Youtube created the partner program in 2007. YouTube itself developed the initial idea, when it started to advertise on the content of creators. YouTube takes 45% of the revenue generated by YouTubers. Over the years, many changes are incorporated in the program.
Some aimed to simply the criteria of eligibility whereas others tried to focus ads towards certain YouTubers. The recent changes in January has led to an uproar in the YouTube community as the smaller YouTubers are disqualified from the program. This program is among many other YouTube programs that relate YouTubers with the actual site ensuring a flourishing business.