There are a few factors to consider when you’re uploading a video you want to monetize with ads.
Check for ad suitability during upload
You can use the Checks page during upload to screen your video for ad suitability and copyright claims before publishing it. These checks help you learn about potential restrictions to monetization so you can adjust them before publishing.
Copyright & Ad-Suitability "Checks" in Upload Flow
How Self-Certification helps
With Self-Certification, all creators in the YouTube Partner Program have more control over monetization decisions. You can also see the expected monetization status and revenue potential in real time.
For creators with a high accuracy rating history: We’ll use your input for the initial monetization decision. Then you can publish and monetize your video immediately after you upload it. If our systems find any discrepancies with your rating, there’s a small chance it could change. Most discrepancies are found within one hour.
For creators that are new to Self-Certification or have a low accuracy rating history: We’ll rely more on our automated systems for monetization decisions. There’s also a ‘checking’ monetization icon to make it clear when a review is still in progress. Videos can’t be monetized with ads until system checks are complete.
To check your rating history, check out Understand your rating status.
Understand ad monetization Notice icons
Here are what the different icons mean for your ad monetization status:
None: There is nothing affecting your content’s ad monetization.
Partial limitation: Your content may have limited ad earnings, no ad earnings, or no mid-rolls added. If you hover over the notice you can see more information about the limitation and any actions you can take to address it.
Checking: System checks are still running. We recommend waiting for checks to complete before making a video public. To maximize revenue, wait until the disappears and check that there are no new Notices. Keep in mind that not all creators will see this icon because our checking systems are usually fast.
Learn more about each icon in our Notices icon guide.