YouTube has implemented new rulings July 15, 2025

 

YouTube has implemented new rulings regarding AI-generated content, primarily focused on transparency, originality, and monetization.¹ Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

1. Mandatory Disclosure of Altered or Synthetic Content:²

• Realistic Content: Creators are now required to disclose when content is "meaningfully altered or synthetically generated" using AI, especially if it appears realistic and could be mistaken for a real person, place, scene, or event.³ This includes:
• Making a real person appear to say or do something they didn't.⁴
• Altering footage of a real event or place.
• Generating a realistic-looking scene that didn't actually occur.

• Disclosure Method: This disclosure is done through a specific "altered content" setting in YouTube Studio during the upload process.⁵

• Labels for Viewers: When disclosed, YouTube will add labels to the video's description, and for sensitive topics (like health, news, elections, or finance), a more prominent label may appear directly on the video player.⁶

• Exceptions: Disclosure is generally not required for content that is clearly unrealistic (e.g., animation, fantasy scenes), or for minor aesthetic edits like beauty filters, color adjustments, or special effects that don't mislead about what actually happened.⁷ AI used for productivity (like scriptwriting or idea generation) also doesn't require disclosure.

• Consequences of Non-Disclosure: YouTube may proactively apply a label if creators consistently fail to disclose, and repeated non-disclosure can lead to penalties, including content removal or suspension from the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

2. Tightened Monetization Rules for "Inauthentic" Content:

• Focus on Originality: Starting July 15, 2025, YouTube is enforcing stricter guidelines for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) to combat "inauthentic" content.⁸ This aims to promote originality and creativity.

• Targeting "AI Slop": The updated policies specifically target repetitive, low-effort, and mass-produced videos, often generated using AI tools with minimal human input.⁹ This includes:
• Videos uploaded multiple times with minimal changes.
• Content copied from other creators.
• Videos generated primarily with templates or AI tools that lack significant transformation or added human value.

• What's Still Monetizable: AI-assisted content can still be monetized if it's unique, significantly transformed, and provides added value to humans. The goal is to filter out spam and low-quality repetitions, not to ban AI as a creative tool altogether.¹⁰ Reaction videos and similar content that add commentary or educational value are generally still allowed for monetization.¹¹

• Protecting Creators and Advertisers: By cracking down on "AI slop," YouTube aims to maintain advertiser trust and protect the livelihoods of genuine creators who produce high-quality, original content.

3. New Generative AI Tools for Shorts and Transparency:

• AI-Powered Creation Tools: YouTube is rolling out new generative AI tools for YouTube Shorts, such as an image-to-video feature and AI-powered effects, to empower creators.¹²

• Automatic Disclosure for YouTube's AI Tools: If creators use YouTube's own generative AI tools (like Dream Track or Dream Screen), the platform will automatically disclose the use of AI, so creators don't need to take additional steps.

• Protecting Likeness: YouTube is also implementing new tools and policies to allow individuals to request the removal of AI-generated content that simulates their identifiable likeness (face or voice) without consent.¹³

In essence, YouTube is embracing AI as a creative tool while simultaneously establishing clear rules and increased transparency to prevent the platform from being flooded with low-quality, misleading, or unoriginal AI-generated content.¹⁴ The emphasis is on human creativity, unique value, and clear disclosure when AI is used to create realistic or potentially misleading content.¹⁵