YouTube, the world’s largest video-sharing platform, has updated its monetization guidelines to reduce the presence of low-quality content on its platform. The update was announced in November 2020, and its focus is on encouraging creators to produce high-quality content and make sure they are meeting the platform’s standards for video quality and viewer engagement.
The move comes at a time when YouTube has faced criticism for the proliferation of low-quality content on its platform. This includes videos that contain hate speech, conspiracy theories, and false information. In recent years, the company has made significant efforts to combat this problem, but it still persists.
One of the most significant changes in the updated guidelines is the introduction of a new threshold for monetization. Previously, creators could monetize their channels if they had at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time. However, under the new guidelines, channels will also have to meet specific quality standards, such as ensuring their content is original and has a clear focus on their niche. Furthermore, channels must have no history of copyright strikes or community guidelines strikes.
YouTube also announced that it would be taking a closer look at monetized channels to make sure they are continuing to meet the guidelines. This means that channels that are already currently monetized may lose their monetization if they no longer meet the quality standards.
Another significant change is the introduction of a new system that rewards “Good Standing” channels that meet the guidelines. These channels will receive benefits such as early access to new features, live-streaming tools, and personalized support from YouTube. This system is to ensure that high-quality creators are rewarded for their work, providing them with the tools they need to create even better content.
Overall, the updated guidelines are a significant step forward for YouTube in its battle against low-quality content. By setting new thresholds for monetization and offering rewards to high-quality creators, YouTube is encouraging creators to produce content that meets its quality requirements and, in turn, provides a better experience for viewers. While this won’t entirely eliminate the problem of low-quality content, it is a positive step towards a cleaner and more user-friendly platform.