A closer look at YouTube’s updated monetization policy and its impact on creators

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YouTube’s updated monetization policy has created quite a stir in the creator community, which has been struggling with plummeting ad revenues resulting from the platform’s adpocalypse, changes to search algorithms, and mass demonetisation of YouTube channels. In response, YouTube experts have called for the importance of diversifying revenue with merchandise, courses, and brand deals. But, along with other changes, the latest policy update signals that YouTube is far from done with clampdowns that it believes will protect advertisers, businesses, and users better. Here’s what you need to know about YouTube’s updated monetization policy and how it affects creators:

What’s YouTube’s New Monetization Policy?
Effective January 1, 2018, under YouTube’s updated monetization policy, content creators who want to earn money via ads, must have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past year, and be subject to YouTube’s new review process, which considers accuracy, advertiser relationships, and authenticity. YouTube says this policy is an effort to prevent channel impersonation, piracy, and fraud, as well as to motivate creators to “produce quality content and pursue longer-term goals.”

What Are The Implications On Creators?
The updated monetization policy implies that YouTube will be a lot more rigorous while reviewing channels to make sure they meet its guidelines. High watch hours and subscribers’ count were specifically added so that only serious creators on the platform get to make money. This is indeed a shift from the early days of YouTube when anybody could start uploading videos and start monetising right off the bat. The new monetisation policy also puts a greater emphasis on quality content, meaning that creators need to work harder to ensure that their videos are engaging and targeted towards their audience’s preferences.

What Can Creators Do?
According to YouTube, the new monetization policy should motivate creators to produce better content that encourages users to stay on the platform longer while attracting more advertisers. The best thing creators can do is to focus on growing their channels to meet the new requirements. This means striving to get more subscribers and increasing their watch time by creating quality content. Creators can also diversify their revenue streams to earn money from multiple sources, such as crowdfunding, sponsorships, or merchandise sales.

In summary, YouTube’s updated monetization policy has significant implications for creators, and may serve as a wakeup call for those who have been producing low-quality content and have relied solely on ads for revenue. While the shift to quality content and stricter review processes may help weed out low-quality creators and spammers, it also puts pressure on new and smaller creators who are trying to build a following. However, by focusing on creating quality content, diversifying income sources, and meeting YouTube’s new guidelines, creators will be better positioned to succeed in the long term.