Many users have likely noticed that platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are filled with content that seems mass-produced. This increase in generic content can largely be attributed to the rise of AI tools, which enable creators to generate videos with minimal effort in hopes of monetizing their work.

As a response, YouTube is taking steps to address this issue. Recently, YouTube introduced an updated policy regarding monetization within its YouTube Partner Program.

The platform intends to identify and limit videos that are excessively repetitive or mass-produced. YouTube prioritizes “original” and “authentic” content, stating, “In order to monetize as part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), YouTube has always required creators to upload ‘original’ and ‘authentic’ content.” The updated guidelines, set to be effective on July 15, 2025, aim to clarify what constitutes inauthentic content in today’s landscape.

For creators who consistently produce original material, these changes likely won’t impact them significantly. However, those who heavily depend on AI-generated, generic content will need to tread carefully.

Violating these updated policies could result in their removal from the YouTube Partner Program, restricting their ability to monetize their content. The convenience of AI tools has shifted the video creation landscape.

Instead of investing time in creating unique content, some users are posting faceless AI-generated videos by piecing together scenes from various films or other creators’ videos, adding captions, and layering AI-generated voice-overs. While there are communities sharing insights on the potential earnings of such content, relying on AI to generate non-original material or monetize others’ work raises ethical concerns.

YouTube is yet to provide specifics on how it will implement its new policy, but further guidance is expected soon.