YouTube Monetization Policy is updated, and creators using AI-generated content need to pay close attention. YouTube has officially rolled out new restrictions as part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). This has been done focusing on reducing low-effort, inauthentic, and mass-produced content, especially the kind created with minimal human input.
However, the ban on YouTube ads isn’t on all AI-generated videos. Let’s closely understand what’s changing, what still works and what kind of content still remains under the YouTube Monetization Policy.
What’s Changing in YouTube Monetization Policy?
In 2025, YouTube Monetization Policy is refining its definition of inauthentic content to regulate videos made with little to no human input. With the rise of generative AI, YouTube has been flooded with videos made purely with AI which are low-effort videos that offer no real value to viewers.
What type of videos are non-monetized under YouTube Monetization Policy?
Here’s what YouTube is targeting:
- Using Text-to-speech tools to read blog posts or Wikipedia articles
- AI-Videos with zero on-screen presence or original thought
- Looped slideshows with scrolling text
- Music compilations (even with permission)
- Mashups of movie/show clips with minimal editing
- Reused content with only pitch/speed/zoom tweaks
- Shorts with only stock footage and no added explanation
- Non-verbal “reaction” content with no real engagement
If you have been making such AI based videos then it will impact your ad revenue, channel eligibility, and even content visibility.
Are AI Videos still Allowed on YouTube?
While AI made videos are still allowed but not unless the videos are edited. You can still use AI to enhance the appearance of your videos but not to replace the creativity. AI videos can still be used if the human voiceover is added, but not an AI voice.
YouTube Monetization Policy focuses on creativity rather than using the AI videos straightly as they have been generated.
What YouTube Monetization Reviewers Are Actually Checking?
Even if a YouTube channel hits the required metrics i.e 1,000 subscribers and the watch-time or Shorts threshold you can still be denied monetization if your content lacks authenticity.
Here’s what YouTube Monetization reviewers will look at:
- Your channel’s overall theme (Purely AI Videos are prohibited)
- Most viewed and latest videos
- Videos that account for the highest watch time
- Your video metadata (titles, thumbnails, descriptions)
- Your channel’s About section
- And whether your videos follow a template or pattern
If your channel has 50 uploads that are just variations of each other, then it might be time to revamp your YouTube strategy.
Which YouTube Videos are monetized according to YouTube Monetization Policy?
YouTube’s Monetization Policy has made it clear that AI-assisted content can still earn if it’s done right with human edits. Here’s the type of content that’s still eligible:
- Videos with original commentary or analysis
- Reaction videos with added value, not just blank images or clips
- Educational explainers using AI visuals
- Footage that’s edited or transformed
- Sports clips with voiceover explaining tactics or strategy
- Reused content that’s been heavily reworked, with a unique voice or narrative
Even if you use the same introduction or repeated lines, the content will be monetized if the visuals are original.
Reused content is one of the biggest reasons channels get demonetized especially in the advent of AI-era. Now if your channel has got permission to reuse the content it isn’t enough, the final product still needs to be unique and valuable for the viewer.
What Happens If Your Channel Is Flagged?
If YouTube finds inauthentic or reused content on your channel, here’s what happens:
- YouTube Monetization is removed
- Temporary pause on – Ads, Super Chats, memberships, and revenue features.
- You’ll need to remove or rework problematic videos and reapply to YouTube Privacy Policy
- Repeated violations may lead to channel takedowns
This move of YouTube Monetization Policy isn’t a complete ban on AI, but a ban on the videos which lack human creativity or even simple input.
Need Help Reworking Your YouTube Strategy with YouTube Monetization Policy?
At We The Digital, we help creators and brands navigate YouTube’s ever-changing landscape from strategy and scripting to making AI actually work for you.
Reach out to us today and let’s get your content YouTube monetization-ready.
