1 rule may have changed

YouTube's AI disclosure requirement is unchanged — the 'Altered or synthetic content' toggle in YouTube Studio remains the correct mechanism.

If a video includes synthetic voices, AI-generated visuals, or realistic alterations, toggle "Altered or synthetic content" in YouTube Studio before publishing. Skipping this is treated as a policy violation even if your script is original.

Disclose AI-generated or altered content

The inauthentic/mass-produced content policy remains active and unchanged as a leading demonetization cause.

Verbatim text-to-speech over stock footage, slideshow compilations with no narrative, or anything another channel could recreate in an afternoon falls under YouTube's "inauthentic content" policy — currently the leading cause of demonetization.

Avoid mass-produced or templated content

YouTube's policy against buying engagement remains in place with no material changes.

Artificially inflating views, subscribers, likes, or watch time — or using sub4sub / view-exchange services — violates creator integrity requirements and can trigger a review that freezes monetization for weeks.

Never buy views, subscribers, or engagement

The music licensing page has been updated — YouTube has expanded the list of Content ID-eligible music categories. Review recommended.

Copyright claims are one of the fastest-growing reasons for lost revenue. Even a brief or altered clip of copyrighted music can trigger a claim — stick to music you own, license, or that's explicitly cleared for monetization.

Use licensed or original music only

The appeal process and general window guidance remains consistent with what's stored.

If a video is demonetized or claimed, you generally have a limited window to request a review — don't wait. Keep the video live (don't delete or unlist it) until the appeal closes; deletion can be treated as an admission and hurts your odds.

Policy Intelligence