is the 10 minute rule still a thing on youtube

ConanTheLibrarian

ConanTheLibrarian

Newbie
Joined
Jul 9, 2026
Messages
11
Reaction score
25
It's been a while since I've done any stuff on Youtube. Back in the old days you would need to get a video over 10 minutes for it to be really worth your time in terms of revenue, is this still the case or should i focus more on short form content?
 
Advertise on BHW
No longer would I worry about the precise 10 minute cut off There is plenty of opportunity to make money from long form content although retention and the quality of the video itself would be more important shorts are good for reach while long form is for engagement.
 
The old 10-minute cutoff is gone. The current threshold for mid-roll ads is 8 minutes, but I still wouldn’t stretch a good 6-minute video just to reach it. Lower retention can easily cost more than the extra ad opportunity gains.
 
ConanTheLibrarian said:
It's been a while since I've done any stuff on Youtube. Back in the old days you would need to get a video over 10 minutes for it to be really worth your time in terms of revenue, is this still the case or should i focus more on short form content?
Click to expand...
Prioritize both, they all have their benefit.
 
To be sure of what you are asking, i think it will be more accurate if you should ask Youtube support to see what there answer is.
 
It's no longer as strict as it used to. YouTube now focuses more on the quality than length. short form videos now perform better than long forms. Though whatever form you can produce, ones the quality is good, you are good
 
Nah, 10 mins isn’t the magic number anymore. I’d focus on good content first, then mix Shorts for reach with long-form for better revenue
 
the rule now is to keep user engaged for as many seconds as possible.
Research for retention methods like driving curiosity by showing a super interesting part of the video (most interesting) at first, so user have an illusion that watching is worth. And there are many other retention, it's enough to take a mr beast video and try to understand what he shows when and why he does like this, and you can create a template.
 
Honestly, the 10 minute thing isnt really the main focus anymore, especially since shorts can bring in a lot of reach. I’d focus on making good long form content for watch time and use shorts to pull in new viewers, this is hthe og method
 
I prioritize the content of a product over the length of a video because the length alone doesn't determine whether a product will be successful and generate revenue. Therefore, creating rich and varied content is my choice.
 
My videos are 3min long and the earnings are good

It's better 90% retention on a 3min video than 50% in a 8min videos

Once you get the 4k hours accumulate hours of views is irrelevant
 
longer videos make good but it depends more on watch time retention and how engaged the viewers are
 
I tend to prioritize consistency in terms of my YouTube channel’s niche and content ideas over other factors. Staying consistent helps my channel maintain a stable base of loyal viewers.
 
ConanTheLibrarian said:
It's been a while since I've done any stuff on Youtube. Back in the old days you would need to get a video over 10 minutes for it to be really worth your time in terms of revenue, is this still the case or should i focus more on short form content?
Click to expand...
I am still seeing people stressing about the 10 minute threshold but one dull minute ruins more than any short video possibly can. as long as the audience stays untill the end i does not mind how long the video is at all.
 
The old 10 minute rule is outdated For monetized long form videos mid roll ads are now available from 8 minutes focus more on retention and making the video as long as the topic naturally requires.
 
ConanTheLibrarian said:
It's been a while since I've done any stuff on Youtube. Back in the old days you would need to get a video over 10 minutes for it to be really worth your time in terms of revenue, is this still the case or should i focus more on short form content?
Click to expand...
Short form is good to grow subscribers. But revenue there is less compared to long form content.
 
Id focus more on long form if revenue is the main goal 8+ minute videos can use mid roll ads but I wouldnt stretch a video just to hit the time limit Shorts are great for reach while long-form usually makes more sense for monetization
 
10 minutes isn’t really the goal anymore. long videos can still pay better, but it depends heavily on the niche and audience. I’d test both formats and see which one gives you better RPM and retention.
 
10 minutes isn’t really the magic number anymore. Long-form is still better for ad revenue, especially if you can keep retention high, while Shorts are great for reach and bringing in new viewers. I’d probably mix both rather than going all-in on Shorts.
 
Advertise on BHW
You must log in or register to reply here.
Sign up now!

Main Menu

Home Main Forum List Black Hat SEO White Hat SEO BHW Newbie Guide Blogging Black Hat Tools Social Media Downloads

Marketplace

Account Selling Content / Copywriting EBooks / Methods Hosting Misc Proxies For Sale SEO - Link building SEO - Packages Social Media Social Media - Panels Web Design More

Making Money

Affiliate Programs Hire a Freelancer IM Journeys Making Money Pay Per Click Site Flipping Want to Buy

BlackHat World

Dispute Resolution Forum Suggestions & Feedback Introductions Lounge
Back
Top