Photo by Pixabay
Based on coverage by The Economist
YouTube is implementing a significant update to its monetisation policies for creators, which came into effect from July 15, 2025. The changes are designed to address growing concerns about the proliferation of mass-produced, low-effort content on the platform, particularly that generated through AI tools or repurposed from existing media without sufficient creative input.
According to reporting from The Economist, YouTube’s revised policy explicitly seeks to encourage greater originality and authenticity among creators who wish to monetise their content through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Under the new rules, creators who rely heavily on automated systems, stock content, or previously published material will need to demonstrate how they are adding distinct, original value to their uploads. This could include commentary, analysis, editing, or other forms of creative input that meaningfully transform the source material.
The platform has clarified that certain genres, such as reaction videos, are not inherently at risk under these changes — provided the creator contributes substantial commentary or context that aligns with the platform’s expectations of originality. In essence, YouTube is drawing a clearer line between content that merely recycles existing media and content that offers fresh, creator-led perspectives.
Despite the tightening of these policies, the core eligibility requirements for entry into the YouTube Partner Program remain unchanged. These include established thresholds around subscriber count, watch hours, and adherence to community guidelines. However, creators whose content strategies heavily depend on repetition or automation without significant editorial input may find themselves facing new barriers to monetisation.
Industry observers suggest that YouTube’s decision reflects a broader trend among tech platforms to safeguard the perceived value of user-generated content in the face of rapid advancements in AI and an increasingly saturated digital media landscape.
