YouTube is clarifying existing policies regarding strengthening enforcement against content lacking originality on its platform rather than introducing new restrictions. The video-sharing giant announced that starting July 15, its “repetitious content” guideline will be renamed “inauthentic content,” targeting mass-produced videos that viewers often consider spam.

“We’re not introducing a new YPP policy,” Sarah from TeamYouTube emphasized in the announcement. “This is a minor update to our long-standing ‘repetitious content’ guideline.”

The clarification aims to better identify content that has “always been ineligible for monetization,” as YouTube has consistently required original and authentic uploads for participation in the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

The enhanced enforcement specifically addresses “mass-produced or repetitive” content, which violates monetization guidelines. Examples include channels uploading narrated stories with only superficial differences between them or slideshows featuring identical narration across multiple videos.

This comes amid growing concerns about content quality, particularly in the expanding Shorts ecosystem. The platform’s recent technological improvements will better identify and restrict monetization of videos that lack clear value for viewers.

AI Content Remains Eligible for Monetization

YouTube explicitly states that using AI tools remains acceptable under the updated guidelines. “We welcome creators using AI tools to enhance their storytelling, and channels that use AI in their content remain eligible to monetize,” the announcement confirms.

The platform requires creators to disclose when realistic content is altered or synthetic but maintains that AI usage itself doesn’t constitute a violation of the “inauthentic content” policy.

No Changes to Reused Content Policies

The update does not affect YouTube’s existing reused content policies, which govern commentary, clips, compilations, and reaction videos. Such content can continue to monetize if creators add “significant original commentary, modifications, or educational or entertainment value” to the original material.

The enforcement update comes as Shorts establishes itself as a significant platform component, with Shorts’ revenue per watch-hour now matching YouTube’s core business in several countries, including the United States.

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