YouTube Policy Change from July 15: Repetitive or Copied Videos Will No Longer Earn Revenue

YouTube, one of the world’s leading video-sharing platforms, is set to enforce a major policy shift under its YouTube Partner Program (YPP) beginning July 15, 2025. This move is aimed at curbing the spread of non-original, repetitive, and low-value content, and is part of YouTube’s broader strategy to reward authentic creators.

Monetisation Halted for Repetitive and Reused Videos

Under the updated guidelines, YouTube will no longer allow monetisation of videos that reuse or repurpose content without adding substantial value. This includes AI-generated slideshows, reaction mashups, and overly edited versions of content that originally belong to others.

According to YouTube’s official support page, only content that demonstrates originality and creativity will be eligible for monetisation. The platform is focusing on content that offers unique value—whether educational or entertaining.

Why YouTube Is Changing Monetisation Rules

This new policy is part of YouTube’s long-standing mission to support genuine content creators and reduce spammy, repetitive uploads that clutter the platform. By cracking down on clickbait, reused, or low-effort content, YouTube hopes to build a healthier ecosystem that prioritises meaningful engagement over mere view counts.

YouTube has observed a growing trend of channels exploiting the platform by uploading generic or copied videos purely for monetisation. Such practices dilute the quality of the platform and often mislead viewers. The new rules are meant to discourage creators from chasing quick views at the expense of creativity and integrity.

What Kind of Content Will Be Monetised from July 15?

Going forward, YouTube will prioritise high-quality, value-driven content. To qualify for monetisation, videos must reflect genuine creativity, authentic voice, and original visuals. Here are the types of content that YouTube will reward:

• Educational Content: Videos that provide useful information, tutorials, or insights that help viewers learn something new.

• Entertainment Content: Creatively executed videos that entertain and engage the audience meaningfully.

• Original Visuals and Audio: Videos that are not copied, reused, or lazily re-edited from existing material.

YouTube has stated clearly that the focus is on authenticity and originality, not just repackaging someone else’s work.

Monetisation Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the YouTube Partner Program, creators must meet one of the following thresholds:

• 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months
  OR

• 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days

Once these criteria are met, YouTube will evaluate the originality of the content before granting monetisation approval. This means simply meeting the subscriber or watch hour requirements is no longer enough—originality is now a decisive factor.

Copy-Paste Channels Will Be Demonetised

The updated monetisation policy takes a firm stance against channels that rely on repurposing others’ content. The following tactics will no longer be eligible for revenue:

• Copying content directly from other creators

• Making minor edits to pre-existing videos

• Auto-generating or using low-effort AI content without human input

• Uploading repetitive videos with no added creative value

YouTube is encouraging creators to move away from shortcuts and focus on producing content that reflects real effort and innovation.

Building a Creative and Sustainable YouTube Ecosystem

This policy shift represents a major step toward a more ethical and creative content environment on YouTube. By filtering out low-quality, repetitive uploads, the platform aims to promote original creators who contribute positively to the community.

For aspiring and current creators, the message is clear: quality and originality are more important than ever. As YouTube evolves, those who innovate and deliver genuine value will be the ones to benefit the most.