YouTube relaxes monetization conditions for some controversial areas
Advertiser-friendly guidelines, such as some non-graphic videos on "controversial issues," may be eligible for full monetization.
Key Points:
- Non-graphic dramatizations and discussions on certain controversial topics may now be perfectly suitable for generating full income.
- YouTube says previous rules restricted monetization even when the content was fictional or not graphic.
- YouTube says content focusing on child abuse or eating disorders remains ineligible for full monetization.
YouTube is updating its advertiser-friendly content guidelines to allow more videos on controversial topics to earn full ad revenue if they are dramatized or discussed in a non-graphic manner. These controversial topics include self-harm, abortion, suicide, domestic violence, and sexual assault. YouTube notes that content about child abuse or eating disorders will continue to be ineligible for full monetization.
The change was outlined in a Creator Insider video and is reflected in YouTube’s Help Center policy language.
How YouTube defines “controversial issues”
YouTube defines “controversial topics” as topics related to trauma or violence, and notes that the policy may apply even if the content is purely commentary.
The Help Center list includes child abuse, adult sexual abuse, sexual harassment, self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, domestic abuse, and abortion.
It also distinguishes between content that is “focal” versus “fleeting.” A passing reference is not considered a focus, whereas a sustained segment or a full-video discussion is.
“In the past, the degree of graphic or descriptive detail was not considered a significant factor in determining advertiser friendliness, even for some dramatized material,” YouTube explained.
“Consequently, such uploads typically received a yellow dollar icon, which restricted their ability to be fully monetized. With this week’s update, our guidelines are becoming more permissive, and creators will be able to earn more ad revenue.”
Why this matters
The Google-owned company says it is making the change in response to feedback from creators that YouTube’s guidelines have resulted in limited ad revenue for dramatized and topical content.
YouTube notes that it wants to ensure that creators who tell sensitive stories or create dramatized content have the opportunity to earn ad revenue.
“We took a closer look and found our guidelines in this area had become too restrictive and ended up demonetizing uploads like dramatized content,” YouTube said.
“This content might reference topics that advertisers find controversial, but are ultimately comfortable running their ads against. For example, content may be in a fictional context or voiced from personal experiences in passing or in a non-graphic manner. So, as long as the content steers clear of very descriptive or graphic scenes or segments, creators can now earn more ad revenue.”
As with past advertiser-friendly updates, real-world outcomes can depend on how a specific upload is categorized during review, including signals from the video itself, plus title and thumbnail.
Looking ahead
YouTube notes that ads will still be restricted in some areas, as topics such as child exploitation, including child sexual exploitation, and eating disorders are not included in this update. Descriptive segments on these topics or dramatized content related to them will continue to be ineligible for ad revenue.
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