Video spam hasn’t been much of a problem since the early days of YouTube, but the advent of live shopping on what’s now the number one ad-supported access streaming platform means we need to reconsider the issue.
This post provides everything you need to know about YouTube and video spam (but I was afraid to ask).
Basically, spam, scams, and other deceptive practices that take advantage of the YouTube community are not allowed on YouTube.
Additionally, YouTube does not allow content that tricks people into leaving the social video platform for another site.
This policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live broadcasts, and any other YouTube product or feature.
Oh, and it should be noted that violating these guidelines can result in your video being removed from YouTube.
And we don’t want that now, do we?
It is important that your understanding of what constitutes spam is in line with YouTube’s guidelines for preventing spam on its platform.
What is spam video?
Spam video is content that:
- He promises viewers that they will see something, but instead directs them off the site to watch it.
- It promises viewers that they will quickly earn money to get clicks, views or visits outside of YouTube.
- Directs viewers to sites that attempt to collect personal information or spread malware.
But the spam video is also:
- Posting the same content repeatedly across one or more channels.
- Upload massive content you’ve deleted from other creators.
- Auto-generated content posted by computers regardless of quality or viewer experience.
- Post affiliate content at scale in dedicated accounts.
Keep in mind that this is not a complete list.
Now, if users, partners, or other creators see content that they believe violates these guidelines, they can use the flag feature to submit it for review by YouTube staff.
Or if they find some videos or comments that they want to report, they can also report it Report the channel.
In December 2017, YouTube hired an additional 10,000 employees to review content that may violate its policies. So now there are a lot of cops on the beat.
But wait there’s more!
What is misleading metadata or thumbnails?
If you are posting content, do not use Misleading metadata or thumbnails. This includes:
- Thumbnail with an image of a celebrity who has nothing to do with the content.
- Use the title, thumbnails, or description to trick users into believing that the content is not.
This is especially true if there is a serious risk of catastrophic harm in the real world.
What are the scams?
Phishing is not allowed on YouTube.
This includes content:
- Make exaggerated promisessuch as claims that viewers can get rich quick or a miracle cure that can cure chronic diseases, such as cancer.
- Show cash gifts.
- Promotion pyramid schemes (Sending money without a tangible product in a hierarchical structure).
- promising “You will make $50,000 Tomorrow with this plan! “
It should be noted that this list is not complete.
What is spam stimulation?
Incentivized spam is content that sells engagement metrics such as views, likes, comments, subscribers, or other metrics on YouTube.
This type of spam includes the following types of content:
- Subs 4 Subs Videoswhich offers to subscribe to other creators’ channel only in exchange for them subscribing to yours.
- Videos that give “likes” for sale.
- videos that Offer to get a channel to 100,000 subscribers without any other content.
And remember, this is not a complete list.
What are spam comments?
YouTube does not allow comments, where the sole purpose is to collect personal information from viewers, mislead to drive viewers away from YouTube, or perform any of the prohibited behavior listed above.
Examples of this type of content include:
- Comments about surveys or giveaways that promote pyramid schemes.
- Pay Per Click referral links in the comments.
- Comments that falsely claim to be complete video content. This type of content can include TV shows.
- Post links to a malware or phishing site in the comments: “I just got loads of bucks out of here! – [xyz phishing site].com. “
- Reviews with links to fake stores.
- Hey, check out my channel/my video here! When the channel/video has nothing to do with the video it is posted under.
- Post the same comment repeatedly with a link to your channel.
As you may have already guessed, this is not a complete list.
What is the abuse of live broadcasting?
This policy covers live broadcast events intended to broadcast someone else’s content that has not been patched after repeated warnings of potential abuse.
Policing requires channel owners to actively monitor live broadcasts and correct any potential issues in a timely manner.
The following types of content are clearly not allowed on YouTube:
- Use your phone to stream a TV show.
- Using third-party software to stream songs directly from an album.
But keep in mind that this list is not a complete list.
If you’d like to better understand YouTube’s Community Guidelines on these issues, watch this unlisted video uploaded to the YouTube Creators channel on May 1, 2019.
For more information, visit YouTube Help Centerwhich was recently reorganized to provide more clarity around our Community Guidelines and policies regarding “misinformation”.
There you will find an article that provides detailed definitions of the six important types of misinformation and explains what these policies mean for content creators.
What happens if your content violates these policies?
If your content violates any of the six policies listed above, YouTube will remove the content and send you an email notifying you.
If this is your first time violating YouTube’s Community Guidelines, you will likely receive a warning without penalty on your channel.
If not, YouTube may issue a strike against your channel.
If you receive 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel will be terminated.
YouTube may also terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of our Community Guidelines or Terms of Service.
YouTube may also terminate your channel or account after one instance of severe abuse, or when the channel is designated for a policy violation.
As should be crystal clear to content creators, these guidelines cover most forms of video spam, deceptive and deceptive practices, but YouTube may respond negatively to other misleading practices not listed here.
It is not safe to assume that just because certain deceptive technology is not included on this page, YouTube approves of it.
Channel owners who spend their energies in maintaining the spirit of the basic principles will provide greater viewer satisfaction and thus have a better ranking than those who spend their time looking for loopholes they can exploit.
As the Grail Knight warns in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989):
“You must choose. But choose wisely.”
More resources:
- YouTube fixes search results
- YouTube SEO from Basic to Advanced: How to Optimize Your Videos
- Social Media Marketing: A Complete Strategy Guide
Featured image: fizkes/Shutterstock
