reasons why this happens, and even better—there are ways to fix it.

I’ve seen many creators face this issue, from beginners to those who’ve been uploading for years. Some miss small details, while others aren’t aware of YouTube’s latest policy changes.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the common reasons behind monetization ineligibility, how to identify the exact problem with your channel, and the steps you can take to get back on track.

Why You Might Not Be Eligible for YouTube Monetization

YouTube has strict rules to protect its community and advertisers. If your channel isn’t eligible for monetization, it’s usually because of one (or more) of these reasons:

1. You Haven’t Met the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) Requirements

To join the YPP, your channel needs to meet these criteria:

1,000 subscribers
4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months or 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days
2-step verification enabled on your Google account
No active Community Guidelines strikes

If you’re missing any of these, you won’t be able to monetize yet.

2. You Have Community Guidelines or Copyright Strikes

YouTube takes its rules seriously. Violations like:

Posting harmful or misleading content
Reusing content without adding value (like re-uploading someone else’s video)
Using copyrighted music, images, or clips without permission

…can lead to strikes, making your channel ineligible.

3. Invalid AdSense Account Issues

Monetization on YouTube is tied to Google AdSense. If:

Your AdSense account was disapproved
You’ve linked multiple channels incorrectly
You violated AdSense policies

…this can stop your earnings before they even start.

4. Reused or Repetitive Content

YouTube doesn’t allow monetization for content that’s too repetitive or lacks original value. This includes:

Compilations of other creators’ content without commentary
Slideshows with little creative input
Automated or AI-generated content without human editing

5. Account Suspensions or Policy Changes

Sometimes, YouTube updates its monetization policies. If you don’t keep up, you might unknowingly violate new rules.

Also, if your account has been suspended or disabled for policy violations in the past, it could affect monetization.

How Do I Fix “Not Eligible for Monetization” on YouTube?

Now that you know the common issues, here’s how to fix them:

Step 1: Check Your Monetization Status

Go to YouTube Studio > Monetization tab.
You’ll see why your channel isn’t eligible. YouTube usually gives specific reasons, like “reused content” or “watch hours not met.”

Step 2: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

If you’re short on subscribers or watch hours:

Promote your videos on social media to reach new audiences.
Create engaging content that encourages people to watch longer.
Focus on Shorts if you’re aiming for the 10 million views requirement.

For missing 2-step verification:

Go to your Google Account Settings > Security > 2-Step Verification and turn it on.

Step 3: Fix Community Guidelines or Copyright Issues

Appeal Strikes: If you believe a strike was a mistake, submit an appeal through YouTube Studio.
Remove Problematic Content: If you have videos with copyright issues, delete or edit them.
Add Original Commentary: For reused content, add voice-overs, reactions, or educational insights to make it unique.

Step 4: Resolve AdSense Issues

Check Your AdSense Account: Make sure it’s active and approved.
Use Only One AdSense Account: Linking multiple channels is fine, but using multiple AdSense accounts can cause problems.
Fix Policy Violations: If AdSense rejected your account, they’ll tell you why. Fix the issue and reapply.

Step 5: Reapply for Monetization

Once you’ve fixed the issues:

Go to YouTube Studio > Monetization.
Click Reapply (if the option is available).
Follow the steps carefully, ensuring your content now complies with YouTube’s policies.

Tip: It’s better to wait until you’re confident everything is fixed before reapplying. YouTube can take up to 30 days to review applications, and if you get rejected again, you’ll need to wait another 30 days.