YouTube is about to roll out a change to how creators make money, and it’s aiming squarely at content that feels recycled, overly repetitive, or machine-made. The update lands on July 15, and while it doesn’t create new rules from scratch, it puts a sharper spotlight on what YouTube already expects i.e., real, original work.
For years, the platform has required creators in its Partner Program to upload authentic videos. What’s changing now is how clearly YouTube defines what counts as inauthentic, and how strictly it plans to enforce it.
Plenty of creators got nervous when the policy update was first announced. The fear was that popular formats like reaction clips or commentary videos might end up in the crosshairs. But YouTube has clarified things a bit. The company says the upcoming update isn’t designed to go after those formats, as long as creators are adding their own input, whether through editing, commentary, or something else that makes the video feel unique.
That said, not everyone is off the hook. Channels leaning too heavily on automation, bulk uploads, or templated formats might have a rougher time. If a creator’s videos look too similar, say the same thing over and over, or use tools that churn out content with minimal effort, they could soon find themselves out of the monetization game.
YouTube’s decision comes at a time when the platform is seeing a surge of what some now call “AI slop”, low-effort videos made with generative AI tools. Think text-to-video tools that slap robotic voiceovers on stock photos, or deepfake clips that mimic real people. There are even channels built entirely on AI-generated music or fake news reports, some of which have racked up millions of views.
And it’s not just fringe content. Earlier this year, an AI-generated true crime series fooled viewers into thinking it was made by a real production team. In another case, someone used a synthetic version of YouTube’s own CEO to run a phishing scam.
The platform has tools to report this kind of content, but moderation hasn’t kept up with the pace of creation. As a result, some creators are still cashing in on content that many viewers would label as spam, or worse, as deceptive.
So while YouTube may be framing this update as a simple clarification, it’s also a sign that enforcement is about to get more serious. What was once loosely monitored could now lead to actual consequences, including removal from the Partner Program.
For creators who invest real time in scripting, editing, and offering something original, the new policy probably won’t change much. But for those riding the wave of automation, it might be time to rethink the approach.
With the lines now drawn more clearly, YouTube seems intent on cleaning house, and making sure that the content it pays for actually delivers something of value.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.
Read next: Bitchat’s Big Claims Meet Harsh Reality After Early Security Flaws Surface
For years, the platform has required creators in its Partner Program to upload authentic videos. What’s changing now is how clearly YouTube defines what counts as inauthentic, and how strictly it plans to enforce it.
Plenty of creators got nervous when the policy update was first announced. The fear was that popular formats like reaction clips or commentary videos might end up in the crosshairs. But YouTube has clarified things a bit. The company says the upcoming update isn’t designed to go after those formats, as long as creators are adding their own input, whether through editing, commentary, or something else that makes the video feel unique.
That said, not everyone is off the hook. Channels leaning too heavily on automation, bulk uploads, or templated formats might have a rougher time. If a creator’s videos look too similar, say the same thing over and over, or use tools that churn out content with minimal effort, they could soon find themselves out of the monetization game.
YouTube’s decision comes at a time when the platform is seeing a surge of what some now call “AI slop”, low-effort videos made with generative AI tools. Think text-to-video tools that slap robotic voiceovers on stock photos, or deepfake clips that mimic real people. There are even channels built entirely on AI-generated music or fake news reports, some of which have racked up millions of views.
And it’s not just fringe content. Earlier this year, an AI-generated true crime series fooled viewers into thinking it was made by a real production team. In another case, someone used a synthetic version of YouTube’s own CEO to run a phishing scam.
The platform has tools to report this kind of content, but moderation hasn’t kept up with the pace of creation. As a result, some creators are still cashing in on content that many viewers would label as spam, or worse, as deceptive.
So while YouTube may be framing this update as a simple clarification, it’s also a sign that enforcement is about to get more serious. What was once loosely monitored could now lead to actual consequences, including removal from the Partner Program.
For creators who invest real time in scripting, editing, and offering something original, the new policy probably won’t change much. But for those riding the wave of automation, it might be time to rethink the approach.
With the lines now drawn more clearly, YouTube seems intent on cleaning house, and making sure that the content it pays for actually delivers something of value.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.
Read next: Bitchat’s Big Claims Meet Harsh Reality After Early Security Flaws Surface
