YouTube has officially implemented new monetization policies under its YouTube Partner Program (YPP), effective July 15, 2025, aimed at discouraging repetitive, low-quality, and AI-generated content that lacks originality and human input.
According to the company, creators who reupload content without meaningful changes or publish AI-generated videos without added context or creativity will no longer be eligible to earn revenue from their videos.
YouTube emphasized that original, authentic, and creative content will continue to be prioritized for monetization. If a video consists solely of image slideshows, copied news articles, scrolling text, or content without commentary, explanation, or review, it will not qualify for monetization.
The platform clarified that use of third-party content is allowed if it includes commentary, criticism, analysis, or review, but repeated uploading of unaltered third-party material may result in removal from YouTube’s monetization system.
YouTube also specifically addressed AI-generated content, stating that videos made with AI tools that lack human input or creative value will not be monetized under the new rules.
However, YouTube confirmed that the basic eligibility criteria for monetization remain unchanged: creators still need at least 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months or 10 million Shorts views in the past 90 days to join the YPP.
With millions of creators worldwide relying on YouTube for income, this policy shift is designed to promote high-quality, original content and discourage mass content replication and misuse of generative AI.
