YouTube Begins Limited Likeness-Detection Beta for Creators

YouTube has begun a limited beta rollout of a likeness-detection tool to eligible creators in the YouTube Partner Program following pilot tests, including a pilot with CAA. Creators must consent to data processing and verify their identity by submitting a government ID and a brief selfie or video through a smartphone/QR onboarding workflow and provide reference material for matching. YouTube scans new uploads and lists potential matches in YouTube Studio’s Content Detection > Likeness tab, where creators can request removals, file copyright claims, or archive matches; creators can opt out and YouTube stops scanning within 24 hours of opt-out. YouTube cautions the tool may surface genuine clips that aren’t removable under privacy rules, currently has scope and coverage limits, and may not reliably detect voice-only deepfakes as it continues gradual expansion.