YouTube has updated its monetization rules, clarifying which AI-generated content will no longer earn creators money. The new requirements took effect July 16 and target so-called 'neural slop' — mass-produced low-quality videos. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
However, the platform does not ban AI content entirely. If a creator uses neural networks to produce original videos with their own script, commentary, analysis, or educational value, such clips can still participate in the partner program.
The restrictions apply to three main types of content.
First, YouTube will no longer monetize template-based repetitive videos. These may include slideshows, recurring storylines, or clips fully generated by AI without significant creator input.
Second, revenue will be cut for videos that try to attract attention solely through shocking or emotional topics. Examples include endless clips of animals in danger, alarming AI compilations, or fake reports of celebrity deaths and disasters.
Third, restrictions apply to channels where virtual AI characters pose as experts and give advice on medicine, finance, law, or politics. For instance, channels with 'AI doctors,' 'AI lawyers,' or 'AI financial experts' may lose monetization.
During review, YouTube will evaluate the entire channel, not individual videos. The platform will analyze the most popular and newest videos, overall theme, as well as titles, descriptions, and thumbnails. If most content falls under the new restrictions, the channel may be removed from the YouTube Partner Program.
YouTube explained that the goal of the changes is to reduce the number of content farms that mass-publish repetitive AI clips solely for ad revenue, not to ban the use of artificial intelligence as a tool for creating quality content.