Starting July 15, 2025, YouTube is rolling out a major update to its monetization policy, and creators across the UK need to pay attention. Under the revised YouTube Partner Program (YPP) guidelines, channels that post low-effort, repetitive, or AI-generated content may lose their ability to earn ad revenue, even if they meet subscriber and watch-house thresholds.
This isn’t a tweak. It’s YouTube’s strongest push yet to reward originality and filter out what it calls “inauthentic” uploads.
So what’s changing?
Creator will now need to go beyond just hitting 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours ( or 10 million Short views). YouTube will assess whether your content is original, engaging, and transformative. That means:
- No more slideshow compilation or templated videos with minimal editing
- AI-generated voiceovers without commentary may be flagged
- Reaction or remix videos must add clear value, your voice, your insight, and your creativity.
YouTube clarified that it’s not banning AI tools outright. But if your content feels automated, recycled, or spam-like, it may be demonetized. The platform will use both AI and human reviewers to assess uploads.
For creators who rely on shortcuts or mass-produced formats, this update could mean a serious rethink. But for those who’ve been building with care, adding commentary, editing with purpose, and showing up with their own voice, this could be a moment of visibility.
Here’s what you can do now:
- Review your content library. Flag anything that feels repetitive or lacks transformation
- Add your voice, face, or point of view to reused materials
- Avoid relying solely on AI narration or templated scripts
- Focus on storytelling, education, or entertainment value
YouTube hasn’t specified exact penalties yet, but channels found violating the new rules may face demonetization or removal from the Partner Program.
