From July 15, 2025, YouTube will stop monetizing low-quality, repetitive, and unoriginal videos generated by AI. Now, only genuine, creative, and value-adding content will be eligible for monetization.
YouTube New Rule: In the world of social media and video platforms, YouTube remains one of the most powerful names. However, in recent years, the rise of Generative AI and automated tools has led to the creation of millions of low-quality videos, often referred to as 'AI slop,' which has challenged YouTube's reputation and the earnings of content creators. To address this challenge, YouTube has decided to make a significant change to its YouTube Partner Program (YPP) starting July 15, 2025. The aim is to remove fake, pointless, and uninspired videos from the platform's monetization system.
What is AI Slop and why is it a problem?
AI slop refers to videos created using generative AI tools - such as AI voiceovers, stock footage, copy-pasted scripts, or pre-existing visual clips. These videos lack originality and human creativity. Often, these videos are in the format of random facts, life tips, or stories, and their number is growing rapidly. This not only degrades the platform's quality but also poses a problem for creators who make videos with their original ideas and hard work.
YouTube's Official Statement
YouTube clarified in its official statement that the new changes are not a "new interpretation of rules," but a way of implementing existing rules more clearly. Rene Ritchie, Head of Editorial & Creator Liaison at YouTube, said, "We have already considered repetitive and mass-produced content ineligible for monetization. Now we are simply reiterating this policy in clear terms." He also clarified that reaction videos, transformative analyses, and educational or creative content will not be affected.
Which types of videos will be affected?
The videos that will be affected by this new rule are:
- Videos with completely AI voiceovers
- Content based solely on stock footage or third-party visuals
- Videos created with the same templates repeatedly
- Re-uploaded clips without any new information or editing value
But don't worry! Reaction videos, videos with analysis or transformative editing, or original content created with creative AI will not be affected.
Creators' Concerns: Will hard-worked videos also be affected?
Many content creators fear that their hard-earned videos may also be removed from monetization under the guise of this change. However, YouTube has clarified that if the content clearly shows transformation, value addition, or a human touch, such videos will remain safe.
Bare Skin Category will also be closed - New Update in the Ad System
Not just monetization, YouTube is also changing its ad category system. From July 15, the sensitive category 'Bare Skin (Image Only)' is being removed. Channels using this tag must update their settings by August 15. Instead, YouTube is now advising the use of more specific tags like 'Reference to Sex' or 'Sensuality.' The goal is to make ad controls more transparent and brand-friendly.
YouTube's Strategy: Prioritize Quality Content
Through this new rule, YouTube is sending a clear message - 'Originality and creativity will be promoted, while uninspired fake videos will be stopped.' This will directly benefit those creators who genuinely work hard to create videos. Also, viewers will get to watch high-quality content.
