AI and reused content are still monetisable with originality, disclosure: YouTube clarifies

New Delhi: YouTube has issued a clarification ahead of a scheduled update to its monetisation guidelines under the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), effective July 15. 

The update, which has sparked some confusion among creators, does not introduce a new policy but rather refines an existing one by renaming the “repetitious content” guideline to “inauthentic content.”

According to YouTube, the term “inauthentic content” better describes content that is mass-produced or overly repetitive, which viewers often perceive as spammy and low-value. 

Importantly, this type of content has always been ineligible for monetisation, and the new terminology is intended to make the policy clearer.

“We regularly update and evolve our policies based on the content on YouTube,” YouTube stated. “This update is to clarify that this policy includes content that is mass-produced or repetitive.”

Key clarifications from YouTube:

• No new policy is being introduced. The July 15 change is a language update, not a policy overhaul.
  
  
• The policy applies irrespective of how the content was created, including whether or not AI was involved.
  
  
• AI-generated content remains eligible for monetisation, provided it is original, authentic, and meets disclosure requirements for synthetic or altered material.
  
  
• Reused content rules remain unchanged. Clips, compilations, and reaction videos can still monetise if they provide significant original value, educational, critical, or entertaining.
  
  

What qualifies as “mass-produced” content?

YouTube cited a few non-exhaustive examples to help creators better understand the category:

• Channels uploading narrated stories with only minor changes across videos
  
  
• Channels publishing slideshows with identical narration patterns
  
  

YouTube continues to emphasise that creators must ensure originality in their uploads to remain monetisation-eligible. Additional examples and detailed monetisation guidelines are available through the platform’s Help Centre.