YouTube is adding new requirements for users who are linking out to external websites on their videos.
The update requires users to join the YouTube Partner Program in order to add end cards with external links, which is already a common way for YouTubers to point fans toward merchandise or Patreon pages.
While YouTubers still can put links on their description boxes, YouTube is not allowing them to put external links to end cards, which are much more convenient and eye-catching, without joining the program.
It all started when several YouTube creators found out that they were no longer able to add external links in the cards at the end of their videos, unless they enable their channel for monetization. While they don't actually need to enable monetization on individual videos, the channel must first join the program for external link cards to work.
This sudden change confused some YouTubers.
The change is meant to limit the abuse of external linking. With YouTube limiting external links to partners, YouTube can make sure that creators won't violate its terms of service and community guidelines.
In its explanation, YouTube stated that:
The change does add an extra step for YouTubers that want to add external links to their own websites or crowdfunding pages, especially if they have no interest in joining YouTube’s Partner Program.
YouTube also has removed ads from videos with less than 10,000 channel views earlier in 2017. What this means, YouTubers may have a harder time drawing followers to their Patreons.