YouTube has confirmed that views of YouTube Shorts do not contribute to a channel’s eligibility for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and monetization. Although Shorts views do count towards the total watch time of a channel, they do not count towards the 4,000 hours of watch time required for YPP acceptance. This information was provided in a Q&A video on YouTube’s Creator Insider channel, where YouTube clarified several aspects of Shorts.

Do YouTube Shorts Views Count Towards 4,000 Hours of Watch Time?

In response to the question of whether Shorts views count towards the 4,000 hours of watch time, YouTube unequivocally stated that they do not. However, YouTube offers the “Shorts Fund,” allowing creators to make money solely from Shorts videos. The Shorts Fund is the first step towards monetization, and YouTube will provide updates on future changes.

Can Long Form Videos Be Adapted into Shorts?

Creators who worry about publishing repetitive content asked if it is acceptable to repurpose previously published videos on demand (VODs) into Shorts. YouTube approves of repurposing VODs into Shorts, as it allows creators to experiment. However, it is important to make sure that Shorts are able to stand alone without requiring the VOD for context. As many people watching Shorts may not be familiar with a creator’s channel, the content should be enjoyable for any viewer and be in a vertical video format.

Will There Be Separate Analytics for Shorts and VODs?

YouTube is currently working on revamping the analytics section in YouTube Studio to provide separate metrics for Shorts, VODs, and live videos. These changes aim to provide creators with better insights into the performance of their videos.

Should I Create a Separate Channel for Shorts?

While some creators opt to start separate channels for Shorts content, YouTube suggests this is only necessary if the Shorts videos differ significantly from the content already being created. The decision of whether to create a separate channel or continue posting Shorts on the existing channel depends on the creator’s creative vision. If the Shorts content is an extension of the long-form videos and related to the existing channel, it is recommended to post them on the same channel. However, if the Shorts videos are a departure from the existing content, a separate Shorts channel might be the best choice. Creators can experiment and observe their audience’s reaction to make changes accordingly.

Will YouTube Introduce Custom Thumbnails for Shorts?

Although YouTube is working on addressing feedback regarding custom thumbnails for Shorts, it is important to note that the majority of Shorts views come from people swiping through the feed. As a result, custom thumbnails may not be visible to most viewers. Thumbnails on Shorts are only displayed on surfaces with a Shorts shelf, such as channel pages, home, and search results. Changes and updates regarding custom thumbnails for Shorts will be provided by YouTube in the future.

Check out the full video below for more information: