YouTube has updated its monetization rules and AI content policies, effective July 15, 2025. The new guidelines affect creators in Pakistan and globally, especially those using AI-generated content. Here’s a complete step-by-step guide to monetizing your YouTube channel under the latest YouTube monetization rules and YouTube AI monetization policy.
YouTube Monetization Rules (2025 Update)
To qualify for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), creators must meet the following conditions:
- Subscribers: Minimum of 1,000 subscribers.
- Watch Time or Shorts Views:
- 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months, OR
- 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
- Policy Compliance: Content must comply with YouTube’s Community Guidelines, Terms of Service, Copyright policies, and AdSense policies.
- Account Setup:
- 2-Step Verification must be enabled.
- A valid Google AdSense account must be linked.
- Location: Channel must be based in an eligible country. Pakistan is eligible.
YouTube AI Monetization Policy (Effective July 15, 2025)
YouTube has revised its AI monetization policy to address synthetic content:
- Human Involvement is Mandatory: Videos must show meaningful human input—commentary, editing, or storytelling. Fully automated content is not monetizable.
- Disclosure Required: AI-generated or altered content must be labeled using YouTube’s “Altered Content” tag.
- AI Voice Covers: AI-generated songs or covers using real artists’ voices require proper licensing. Otherwise, such videos are demonetized.
- Faceless Channels at Risk: Channels using only AI scripts, text-to-speech, or stock footage without human commentary are unlikely to qualify under the YouTube monetization AI policy.
- Advertiser Opt-Out: Advertisers can avoid placing ads on videos with 50% or more AI-generated content.
Step-by-Step Guide: Monetize Your YouTube Channel in Pakistan
Step 1: Create a Channel
- Sign into YouTube with a Google Account.
- Set up a branded channel via YouTube Studio.
- Define your niche (e.g., education, tech, vlogs).
Step 2: Meet YPP Requirements
- Post original videos and grow to 1,000 subscribers.
- Achieve either:
- 4,000 watch hours (long-form) in 12 months, or
- 10 million Shorts views in 90 days.
- Avoid inauthentic content and AI-only compilations.
Step 3: Set Up AdSense
- Visit adsense.google.com and create an account.
- Link your AdSense to YouTube.
- Add correct tax and payment details. A minimum of $10 is needed for address verification, and $100 for the first payout.
Step 4: Apply for Monetization
- In YouTube Studio, go to the “Monetization” tab.
- Accept YPP terms and submit the channel.
- Manual review is conducted to check content authenticity and policy compliance.
Step 5: Enable Monetization Tools
Once approved:
- Enable ads (skippable, non-skippable, or bumper).
- Use features like Channel Memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks.
- Explore YouTube Shopping and the new Gems feature to boost earnings.
Step 6: Optimize for Monetization
- Use trending keywords like “how to monetize YouTube in Pakistan” naturally in titles and descriptions.
- Encourage engagement—likes, comments, shares.
- Disclose AI use clearly if applicable under the YouTube AI monetization policy.
- Avoid copyright issues and community guideline violations.
Step 7: Diversify Income
- Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates.
- Collaborate with brands for sponsorships.
- Sell branded merchandise or use Patreon for crowdfunding.
Step 8: Monitor and Adjust
- Use YouTube Studio analytics to monitor watch time, subscribers, and earnings.
- Stay informed about changes in YouTube monetization rules.
- If rejected, fix issues and reapply after 30 days.
Special Considerations for Pakistani Creators
- Local Content Advantage: Focus on Urdu tutorials, Pakistani trends, and culture-specific content.
- Affordable Tools: Use free editing tools like DaVinci Resolve or CapCut.
- Payments: Use a bank account that supports international transfers; local services like JazzCash or Easypaisa aren’t directly compatible.
- Collaborate Locally: Grow by networking with other Pakistani YouTubers.
Challenges Creators May Face
- Strict enforcement of YouTube AI monetization policy on smaller or faceless channels.
- Equipment and internet reliability in remote areas.
- Competition across niches.
- Demonetization due to misuse of AI or content duplication.
Monetizing a YouTube channel now requires not just reaching subscriber and watch time goals, but also strict compliance with authenticity standards and the latest YouTube monetization AI rules. Content must be original and human-led. Channels using AI tools should ensure proper disclosure and avoid automation-heavy strategies to stay eligible for monetization.
Stay updated, focus on originality, and follow YouTube’s evolving AI monetization policy to build a sustainable income stream from your channel.
