YouTube has introduced a new monetization policy, effective July 15, 2025.
The goal is to limit earnings for channels that publish videos that are mass-produced, repetitive, or low-effort.
The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) guidelines have been updated to identify and prevent such content from generating revenue.
Accordingly, the new monetization standards on YouTube are as follows.
“As part of the YPP, YouTube always requires creators to upload ‘original’ and ‘authentic’ content to be eligible for monetization. On July 15, 2025, YouTube is updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitive content. This update better reflects what constitutes ‘fake’ content,” YouTube said in a statement published on its official support page.
The updated policy requires creators to meet eligibility standards to join the YPP.
A channel must have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past year or 10 million valid public shorts views in the past 90 days.
YouTube has two specific rules that explain what content is considered ineligible for monetization.
First, content borrowed from other sources must be significantly modified to be considered original.
Second, the repeated content must serve a purpose beyond just getting views.
It must be entertaining or educational.
The new policy is expected to affect clickbait, templated and AI-generated content, especially videos that rely on AI-generated voices or reuse other creators’ material with minimal editing.
The impact on creators is unclear.
YouTube did not specify the consequences creators could face for violating the new rules.
There is no mention of penalties, suspensions, etc. under the updated terms.
The company said the new approach aims to align its monetization rules with trends and content tactics that are considered inauthentic.
While YouTube did not confirm whether AI-powered content would fall under the revised guidelines, the update hints at tighter controls on such formats.
The update also prohibits users under the age of 16 from live streaming on the platform without adult supervision.
Insider Gaming has reached out to YouTube for further clarification on the updated guidelines and their enforcement, and said it will publish an update once it receives a response.