With the rise of AI-generated videos, YouTube is stepping in to draw a line between creative innovation and mass-produced spam. As part of a policy update rolling out on July 15, the platform has issued a clarification on what will and won’t be monetized.

What YouTube is Saying:

  • YES: Original content that uses AI tools creatively (e.g., voiceover cloning, deepfake parodies, motion enhancement)

  • NO: Low-effort, mass-uploaded AI spam or content designed solely for ad revenue with little value

The move follows criticism that YouTube has become flooded with generic, AI-generated videos that dilute user experience and clutter search results.

“Our goal is to support creators using AI as a tool—not replace them with bots,” a YouTube spokesperson said.