YouTube to Crack Down on AI-Generated "Slop" Videos with New Monetization Guidelines.

Google's YouTube is updating its monetization guidelines to end the monetization of "mass-produced or repetitive" content generated by artificial intelligence. The update, set to take effect on July 15, aims to stop bad actors from abusing AI tools to generate low-effort productions. However, creators who use AI in compliance with YouTube's policies will still be able to monetize their content. The move is seen as a way to protect original creators from getting lost in a sea of AI-generated content.

Google's YouTube is set to update its monetization guidelines on July 15, 2025, with a focus on ending the monetization of "mass-produced or repetitive" content generated by artificial intelligence (AI). This update aims to curb the abuse of AI tools by bad actors, who have been generating low-effort productions en masse. However, creators who use AI in compliance with YouTube's policies will still be able to monetize their content.

YouTube has always required creators to upload "original and authentic" content. The upcoming update is a "minor update" to existing monetization policies, which already require creators to make significant changes to any unoriginal content in their videos [1]. The new policy language will "help to better identify when content is mass-produced or repetitive," according to YouTube editorial head Rene Ritchie [1].

The update targets videos made using repetitive templates, low-effort uploads copied from other creators, AI-generated content with little to no personal touch, and spam-like uploads from faceless channels [3]. This means gaming channels that use AI avatars and voices might come under the scanner. They should add significant original voiceovers or commentary.

The change in rules could also affect AI tool providers, as there would not be many takers paying for them. YouTube's update did not specifically mention that AI-generated content would not be considered as payment worthy, but there is buzz that it could hit channels that rely on AI voices, avatars, or automated scripts, especially if they create lots of low-effort or repeated videos [3].

Creators are expected to focus on unique and personal content, avoiding posting repetitive and template-based videos. By revising the rules, YouTube is trying to protect the viewer experience on its platform. If creators rely on AI and repetitive content, the viewer would lose interest in scrolling through the content [3].

The move is seen as a way to protect original creators from getting lost in a sea of AI-generated content. However, it remains to be seen how the updated guidelines will affect the platform's content creators and viewers alike.

References:
[1] https://www.theverge.com/news/703772/youtube-monetization-policy-update-ai-spam
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/PartneredYoutube/comments/1lvc5gc/youtubes_new_monetization_policy_is_here_and_its/
[3] https://www.gulte.com/trends/361707/youtube-updates-rules-no-to-ai-content