16/07/2025
By Hashem Al-Chaili
YouTube just officially demonetized all low-effort, AI-generated videos.
Starting yesterday (July 15, 2025), creators must now prove their videos are authentic to monetize them and earn money.
In response to growing concerns over the flood of low-quality, AI-generated videos, YouTube is tightening its monetization policies to crack down on what it calls “inauthentic” content.
Thee platform revised its YouTube Partner Program guidelines to better define and restrict mass-produced, repetitive videos—especially those created using generative AI.
Although YouTube claims this is a “minor update,” the move directly targets the rising trend of so-called “AI slop”: cheaply generated content featuring synthetic voices and visuals that mimic authentic videos. YouTube execs insist that formats like reaction videos or clip compilations are safe, provided they offer original input.
The real issue lies in the ease with which bad actors can now pump out AI-generated content at scale—some even impersonating public figures or reporting fake news.
These inauthentic uploads have racked up millions of views, creating both a reputational and financial risk for the platform. The update gives YouTube a clearer path to deny monetization and potentially ban channels that exploit AI tools without adding genuine value.
While pitched as a clarification, the policy shift marks a serious step toward curbing algorithm-gaming spam and safeguarding viewer trust in the age of generative media.
