Kathmandu – YouTube is set to implement a new set of monetization rules starting July 15, 2025, aimed at cracking down on low-effort, repetitive, or mass-produced content. The platform will update its YouTube Partner Program (YPP) guidelines to ensure that only original, high-quality, and authentic content remains eligible for monetization.
What’s Changing in YouTube’s Monetization Policy?
According to YouTube’s official help page, creators have always been expected to upload original and authentic content to be eligible for YPP. With this update, YouTube is refining its policy to better identify content that is mass-produced or lacks significant originality.
The new rules provide clearer explanations of what counts as ineligible content in today’s evolving content landscape—especially in the era of AI and templated videos.
What Kind of Content Will Be Affected?
YouTube now clearly outlines two categories of content that may be ineligible for monetization:
- Reused content without significant transformation:
Content copied from other creators or sources must involve substantial editing, commentary, or value addition to be monetized. Simple re-uploads or lightly edited videos will no longer qualify. - Repetitive, low-effort, or templated videos:
Content that appears mass-produced or created just to generate views—without educational or entertainment value—may be flagged as repetitive. Creators who churn out videos using the same template over and over are at risk.
Will AI-Generated Content Be Affected?
Yes, likely. YouTube’s new policy signals increased scrutiny of AI-generated content, especially videos that use AI voiceovers or automated scripts without sufficient human input or creativity. While YouTube hasn’t outright banned AI tools, it clearly states that content should be genuinely valuable and transformative, which may exclude most “lazy” AI repurposing.
What About Clickbait or Templates?
Clickbait-style titles, overly repetitive formats, and auto-generated content (including AI narration) could all be affected. Even creators who recycle their own past videos with minimal changes may find their channels demonetized or denied entry into YPP.
Monetization Eligibility Timeframe
YouTube confirmed that the existing YPP eligibility thresholds remain unchanged:
- Minimum 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months or
- 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days
However, meeting these criteria does not guarantee monetization approval if the content fails to meet YouTube’s originality standards.
Will There Be Strikes or Penalties?
As of now, YouTube has not specified what penalties creators might face if they violate the updated rules. There’s no mention of suspensions, strikes, or demonetization warnings. However, it’s clear that non-compliant content simply won’t earn revenue under YPP.
This is part of YouTube’s broader effort to align monetization policies with emerging content creation trends, including the rise of generative AI and low-effort automation.
