Can I monetize YouTube Shorts without long videos?
By the VIRAL AI team · Updated · 2 min read
The short answer
Yes, you can monetize YouTube Shorts without long videos by joining the YouTube Partner Program through the Shorts path, typically 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views in 90 days. Shorts revenue sharing then applies.
Shorts-only channels can earn, but RPM is low. Many creators diversify with sponsorships and products.
Remember that YouTube's thresholds and revenue-share rules can change, and eligibility depends on your country and channel standing. Check YouTube Studio's Earn tab for the current requirements, and enable the Shorts monetization module once you are accepted so your eligible Shorts views start earning.
Step-by-step plan
Reach the Shorts-view eligibility threshold.
Join the YouTube Partner Program.
Accept the Shorts monetization terms in Studio.
Add sponsorships and products to diversify income.
Track Shorts revenue separately in analytics.
Example: a Shorts-only comedy channel reaches YPP through 12 million Shorts views in 90 days. Shorts revenue is modest, but brand partnerships bring several times more income.
Why this works
YouTube Shorts are served in a swipeable feed where the key metric is "viewed vs. swiped away" in YouTube Studio. Shorts can now run up to three minutes, but the feed still rewards videos that stop the thumb instantly and get rewatched. Unlike TikTok, a strong Short can keep pulling views for months, and Shorts viewers can be converted into subscribers when the channel has a clear, repeatable promise and related long-form or Shorts to binge.
Common mistake to avoid
Expecting high income from Shorts revenue alone. Shorts RPM is low, so most Shorts-focused creators rely on sponsorships and other income too.
Pro tip
Use Shorts traffic to drive brand deals. Brands value reach, and a Shorts-only channel with consistent views can command sponsorships.
Check it before you post
Don't guess why your video is stuck.
Upload it to VIRAL AI to get your Viral Score, predicted views, and instant hook fixes in 20 seconds. VIRAL checks your first three seconds, pacing, captions and on-screen text against patterns from high-performing YouTube Shorts videos, flags the exact moments viewers are likely to swipe away, and suggests stronger hooks you can film before you post. It is free to start on iPhone, Android and the web, so you can test every idea before it goes live.
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