YouTube has started testing a new Shorts bonus program that pays selected creators for maintaining a consistent upload schedule. The invite-only pilot currently covers the US, UK, Germany, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea.
The program offers two layers of payment. First, creators earn a baseline bonus for uploading a set number of public Shorts each calendar month. The exact requirement varies by invitation, though one example shared on X showed a target of 16 Shorts per month. In addition, creators can earn a separate performance bonus based on “valid, engaged Shorts views as determined by Google.” However, YouTube does not guarantee the performance bonus.
Eligible creators receive invitations through email or a YouTube Studio notification. They must accept the terms by a stated deadline and opt in once for the program’s full duration. Furthermore, creators must still hold monetized status when each month closes to qualify for payment. YouTube processes the bonuses through its regular monthly payment cycle alongside other earnings.
YouTube is also testing shopping affiliate bonuses for creators who feature certain products. Creators can find these offers in YouTube Studio’s Shopping Hub. To earn the bonus, a video must tag the participating product, use the paid promotion disclosure, and stay public for at least 30 days. Meanwhile, YouTube has started rolling out new shopping analytics that show creators their sales data, product click rates, and seller breakdowns.
The pilot arrives ahead of a major change to Shorts monetization. Starting February 1, 2027, only creators with 10 million qualified Shorts views over a trailing 90-day period will share in Shorts ad revenue. As a result, the bonus program may serve as an alternative income path for smaller creators who fall below that threshold.
YouTube Creator Liaison Rene Ritchie said the platform plans to invite more creators “in the coming months.” Consequently, the program could expand to additional countries as YouTube continues to compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels for short-form video talent.
“To lock in your bonus, you just need to make sure your video matches the required format,” Ritchie said. “Post a short or a long-form video, tag the participating product directly in the video, check the box disclosing that yes, the video includes paid promotion and keep it public continuously for at least 30 days… Creators can head over to YouTube Studio, Shopping Hub, or check Studio notifications and review exclusive offers for your channel. Check eligible products, bonus amounts, commission rates, and active dates right on the campaign detail page.””
