Can AI Content Be Monetized? – YouTube’s New Policy On AI-Generated Content

On March 18, YouTube updated its policies regarding AI-generated content, announcing certain ways creators can label videos to help viewers understand whether the content is synthetic or made by AI.

What are the details of the new YouTube AI policy? Can AI content be monetized on this platform? Let’s find out together in this blog!

Can AI Content Be Monetized On YouTube?

The answer is “Yes, you can make money from AI videos on YouTube,” as there’s no rule directly stating that AI content can’t be monetized on this platform. However, your videos must comply with YouTube’s monetization policies and guidelines to maintain quality control and transparency. Read full Youtube’ policies here

So, what content can not be monetized?

• Video Spam: Posting irrelevant content repeatedly, misleading viewers with false promises, or directing them to harmful sites.
• Misleading Metadata/Thumbnails: Using deceptive titles, thumbnails, or descriptions to trick users.
• Scams: Promoting cash gifts, “get rich quick” schemes or pyramid schemes.
• Incentivization Spam: Trading engagement metrics like views, likes, or comments.
• Comments Spam: Using comments to gather personal information or mislead viewers.
• Repetitive Comments: Leaving excessive identical, unfocused, or repetitive comments.
• 3rd Party Content: Live streaming content that belongs to someone else without permission.

What does YouTube require to do with your content to be monetized?

Additionally, if your video has low quality or does not meet YouTube’s standards for advertiser-friendly content, it may not be eligible for monetization either.

In short, YouTube encourages you to create content that is:

• Original: Content that you own or have the rights to use commercially.
• Quality: Content that is engaging, well-produced, and provides value to viewers. 
• Ad-friendly: Avoid content that violates their advertiser-friendly content guidelines, such as excessive violence, hate speech, or sexually suggestive content.

YouTube’s New Approach To AI Content

Now that you know you can use AI content to make money on YouTube. However, as stated in platform’s announcement: “Viewers increasingly want more transparency about whether the content they’re seeing is altered or synthetic.” See more here

It will now introduce a new tool in Creator Studio that mandates creators to inform their audience that the content has been created or modified using generative AI or other synthetic media. This policy will apply to all content in which viewers could easily mistake for a real person, place, scene, or event.

Mandatory Labels & Disclosures

Disclosures will be shown as labels, either within the expanded video description or directly on the video player itself.

For example, disclosure will be required for content that:

• Digitally swaps one person’s face with another’s.
• Uses a synthetically generated voice for narration.
• Alters footage of real events or places to misrepresent reality.
• Creates realistic scenes of fictional significant events.

Creators who fail to disclose AI-generated content could face penalties, like content removal or suspension from the YouTube Partner Program. 

Disclosure will not be mandatory when AI is used for productivity purposes like generating scripts, content ideas, or automatic captions. Additionally, unrealistic or inconsequential changes, such as color adjustments, lighting filters, special effects, or beauty filters, will not necessitate disclosure.

New Ways To Request Removal

To avoid manipulating someone’s likeness or voice without consent by AI, YouTube will allow users to request the removal of AI-generated or altered content that depicts identifiable individuals, including their face or voice, through its privacy request process. 

Additionally, music partners can request the removal of AI-generated music content, such as imitating an artist’s unique singing or rapping voice.

Improved Content Moderation With AI

YouTube will use human reviewers and AI technology to ensure its Community Guidelines and keep the platform safe.

AI is a perfect tool for identifying abuse behaviors and rapidly expanding the capabilities of content moderation systems.  It enables YouTube to detect new threats, remove them faster, and reduce the amount of harmful content human reviewers

Taking advantage of AI tools, YouTube keeps improving its content moderation, showing its commitment to maintaining the online community safe and responsible.

Enforcement

While creators will have time to adapt to the new disclosure process, YouTube may implement enforcement measures in the future for those who repeatedly fail to disclose the use of AI-generated content.

In certain situations, especially when altered or synthetic content could mislead viewers, YouTube may add a label even if the creator hasn’t disclosed it.

Enforcement will likely involve both human and automated methods. YouTube may train its existing content moderation systems to identify videos with AI-generated content that lack proper disclosure. Additionally, random audits of partner accounts uploading AI content could help identify violations.

The Future of AI Content on YouTube

As AI technology advances, we can expect significant changes. Here’s what could happen:

• Advanced AI-generated Content: Get ready for captivating AI-made videos on YouTube. AI systems will make videos that look just like ones made by people, from cool animations to music. This could mean lots of new AI channels for different interests.
• Personalized Content Creation: AI will make videos just for you. It’ll look at what you like and make videos you love. AI algorithms will create videos that are very relevant and interesting to each viewer by analyzing user data and behavior patterns. This could change how we watch YouTube, making it fun and keeping us watching more. 
• Enhanced Content Moderation: As AI-generated content becomes more common, the systems for keeping things in check must improve. AI-powered tools will be vital in making sure YouTube stays safe and reliable. They’ll use advanced algorithms to spot and quickly remove any misinformation, hateful speech, or graphic content.
• Expanded Creator Support: YouTube may extend its support and resources for creators. It includes improved communication channels and educational materials. Moreover, it also provides opportunities for collaboration and growth to foster a more vibrant and diverse creator network.
• Data Privacy Enhancements: To address concerns over data privacy, YouTube may implement stricter protection for user data and enhance transparency regarding data collection practices. Hence, it gives users more control over their personal information.

Bottom Line

YouTube is enthusiastic about AI’s creative potential yet mindful of its risks. The company aims to build a mutually beneficial AI future with creators. Staying informed on YouTube’s new policy on AI is vital to keep your account in good standing.

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