- This YouTube modernization update is pretty surprising.
Now, YouTube often makes changes
that creators are not always happy with
like removing the public dislike count in 2021
announcing the controversial
Shorts monetization guidelines in 2022,
then demonetizing thousands of creators in 2023
over updated advertiser-friendly guidelines.
That last one really pissed people off.
I mean, overnight, thousands of creators
found huge portions of their video catalog demonetized,
all because the new update included several new restrictions
on what new videos were allowed to earn ad revenue.
And also applied to every single video
that's ever been uploaded to YouTube.
You see how that might be a problem?
Many creators went to sleep making money
from years' worth of videos that they uploaded to YouTube
then woke up demonetized.
Unsure about their future and really unsure
about what their next move should be.
Now to be honest with you this update did include
some understandable updates
like demonetizing videos featuring dangerous
or harmful acts that included minors and blocking ads
from videos that showcase dishonest behavior.
I mean, many advertisers don't want their content
on videos like that, so it's kind of understandable.
That's not really YouTube's fault.
Now, there were some changes
that creators found absolutely horrid.
Mainly the updates around inappropriate language
and gameplay violence.
Seemingly appropriate gameplay videos
suddenly got demonetized for being too gory.
All forms of profanity started being treated equally
like moderate, extreme forms of profanity.
Yeah, all 'em together
and it became harder to monetize anything with swearing.
Then there was the confusing stuff
like not being able to monetize if you use profanity
in the first seven seconds of your video.
Yeah, we're still not sure
why seven seconds mattered so much
but you know creators and you know the internet.
They expressed their thoughts and frustrations
about these changes in videos,
in comments across social media,
across the entire internet,
and YouTube listened, actually listened.
- We have read all of your feedback
and watched the videos you've uploaded with feedback.
To the surprise of many creators
you YouTube decided to reverse
some of the monetization changes
and here are the four main updates they just announced.
First, moderate profanity used frequently at any time
throughout your video can now earn ad revenue.
Two, most profanity used within music or standup comedy
can now earn ad revenue.
Three, use of stronger profanity
like the F word used in the first 7 seconds
or repeatedly throughout the majority of your video
can now run limited ads.
Four, content using moderate and strong forms of profanity
after the first first seven seconds can now earn ad revenue
unless used repeatedly throughout the majority of the video.
None of this was the case in the initial update.
YouTube actually listened and then responded
to creator's feedback in a way that wasn't expected.
Even better, all the videos that got demonetized
because of the initial update are going to be re-reviewed
and re-monetized as long as they follow the other policies.
Now, the Internet's going crazy because it is not typical
for YouTube to reverse big policies like this.
This really goes to show you that your voices do count
and that the right kind of feedback and pressure
can really make a difference.
I know it doesn't seem like the dislike button
is returning anytime soon, and we still have ability
to address these changes with the gory gameplay,
but I'm sure most of you will agree
that this is a step in the right direction
and gives creators a better ability
to express themselves without restriction.
I really hope to see more updates like this
from YouTube in the future.
Plus, we'd love to hear your thoughts
on other policies and changes
you'd like to see YouTube update in the comments below.
And by the way, this entire video was recorded
with audio that really sounds like (fingers snap) this.
It's not good, but we made a video showing you
a free AI tool that can take your audio from this
(fingers snap)
to this.
So go ahead and watch that next.
See you guys and keep creating.
(upbeat music)