YouTube is making immediate changes to its advertising policy, allowing creators to monetize content that contains a moderate amount of profanity.
The update, which went into effect March 7, comes after creators raised concerns that YouTube’s profanity policy was stricter than intended.
Changes to YouTube’s advertiser-friendly content guidelines
In November 2022, YouTube updated its advertiser-friendly content guidelines, banning swear words within the first seven seconds of a video.
If a video starts with vulgar language, like the f-word, it won’t be eligible to earn ad revenue.
If mildly obscene language was used throughout the video, only limited advertising revenue would have been possible.
This policy caused concern to creators who felt it was too strict and negatively affected their monthly earnings.
YouTube is responding to these concerns and making the following changes:
- Mild profanity is allowedVideos containing mild profanity, such as anything lighter than an f-bomb, are now eligible for full monetization.
- Limited ads for strong profanity: Videos with stronger profanity, such as the f-word in the first 7 seconds or repeatedly throughout a video, will now receive limited ads.
- There are no profanity ads in titles and thumbnails: Using profanity in titles and thumbnails will demonetize, which means videos can’t run ads.
YouTube explains that moderate or strong profanity in background music, backing tracks, or intro/outro music can now earn full ad revenue.
You can see specific examples of what YouTube defines as mild and stronger profanity on their site Help Center article.
Videos affected by the November update will be re-reviewed by March 10th.
However, videos may still be in an income violation if they violate other advertiser-friendly content guidelines.
In summary
Changes to YouTube’s advertising policy provide more flexibility for creators looking to monetize safe content for their brand.
By relaxing its policy on profanity, YouTube gives creators more freedom while maintaining its advertiser-friendly content guidelines.
In addition, YouTube’s re-review of videos means that creators may now be eligible to earn ad revenue on content that has previously been de-rolled.
Featured image: Nicoleta Ionescu/Shutterstock
source: Youtube
