Problem is, YouTubers need 10,000 public views to be eligible for the program, and that could be an insurmountable number for smaller creators. Not to mention, their application is still subject to approval. Putting links in the video description just isn't the same as placing them in the middle of the screen where viewers can't ignore them.

According to YouTube, though, it decided on the change to prevent opportunists from ripping off other people's video and other copyrighted content, posting it as their own and earning money from it. Creators don't need to monetize their channel to be able to use end cards, but they need to garner enough attention and prove they're not making money from someone else's hard work.

Here's YouTube's statement about the change: