YouTube to Crack Down on AI-Generated & Repetitive Content

YouTube to Tighten Policies on Monetization of AI-Generated Content

YouTube is preparing revisions to its policies to address the increasing prevalence of “inauthentic” content. This includes videos created through mass production techniques and repetitive formats.

The updates to the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) Monetization policies will be implemented on July 15th. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines regarding content eligibility for revenue generation.

Clarifying "Authentic" Content

While the specific wording of the new policies is still pending release, YouTube’s Help documentation emphasizes the existing requirement for creators to upload “original” and “authentic” material. The update intends to offer a more precise understanding of what constitutes “inauthentic” content in the current digital landscape.

Initial concerns arose among some creators that the changes might restrict monetization opportunities for content like reaction videos or those incorporating clips. However, Rene Ritchie, YouTube’s Head of Editorial & Creator Liaison, clarified this is not the intention.

A Minor Update to Existing Policies

Ritchie described the update as a “minor” refinement of the long-standing YPP policies. The primary goal is to improve the identification of content that is mass-produced or demonstrably repetitive in nature.

He further noted that such content has historically been ineligible for monetization, often being perceived as spam by viewers.

The Rise of "AI Slop"

However, Ritchie did not directly address the increased ease with which this type of content can now be created.

The proliferation of AI technology has led to a surge in “AI slop” – low-quality media generated using generative AI. This often manifests as AI-generated voices narrating repurposed photos or video clips, facilitated by text-to-video AI tools.

Several channels dedicated to AI-generated music have amassed substantial subscriber bases. Furthermore, fabricated, AI-created videos concerning current events, such as the Diddy trial, have garnered millions of views.

Examples of AI-Generated Content Concerns

A viral true crime series on YouTube was recently discovered to be entirely AI-generated, as reported by 404 Media. Even YouTube CEO Neal Mohan’s image was exploited in an AI-driven phishing scheme on the platform, despite the presence of deepfake reporting tools.

Protecting YouTube’s Reputation

Despite characterizing the changes as “minor,” allowing this type of content to flourish and its creators to profit could potentially harm YouTube’s reputation and overall value.

Therefore, it is understandable that YouTube seeks to establish clear policies enabling the large-scale removal of AI slop creators from the YPP.