According to YouTube, the purpose of this feature is to make it easier for users to request removal of content that uses images illegally, and to increase their confidence while navigating the platform.
As it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish between AI videos and genuine content, this new feature is expected to help users spot fraudulent or misleading fake videos early on. For content creators, the tool also helps detect brands and companies that use illegal personal images to promote their products and services.
YouTube first introduced this tool in 2024 and began rolling it out to members of the YouTube Partnership Program in late 2025. Since then, the platform has continued to expand to include journalists and politicians, making it even more widely applicable.
In addition to the face, YouTube also asks if the video copies the audio to help with the rating process. However, this tool cannot currently automatically detect fake content based solely on audio.
The new move shows YouTube is stepping up measures to protect users from the increasingly explosive wave of AI content on the internet.
