YouTube Plans Monetization Crackdown on Low-Quality AI Content

YouTube is implementing policy changes effective July 15, 2025, to crack down on low-quality, AI-generated content, often referred to as "AI slop," that floods its platform. The new rules will tighten enforcement of the existing requirement for original and authentic content, targeting repetitious, mass-produced videos such as those with AI voiceovers lacking personal commentary, slideshow compilations, and reaction videos with minimal original insight. While YouTube clarifies that classic reaction videos and content with meaningful transformation are not affected, the update aims to curb spammy, algorithm-chasing videos that exploit monetization without creative effort. The platform has faced criticism and confusion from creators about the scope of these changes, prompting YouTube editorial head Rene Ritchie to emphasize that this is a minor update to better identify and demonetize inauthentic content. Despite YouTube CEO Neal Mohan promoting AI tools for Shorts creation, the company is simultaneously trying to combat the surge of AI-generated low-effort content that has degraded user experience and monetization integrity. This move reflects Google's belated but firm effort to address the growing problem of AI content farms profiting from unoriginal videos and restore quality on YouTube.