YouTube monetisation policy update targets AI, reused content

YouTube monetisation policy update bans AI voices, reused videos, and low-effort uploads from earning, urging creators to use original content and real voices

YouTube monetisation policy update will come into full effect from July 15, 2025, as the Google-owned video platform enforces stricter rules to curb the rise of AI-generated and recycled videos.

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Under the revised terms of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), creators will now be required to produce original content that includes real human voices to qualify for monetisation.

This means that any videos relying primarily on AI-generated narration or visuals, low-effort compilations, or reused media without meaningful transformation will lose eligibility for earning revenue.

“YouTube aims to improve viewer experience and restore faith in its recommendation engine,” the platform said in an official statement released on Monday.

The update marks one of YouTube’s most aggressive policy shifts in recent years, prompted by the flood of faceless, automated videos that have increasingly dominated certain content niches.

Many of these channels were created to exploit YouTube’s algorithm for rapid monetisation, often offering little value to users.

In contrast, YouTube says it wants to incentivise creators who “add real value to the community” through authenticity, creativity, and originality.

According to the company, this shift also responds to concerns from advertisers and viewers over the growing lack of transparency and trust in what gets recommended or monetised on the platform.

Despite the stricter content rules, the core monetisation eligibility thresholds remain the same. Creators still need at least 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months or 10 million valid Shorts views within 90 days.

However, YouTube has warned that it will now increase both manual and automated review efforts to vet applications and existing channels for compliance.

Any creator found violating these updated standards will be removed from the Partner Program and can only reapply after making the necessary corrections.

YouTube aims to improve viewer experience and restore faith in its recommendation engine.

YouTube also clarified that it will not tolerate circumvention strategies such as using text-to-speech bots, heavily templated scripts, or minor edits to third-party content.

This means that content creators who have relied on AI-generated tools or previously popular strategies such as voice-over compilations, stock footage montages, or looping animations must now rethink their approach.

YouTube is urging creators to adopt storytelling, commentary, reviews, or educational content that clearly exhibits a human perspective and intentional effort.

Industry analysts say this policy change is likely to reshape the creator economy, particularly among faceless niche channels that had previously enjoyed lucrative revenue streams.

According to digital media consultant Faith Ogunbanjo, “YouTube is clearly signalling that creativity must be human-led again. Automation won’t cut it anymore.”

However, some creators worry about the subjectivity of YouTube’s review process. Past criticisms have accused the platform of inconsistent enforcement, with some large creators enjoying leniency while smaller channels are swiftly penalised.

To address these concerns, YouTube has promised to publish transparency reports outlining the types of content being demonetised and to offer clearer feedback when channels are rejected or removed from YPP.

Still, the platform maintains that content featuring the creator’s voice, opinions, analysis, or narrative stands the best chance of long-term monetisation success.

Creators who wish to retain their earning potential are now being urged to prioritise unique content, engage directly with their audience, and abandon shortcuts that rely on AI tools or recycled clips.

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With AI content booming across platforms, YouTube’s monetisation policy update could set a precedent for other digital platforms navigating the balance between automation, authenticity, and quality control.