YouTube has announced it will no longer monetize videos primarily generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI), effective July 15, 2025. The update, seen as a move to safeguard human creativity and originality, targets mass-produced, repetitive, or low-effort AI content that lacks authentic human input.
According to the platform, creators in the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) must now produce “original and authentic” content featuring real human voices to remain eligible for monetization. This includes adding personal commentary, insights, or creative touches that show a clear human contribution.
“YouTube has always required originality for monetization. This update better reflects what ‘inauthentic’ content looks like today,” the company said in a statement. The new guidelines specifically target content that is reused or minimally altered, including faceless compilations, static images with AI-generated narration, and videos that rely heavily on synthetic media without significant human input.
YouTube Insider Rene Ritchie emphasized that the policy is a refinement of existing rules. “This is a minor update to YouTube’s longstanding YPP policies to help better identify when content is mass-produced or repetitive,” he explained, noting that such content has long been considered ineligible for monetization and is often flagged by viewers as spam.
Importantly, the policy does not ban the use of AI altogether. Creators can still use AI tools as part of their production process as long as the final product includes clear human creativity and effort. For example, videos that integrate AI visuals or assistance but feature original human voiceovers, creative editing, and insightful commentary will still qualify for monetization.
Additionally, YouTube will now require creators to disclose when realistic content is altered or created using AI tools. This move aligns with broader efforts across tech platforms to increase transparency and accountability in the era of generative media.
To continue earning from their content, YouTube creators must adapt by focusing on originality, storytelling, and human expression elements that algorithms alone cannot replicate. The update marks a definitive stance by the platform to prioritize authenticity and elevate the role of genuine creators in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
