YouTube is set to update its monetization policies to address the surge of AI-generated “slop” flooding the platform. The Google-owned service aims to curb revenue generation from “inauthentic” and repetitive content, particularly mass-produced videos created using AI tools, under an enhanced YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
While unoriginal content has long been ineligible for monetization, the updated guidelines, effective July 15, 2025, will specifically target AI-driven, repetitive content often perceived as spam by viewers. YouTube Head of Editorial & Creator Liaison, Rene Ritchie, clarified that the update will not affect legitimate content like reaction videos but will focus on identifying mass-produced material.
Amid the inflow of artificial intelligence-generated (AI) slop on YouTube, the Google-owned platform is gearing up to update its policies to crack down on creators’ ability to generate revenue from “inauthentic” content. Though unoriginal content is already ineligible for monetisation, the mass-produced videos and other types of repetitive content that are mostly churned up using AI will also fall under the same category, under the improved YouTube Partner Program.
As for creators concerned that certain types of video, such as reaction videos, would also be demonetised, YouTube Head of Editorial & Creator Liaison Rene Ritchie issued a statement, clarifying that this is not the case.
As per Mr Ritchie, the new update is designed to better identify when content is mass-produced or repetitive. He added that this type of content is often perceived as spam by the viewers.
“In order to monetise as part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), YouTube has always required creators to upload “original” and “authentic” content. On July 15, 2025, YouTube is updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitious content. This update better reflects what “inauthentic” content looks like today,” said Mr Ritchie.
“This is a minor update to YouTube’s long-standing YPP policies to help better identify when content is mass-produced or repetitive. This type of content has already been ineligible for monetisation for years and is content viewers often consider spam. That’s it. That’s all,” he added.
“In the YouTube Partner Program, we’ve always required creators to upload original and authentic content. Starting July 15, 2025, we’re refining our guidelines to better detect mass-produced and repetitive content, aligning with today’s definition of ‘inauthentic’ content,” Ritchie stated. “This minor update reinforces our long-standing policies, targeting content viewers often report as spam.”
The rise of AI technology has led to an influx of low-quality content on YouTube, including videos with AI-generated voices overlaid on repurposed photos or videos, and text-to-video creations. Some AI-generated music channels have amassed millions of subscribers, while fake news videos, such as those about the Diddy trial, have garnered millions of views.
This policy shift underscores YouTube’s commitment to maintaining high standards for original and authentic content, a cornerstone of its monetization eligibility.