This move makes sense for several reasons.

First, you have to consider how content creators will react. The ones who are contacted by YouTube will no doubt be thrilled to receive money. The ones who arent will at least know that the possibility exists, and may make more and better videos as a result. That, in turn, should benefit the average YouTube user.Then theres the corporate perspective. Google has been trying to monetize YouTube for years, and by extending the Partner Program, should be able to sell more ads and bring the site closer to profitability.Anyway, heres one last detail thats both a drawback and a hint at the next step the YouTube Biz Blog post stated, For now individual video partnerships are available only in the United States, but we hope to roll these out internationally soon.