YOUTUBE MONETISATION UPDATES:
YouTube is implementing significant changes, primarily to its monetization program, effective July 15, 2025. These updates are expected to make channel monetization much more difficult and could even lead to the de-monetization of existing channels.
Key Monetization Policy Changes (Effective July 15, 2025):
1] Focus on Originality and Human Effort: YouTube‘s main goal is to monetize content that is original, self-shot, self-written, and self-recorded. Content creators must demonstrate significant effort in their videos, whether they are long-form or Shorts. This includes scripting, proper editing, and having a clear purpose for the video.
2]Banning of Mass-Produced and Low-Effort Content: Generic slideshow videos will no longer be monetized.
3] Auto-voice news videos are explicitly mentioned as not being monetizable.
4] Reaction videos will only be monetized if they provide context and add value. Simply showing your face reacting without significant commentary or contribution will not suffice.
5]Compilations of various social media clips without added value or context will not be monetized.
6] AI-generated videos will not be monetized if they lack customization or a human touch. AI can be used for reference or story ideas, but the video production, narration, and showing of one’s face should be done by the creator to be considered original.
7]Faceless channels that lack any human touch may be de-monetized if YouTube does not perceive them as original content.
8] Low-quality content, defined as content made with minimal effort, without proper scripting, editing, or a clear purpose, will not be monetized.
9] Reused or repeated content, even if it’s the creator’s own content uploaded multiple times or across different channels, will be subject to de-monetization.
10]Clickbait videos, especially those related to earnings, will face stricter scrutiny and potential de-monetization.
11]Compulsory Human Voice: For monetization, human voice is now compulsory for most channels5. Many channels without human voice are expected to be de-monetized.
12] Built-in Captions for Shorts: YouTube is rolling out native built-in captions for YouTube Shorts, making it easier to add captions directly within the app.
13] Shorts Monetization: For Shorts, revenue generated from music usage will be split between the music owner and the creator, potentially leading to lower earnings for creators.
14] Playlist Functionality Upgrade: The functionality of playlists in the desktop YouTube Studio is being upgraded, allowing creators to search by title, description, and visibility.
15]Live Stream Chat Leaderboards: New chat leaderboards in live streams aim to incentivize viewer participation, allowing top contributors to earn special badges.