When you’re trying to make your mark and share your ideas with the world, there’s always a worry that you might lose money. This worry can make it hard to keep your project going. But this guide isn’t about giving into fear.
Instead, it’s about getting smart and learning strategies to handle problems. Lately, YouTube has been really strict about what kind of content they think is okay for advertisers, which means it’s super important to understand how you could lose money because of their rules.
We’re going to look closely at YouTube’s rules about making money from videos, explain what this all means for your YouTube channel, and show you ways to keep your videos safe from losing money in 2024 and later.
Demonetization in YouTube
Demonetization in YouTube refers to a situation where the contents uploaded by a particular YouTube channel becomes ineligible for being paid. This generally occurs when the contents uploaded does not align with the YouTube policies. Some factors that can lead to YouTube demonetization include the use of copyrighted stuff without approval, misleading thumbnails or adult contents.
YouTube monetization policies
Inorder to monetize your YouTube contents after being in YPP, you must follow the YouTube Monetization policies provided by YouTube in order to avoid demonetization. These Policies are rules and guidelines that are used to monetize the video. Inorder to be eligible for monetization of the content, the policies takes account of various factors of the content like language,violence ,adult content,discrimination on the basis of caste,religion or gender and controversial topics. Any YouTube content that changes its track on those guidelines leads to demonetization or removal of the content entirely.
The policies encompass both content and creators’ conduct, which includes harassment, cyberbullying, and spammy behaviour which leads to having their channels demonetized.
Reasons for Demonetization
Demonetization on the contents of the YouTuber, setbacks the motivation to upload more videos due to potential loss in revenue. The primary reasons for demonetization are:
#1 Violating the YouTube Partner Program policies
One of the major reasons for demonetization is violation of the YouTube Partner program Policies. As a result, either the contents of the particular video are removed or the account is terminated. Fines are also charged depending on the severity of the content. Some examples of actions that can lead to policy violations:
- Uploading content that is violent or gory, meant to shock or disgust, or encouraging violent actions.
- Publishing content that involves cruelty to animals, retold or fictional stories, or material that involves adult material or explicit violence depictions.
- Publishing content that violates community standards, including hate speech, harassment, or acts that are harmful or dangerous.
- Using copyrighted materials or linking to external content that violates YouTube’s rules.
- Engaging in illegal behaviour, such as offering channel memberships or merchandise to people outside of YouTube.
When the YouTube policies are violated the YouTuber gets a warning or a strike on the content. Repeated violations lead to account suspension or account termination.It is necessary for the YouTubers to take the YouTube policies seriously in order to maintain the eligibility of monetization and prevent from any kind of strikes.
#2 Copyright strikes
Copyright strikes refer to penalties that are applied to YouTube channels because they have used copyrighted material in their videos or shorts, which contain background music without permission from the author. This, in turn, results in copyright violation, thus leading to demonetization of the implicated channel. Suppose Anu is a content creator on YouTube who makes a video with a popular copyrighted song as the backdrop. Anu did not get consent from the author of the song to use it in her video. Consequently, this author lodges a copyright claim against Anu, and this means Anu’s video will be struck by copyright.
To remove this strike from her content, she needs to complete YouTube’s Copyright School, which is a tutorial on copyright regulations. The copyright strike will expire after 90 days. If Anu gets two more copyright strikes within that particular course of time,YouTube will terminate her Channel.
To avoid the copyright strike in this scenario, Anu can utilise music from YouTube’s Audio Library, which includes tracks that do not include copyright issues. She can also utilise royalty-free music or get permission to use copyrighted content from the rights holder.
As a matter of fact, copyright strikes can have serious consequences when the YouTuber depends on the channel for the source of income. Repeated violation of copyright regulation gets the channel terminated. Hence it is essential to be aware of copyrights regulations and always use content with the proper authorization or licensing.
#3 Inappropriate metadata
Inappropriate metadata means providing misleading or inappropriate information about the content which can result in demonetization. This information can include the title or thumbnails of the video. Here are some examples of metadata that may be considered inappropriate:
- Using irrelevant tags to increase visibility and attract viewers. Including misleading or controversial titles and descriptions to deceive viewers to watch the video.
- Including words that are offensive or harmful in the title, description, or tags.
- Making fabricated claims or misleading information in the metadata.
Consequences of using inappropriate metadata can include demonetization or even channel suspension. It’s essential to provide accurate and relevant information in the metadata to avoid any potential issues.yo
#4 Repeat violations
Multiple violations on the policies of the YouTube, the YouTubers face demonetization. On the first violation of the YouTubers content results in warning or temporary restriction. The Consequent violations of the policies leads to permanent termination of the channel or removal of the contents .
For example, if the content creators’s video is considered as inappropriate and receives a copyright strike ,then they must guarantee that the future content follows YouTube’s guidelines.If the YouTuber continues to upload similar contents then YouTube will demonetize the channel.Abiding the YouTube policies is significantly necessary as it plays a crucial role in the growth and earnings of the YouTuber .
Thus, creators should not only provide captivating and engaging videos but also contents that align with the policies of YouTube inorder to monetize your contents.
A creator’s channel can be demonetized if there are repeated violations, but they have the ability to appeal the decision and take action to address those violations. However, understanding the issue and taking necessary actions to avoid those situations is the best act for becoming a successful YouTuber. Hence, prevention is the best approach to sustain.
#5 Advertiser demands
Advertisers demand that the ads shouldn’t have any inappropriate or offensive connections. Thus before ads are displayed on their platform, YouTube verifies that the videos meet certain qualities.Some of the factors that can lead to demonetization are ,
- Explicit language:Videos that use too much vulgar or explicit language could be considered unsuitable for advertisers.
- Violence: Videos that promote any kind violence or harmfulness are unsuitable for advertisers.
- Controversial subjects:If videos that include any controversial or sensitive topics like politics, religion, or social issues, are considered inappropriate, they may be demonetized.
#6 Controversial or unsafe content
Controversial or unsafe content refers to videos that are unsettling for viewers and often involve human tragedies, as well as sensitive content that includes significant social, cultural, or political incidents like natural disasters, terrorism, and public health emergencies.If a video is identified to be exploiting a recent tragic event for shock value and views instead of providing valuable insights, it can be deleted. However,a channel can be considered fine if it is an authoritative news source or if it posts documentary videos about historic events for educational purposes.
To check whether the contents of the video are aligned with the advertiser-friendly Community Guidelines and AdSense Google Publisher Policy YouTube’s automated systems and sometimes human reviewers are used. If a video mismatches with these guidelines, it may be demonetized, which means ads won’t be displayed on the video, and the content creator won’t earn revenue from it.
To avoid getting demonetized on YouTube
- Follow YouTube’s Community Guidelines and Partner Program Policies: To avoid getting demonetized the preventive measure is to follow the guidelines and policies of YouTube and avoid publishing sensitive contents that are inappropriate.
- Check for copyright claims and disputes: Make sure that the contents are not subjected to copyright laws, else ensure that your contents have proper authorization or license to the copyright material inorder to avoid demonetization.
- Review your metadata: Make sure that the description or titles are relevant to that of your content provided in your YouTube video,else this could demonetize your video on the basis of inappropriate metadata.
- Avoid creating unsafe content: To prevent demonetization , it is important to avoid content that shows any kind of dangerous or violent activities, hurtful or offensive materials, or topics that are sensitive in nature.
- Keep it brand-safe!:To avoid demonetization, it is really important to follow YouTube’s content guidelines for advertisers and avoid inappropriate or offensive content.
- Address repeat violations: In case of any warning or penalty, check it thoroughly and take appropriate measures to prevent such repetition.
- Monitor your channel: Keep a close eye on your channel and review your analytics regularly. Identify any issues that may be impacting your revenue and take appropriate actions .
Overcome demonetization on YouTube
- Review and Address the Issues: First, analyse the reasons why your videos were demonetized. Check for any copyright issues, Community Guidelines violations, or misleading metadata. Address and rectify these issues before submitting an appeal.
- Adhere to YouTube’s Guidelines: Follow YouTube’s Community Guidelines and AdSense Google Publisher Policy, and avoid using bad language, violence, contentious topics, or copyrighted material.
- Analyse the metadata: Make sure the names, thumbnails, and descriptions of your videos adhere to YouTube’s rules by double checking them.
- Engage Your Community: Try to get feedback from your audience and fellow creators. They might find the potential issue that triggered demonetization.
- Request a Human Review: If the contents of the video does not violate the YouTube policies then appeal the demonetization decision by requesting a human review so that an individual will look into the matter. Make sure you’ve done enough research in making your video align with YouTube’s guidelines.
- Diversify Revenue Streams: Don’t rely only on YouTube’s ads as your main source of income.Consider collaborating with businesses, using affiliate marketing methods or other crowdfunding sites. These alternative income sources can balance your revenue without any fluctuations.
- Monitor Policies and Trends: Keep an eye on the Community Guidelines, AdSense Google Publisher Policy, and monetization-related announcements of YouTube.Be updated so that your video’s and contents won’t be subjected to demonetization.
- Be Patient: Keep in mind that regaining monetization after a demonetization can take time, and channels with numerous strikes might face a waiting period of around 3 months. So be patient and make sure that your videos are creative and unique from that of others.
Wrap Up
As a consistent content creator It must feel very frustrating when your YouTube video gets demonetized, and all of your hard work doesn’t give the expected results. It’s important to remember that YouTube’s policies can be unpredictable, and demonetization doesn’t really lower the value of your content or your creativity.
If the video you uploaded gets demonetised, take time to review your content, and focus more to improve it. Check out different revenue options, such as custom merchandise, sponsors, affiliate marketing or crowdfunding, to increase your source of income.
Widening your revenue streams not only reduces the impact of demonetization but also gives stability and independence as a creator. Above all, stay strong and continue following your passion. Remember why you started creating content in the first place and let that guide you forward. Your dedication, creativity, and patience will ultimately give results, no matter the challenges you face, keep pushing forward and inspiring others with your unique voice and perspective.
