What is a YouTube Partner?

From Wikipedia: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouTube )

"Sharing revenue with popular users
In May 2007, YouTube invited some of its most viewed users to become "YouTube Partners." This exclusive status, previously only offered to commercial content providers, allows users to earn revenue from advertisements placed next to videos. Participants include Ben Going (boh3m3), Caitlin Hill (TheHill88), Paul Robinett (renetto), Lisa Donovan (LisaNova), Jessica Rose (lonelygirl15), Kevin Nalty (Nalts) Tony Huynh (thewinekone), Richard Stern (rickyste), Brandon Hardesty (ArtieTSMITW), and Yousef Abu-Taleb (Danielbeast), among the 100 partners."

Its is not really clear if the Partner program is invite only or not, but we did find this link: http://youtube.com/partpro_signup

Research: Greg Gallows

YouTube announcement on how to become a YouTube Partner.

"So now that you’ve read this, you’re probably wondering, “How can I get in on the action?” This is only available to the initial participants. But if you create original content, have built and maintained an audience on YouTube, and think you might qualify for this program based on what’s above, you can express interest on our partnership lead form. "