Recently, YouTube has been addressing the issue of spam videos containing low-quality AI-generated content that has impacted quality and monetization on its platform. In a move to deal with this garbage content, YouTube has announced that it is closing its monetization rules under the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). The platform has introduced updated guidelines for fraudulent content. The new policy for YouTube content will take effect from July 15th.
YouTube claims this is merely a clarification of existing rules, but creators and viewers are equally meticulous. At the heart of this policy update is YouTube's new emphasis on original and authentic content standards. This is always necessary for monetization eligibility, the company argues.
However, the rise in generative AI tools has exploded what is called AI slops. Video content was rushed to wrap together using AI-generated narration, stock footage or reused visuals. Some of these videos can gain millions of perspectives, but many have little or no human creativity, and lacking quality and substance. YouTube policy updates are intended to address this type of content accurately.
“This update better reflects what 'fraudulent' content looks like today,” YouTube said in its official July announcement. In particular, the new policy is surgery that suggests that AI-generated videos are firmly in the company's crosshairs by “better identification of mass-produced repeat content.”
Impact on monetization policies
While the new content changes have sparked concern among many creators and make the updated policy clearer, YouTube's editor & creator liaison head Rene Ritchie said in a recent video that it is a minor update intended for the executive agency to align with the long-standing YPP policy. He reassured the creators that the update would not affect the monetization of reaction videos and content that use clips in a transformative way. “This isn't new,” Richie said. “Mass-produced, repetitive content is always not eligible for monetization.”
To further clean up the monetization ecosystem, YouTube has also made changes to its ad category settings. Starting July 15th, YouTube Studio will remove categories that are sensitive to bare skins (images only). Channels using this setting have YouTube adjusted to adjust filters until August 15th, and YouTube recommends using more specific categories such as “references to sex.”
Overall, YouTube's updated content policy is part of the battle against AI-driven content, which has been a platform-rich, low-effort content in recent years. These videos clutter the platform and also impact their value for both creators and audiences.
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