The surge and mass production of AI-generated content on YouTube has prompted the video-sharing platform to announce a review and update of its monetisation policy under the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

The YouTube Partner Program is how creators earn money from their content.

In a formal statement shared on July 7 on YouTube's Support page- a platform where the company shares updates and announcements- it spelt out modifications concerning content and its monetisation policy.

“We’re updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitive content. This update better reflects what inauthentic content looks like today,” parts of the statement read.

According to the statement, effective July 15, content would now be subjected to strict scrutiny, and those found as repetitive with no intention to educate or entertain would be demonetised.

"On July 15, 2025, we’re updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitive content. This update better reflects what inauthentic content looks like today", it continued.

Also, content that has been created with heavy use of AI with little to no human effort would be demonetised.

“AI-assisted content is acceptable, but only if it includes considerable human input. Content created with little to no human effort may not be eligible for monetisation.”

What YouTube considers repetitive content

Content taken from other platforms or channels must be subject to significant transformation enough to be viewed as original content.

Repetitive content must serve a clear purpose — it should be either entertaining or educational, not just created to gain views.

This policy is also expected to affect clickbait, templated videos, and AI-generated content, particularly those using robotic voices or lightly edited versions of others’ work.

Eligibility Requirements

Below are the specifications:

At least 1,000 subscribers.Either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months or 10 million valid Shorts views in the last 90 days.

Uncertainty Around Enforcement

YouTube has not listed the penalties for violating the new rules. Also, there is no mention of suspensions, strikes, or demonetisation in the updated terms. However, the company says the changes are meant to align monetisation rules with evolving content trends and prevent abuse of the system.

Also, YouTube's update forms part of its recent decision to ban users under 16 from livestreaming without adult supervision.