YouTube to Demonetize Low-Quality Kids' Videos

YouTube to Demonetize Low-Quality Content Aimed at Children

YouTube has announced impending changes to its monetization policies. Channels marketed as “made for kids” that feature low-quality content, promote negative behaviors, or are excessively commercial will soon face demonetization. Previously, such content was flagged for exclusion from the YouTube Kids app. Now, starting next month, these new policies will also affect creators’ eligibility for the YouTube Partner Program.

Increased Protections for Minors

YouTube initially revealed plans to bolster protections for minors in August. These updates address both upcoming regulations and measures exceeding legal requirements. Changes included shifting default privacy settings to private for users aged 13-17, implementing “take a break” and bedtime reminders, and ceasing the use of “interests” data for ad targeting towards teens and children.

A key aspect of these changes involved a warning to creators producing content specifically for children. The company indicated it would remove “overly commercial content” from the YouTube Kids app.

Pressure from Advocacy Groups

Prior to this move, consumer advocacy groups had been urging YouTube and regulators to address videos that blurred the lines between content and advertising. Concerns were raised about creators failing to disclose brand relationships influencing content production.

Channels like that of Ryan Kaji, of Ryan ToysReview (now Ryan’s World), which heavily featured consumerism and toy unboxings, exemplified the issue. These channels generated substantial revenue despite focusing on product accumulation.

New Monetization Guidelines

YouTube will now remove content from YouTube Kids that encourages purchasing and focuses on “excessive accumulation or consumption of products.” Furthermore, any channel targeting younger audiences or classified as “made for kids” risks demonetization if it publishes low-quality material.

This encompasses content that fosters negative behaviors and attitudes – including bullying, dishonesty, disrespect, dangerous pranks, and unhealthy habits. Content that is deceptively educational, hinders understanding, is sensationalized or misleading, or inappropriately utilizes children’s characters will also be scrutinized.

Problematic use of children’s characters, such as featuring Peppa Pig in unsuitable scenarios, has been a particular concern in recent years.

Enforcement and Impact

Starting in November, YouTube will enforce these additional monetization policies for channels designated “made for kids” or those frequently creating content for children. Creators producing low-quality content may be removed from, or blocked from joining, the YouTube Partner Program.

Other videos deemed low-quality may receive limited or no advertising. Initially, YouTube will prioritize addressing videos that encourage negative behavior, followed by a review of content with a strong focus on low-quality “made for kids” material.

These principles already influenced content appropriateness for YouTube Kids and the broader YouTube algorithm. However, monetization changes represent a more potent tool for shaping creator behavior.

Notifications and High-Quality Content

YouTube will notify creators potentially affected by these monetization changes before they take effect. Channels producing low-quality kids’ content, even if not immediately impacted, may receive a warning icon visible to advertisers.

Conversely, content aligning with high-quality principles will receive increased algorithmic promotion and inclusion in the YouTube Kids app.

Defining High-Quality Content

High-quality content, according to YouTube, encourages positive character traits, fosters learning and curiosity, promotes creativity and imagination, focuses on real-world interaction, and champions diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Broader Industry Trends

This announcement follows increased scrutiny of tech companies’ roles in safeguarding minors. Google, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have all announced updates prioritizing the safety and privacy of younger users. YouTube has also launched new parental controls. Snap and TikTok are scheduled to appear before Congress this week.

YouTube affirms its commitment to continuously reevaluating and updating its principles to ensure a safe and positive experience for young viewers.