YouTube has announced major changes to its monetisation policies starting July 15, aiming to prevent low-quality, repetitive, and fully automated content from earning revenue, while encouraging original and creative videos.

 

According to the new policy, videos created entirely using AI tools without any personal input or originality will not be eligible for monetisation. This includes content with robotic voiceovers lacking human narration or personal commentary. It also applies to repetitive formats, such as basic remixes, simple reaction videos, or compilations with minimal or no meaningful editing.

 

Content that uses someone else’s material without clear changes, commentary, or explanation will also not qualify for ads. This includes videos slightly modified with filters or colour adjustments, offering nothing new.

 

YouTube has warned that channels not complying with the rules could be removed from the YouTube Partner Program, as the platform now aims to support original, creative, and authentic content.

 

For example, YouTube will monetise educational videos with unique explanations or research; entertainment content like short films, vlogs, or well-thought-out analysis, and any videos where the creator’s own voice, style, and ideas are clearly present.

 

YouTube, however, has clarified that the use of AI is not completely banned, but it must include meaningful human input, interpretation, or editing.

 

To qualify for the YouTube Partner Program, a channel must have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months, or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days. The content must also follow YouTube’s originality and quality guidelines. Once these conditions are met, YouTube will review the channel to decide if it’s eligible to earn revenue.

 

With AI tools becoming increasingly popular, many low-quality and faceless videos have flooded the internet. Some users teach tricks to earn money without ever showing their face. YouTube aims to discourage this trend and reward creators who produce genuine educational or entertaining videos.

 

A recent Statista report revealed that in the last quarter of 2024 alone, YouTube removed more than 9.5 million videos, many of which were fully automated or repetitive. Now, the platform’s review system will be even stricter. If a channel's videos are found to be low-quality, repetitive, or fully AI-generated without a human touch, it may lose its monetisation rights.

 

With these new rules, YouTube hopes to keep the platform fresh and rewarding for creators who put real effort into producing meaningful content.