YouTube Cracks Down on AI and Low-Effort Content

 

In a significant move aimed at elevating content quality across its platform, YouTube has announced that starting July 15, it will demonetise low-effort, AI-generated, and mass-produced content, even if creators meet the traditional eligibility standards of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

This policy overhaul directly targets content that lacks originality, creativity, or meaningful human input. Videos made with AI voiceovers, slideshow compilations, repetitive or templated formats, and reaction content with little to no commentary or personal insight are all under scrutiny. According to YouTube, these formats are often seen as “spammy” and clutter the platform with repetitive or low-value uploads that detract from viewer experience.

The updated rules represent a paradigm shift in YouTube’s monetisation framework, with a stronger emphasis on authentic, human-created storytelling. While AI tools and automation have enabled faster content creation, YouTube now stresses that creators must go beyond minimal effort and offer unique perspectives, context, or commentary to qualify for monetisation.

This change is part of YouTube’s broader strategy to combat the growing flood of generic AI-generated content, which can overwhelm original creators and reduce overall content diversity. The platform has also faced criticism for enabling low-effort channels to earn revenue while higher-quality creators struggle with visibility. The new policy is designed to level the playing field and reward creators who invest time and creativity into their videos.

YouTube will be closely monitoring channels for compliance. Content creators failing to meet the new standards may remain part of the YPP but will no longer be able to monetise specific videos deemed low-effort or inauthentic. YouTube advises creators to focus on producing engaging, value-driven content that reflects their voice, expertise, or personality.

This shift signals a strong message from the platform: in an age of AI and automation, creativity, originality, and genuine human input will remain the gold standard for monetised content on YouTube.