How to Apply for YouTube Monetization in 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)
MONETIZATION
Quick Answer
Applying for YouTube monetization is a simple three-step process once you've reached the eligibility requirements. You'll need to accept the YouTube Partner Program terms, connect an AdSense account, wait for YouTube to review your channel, and then complete your identity, address, and tax verification after approval.
What You Need Before Applying
Before you apply for YouTube monetization, make sure you have the following ready:
A valid national ID, passport, or another government-issued identity card.
Your residential address.
A YouTube channel that has already met YouTube's monetization requirements.
Once you have these, you're ready to begin.
Step 1: Enable Advanced Channel Features
Before clicking the Apply button, open:
YouTube Studio → Settings → Channel → Feature Eligibility
Make sure all the available features are enabled.
Complete the required video verification if YouTube asks you to.
This is an important step because missing feature verification can delay your application.
Step 2: Accept the YouTube Partner Program Terms
Go to the Earn section in YouTube Studio and click Apply.
The first step is reviewing the YouTube Partner Program base terms.
Read through the agreement and click Accept.
Once you've accepted the terms, the first step is complete.
Step 3: Connect Your AdSense Account
The next step is connecting an AdSense account.
You'll have two options:
I already have an AdSense account.
I don't have an AdSense account.
If You Already Have an AdSense Account
Select Yes.
Choose the Google account connected to your existing AdSense account.
Follow the prompts, click Continue, and allow YouTube to link your AdSense account.
After that, YouTube automatically moves your application to the review stage.
If You Don't Have an AdSense Account
Select No.
Choose the Google account you want to use.
Next, select your country carefully.
Make sure you choose your actual country because selecting the wrong country can create problems during identity verification later.
Read and accept the AdSense terms, then continue with the account setup.
When filling in your information:
Choose Individual as the account type.
Enter your legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID.
Enter your correct residential address.
Once you submit your information, AdSense will begin reviewing your account.
Wait for YouTube's Review
After your AdSense account has been linked successfully, YouTube automatically starts reviewing your channel.
At this stage, you simply wait for YouTube's decision.
In my example, the application was submitted on 9 April, and the channel was approved on 10 April.
Approval times vary, but many channels receive a decision within a few days.
Turn On Ads After Approval
Once your channel is approved, you're officially part of the YouTube Partner Program.
However, you're not finished yet.
You still need to enable monetization on your content.
Go to the Earn section and turn on monetization for:
Long-form videos
Live streams
Shorts
For long-form videos, enable Mid-roll Ads if they are available for your content.
You can also choose to monetize all your existing eligible videos.
After doing this, you'll begin seeing the green dollar icon next to eligible videos inside YouTube Studio.
Complete Identity Verification
After earning around $10, AdSense will ask you to verify your identity.
Depending on your country, this usually involves:
Uploading your government-issued ID.
Verifying your address using the PIN mailed by Google.
Google sends the verification PIN to your residential address.
In many countries, it arrives within approximately two weeks to one month.
Once you receive it, enter the PIN inside your AdSense account to complete address verification.
Some countries use different verification methods, so the process may vary slightly.
Complete Your Tax Information
The next important step is completing your tax information.
Inside AdSense:
Open Payments.
Select Manage Settings.
Open United States Tax Info.
Click Add Tax Info.
For creators outside the United States, you'll usually choose the W-8BEN form.
During the process:
Select Individual.
Confirm you are not a U.S. citizen if that applies to you.
Enter your legal name.
Select your country.
Enter your residential address.
Review the information carefully before submitting.
If you qualify for any tax treaty benefits, review Google's guidance carefully before making your selection.
Once submitted, your tax information is usually processed automatically.
Watch this video to understand the guide better👇👇
