YouTube Addresses Inauthentic Content in Its Updated Monetization Policies

Kickstarted on July 15th, YouTube has introduced new changes to its existing monetization policies. While little is about to change for some, others might find themselves in a bit of a pickle when it comes to monetizing their content through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

Targeting mass-produced and repetitive content, the new updates aim to improve the platform’s guidelines to help better identify and address inauthentic content productions. By implementing these guidelines, YouTube’s goal is to exclusively reward authentic, determined voices and original and unique content.

So, how is inauthentic content defined? Examples of inauthentic content include:

• Videos that rely on AI voices,

• Reused or repetitive content with minimal educational value,

• Near-duplicate videos,

• Low-effort compilations,

• Automated or faceless videos,

• Content consisting of readings from other materials,

• Songs with pitch or speed changes, and

• Mass-produced content using templates.

Content that falls under the updated ‘inauthentic content’ policy will no longer be eligible for monetization under YPP. This means that creators new to YouTube monetization who produce such content will not meet YouTube’s standards for originality and viewer benefit. Existing channels already in YPP must also comply with the updated guidelines. Those who fail to do so risk temporary suspension or permanent removal from the program.

Meanwhile, creators who consistently produce original, high-quality content will not be impacted by these policy changes at all.

As YouTube clarified in its statements, the current updates represent minor adjustments to its long-standing ‘repetitious content’ policy, now renamed the ‘inauthentic’ policy. As YouTube has emphasized, under that policy, mass-produced and inauthentic content has been ineligible for monetization for years. The new updates simply provide clearer guidance on what kind of content falls into the category.

It’s therefore vital to note that the platform’s policy on ‘repetitive content’ (including commentary, clips, compilations, and reaction videos) remains unchanged, and creators will still be evaluated and rewarded under the existing rules for reused content.

The decision for the policy updates follows a recent boom in faceless, AI-based channels that produce a vast amount of content but bring little to no value to viewers. Creator will reportedly have several weeks of lead time to analyze and update their content strategies.