YouTube updates monetisation policy
YouTube is updating its monetisation policies from 15 July, 2025, to crack down on low-quality, AI-generated videos. The policy will target the surge in spam, mass-produced AI videos that have clogged the platform.
This change is part of an update to the YouTube Partner Programme (YPP), which allows creators to earn money from their content.
Why the change?
According to a statement on YouTube’s official support page, the platform wants to ensure that only original and authentic content earns money.
YouTube said the update is necessary to keep up with the current types of inauthentic content being uploaded.
“To monetise under the YouTube Partner Program, creators must upload original and authentic content. Beginning July 15, 2025, we are updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitive content. This update reflects what inauthentic content looks like today,” the company explained.
Who can still monetise?
The basic requirements to join the YouTube Partner Programme are not changing. Creators must still meet these conditions:
• Have at least 1,000 subscribers
• Either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months or 10 million valid Shorts views in the last 90 days
Only channels that meet these requirements are eligible to apply for monetisation.
However, under the new rules, even eligible channels will lose the ability to earn if their content does not meet the new quality standards.
What YouTube considers low-effort or repetitive
YouTube has shared examples of what will count as repetitive or mass-produced content:
• Videos copied from other sources without meaningful changes
• AI-generated content that uses robotic voices
• Clickbait videos or templated formats that repeat the same structure over and over
• Lightly edited versions of someone else’s work
For reused content to qualify, creators must add value, for example, by including their own commentary, editing, or explanation.
Repetitive content may still earn money if it serves a purpose. For instance, it should either be entertaining or educational, not just made to chase views.
Watch the latest episode of Health Focus below:
AK/EB
