YouTube has announced a major policy shift that will see videos generated by artificial intelligence (AI), reused content, and low-effort compilations disqualified from earning revenue on the platform.
In its latest update to the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), the platform stated that only creators producing original content with authentic human voices will remain eligible for monetisation.
The update, which took effect on July 15, aims to better reflect what YouTube now considers “inauthentic” content.
It targets mass-produced, repetitive, or faceless videos that often involve little to no human input, such as static images with AI-generated voiceovers or recycled footage lacking creative transformation.
YouTube Insider Rene Ritchie described the changes as a refinement of existing policies rather than a complete overhaul. He noted that such content has long struggled to meet monetisation standards and is frequently viewed as spam by the audience.
However, YouTube clarified that the new rules do not ban the use of AI altogether. Creators are still free to use AI tools in their workflow as long as their final product showcases clear human creativity and input. Additionally, going forward, creators will be required to disclose when realistic content includes synthetic or altered media, especially when generative AI is involved.
