In a major update rolled out this July, YouTube has officially changed parts of its YouTube Monetization Policy 2025, impacting both long-form creators and Shorts publishers. These changes aim to improve content originality, reduce spam, and encourage higher quality uploads across the platform.
Over the last year, YouTube has been flooded with content farms and mass-uploaders, many of whom rely on reused clips or AI voices. In response, YouTube has tightened its monetization criteria to reward originality, storytelling, and meaningful content creation.
A central focus of the July 15 update is YouTube’s renewed stance against reused or low-effort content. Under the revised rules, channels that rely heavily on third-party material—such as unedited compilations, AI-generated visuals without commentary, or repeated uploads with minimal variation—may no longer qualify for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
YouTube clarified that simply stitching together existing content or generating videos with AI tools does not meet monetization standards unless the creator adds clear editorial value. This includes original narration, transformative editing, or commentary that enhances the viewer’s understanding or experience.
Shorts Creators Hit by Stricter Thresholds Under YouTube Monetization Policy 2025
For YouTube Shorts-focused creators, the monetization bar has also been raised. As of July 15, channels must now meet one of two updated eligibility criteria to join the YPP:
1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public watch hours on long-form videos in the past 12 months, or
1,000 subscribers and 10 million valid public Shorts views within a 90-day period.
This is a significant adjustment from earlier expectations of 5 million Shorts views. YouTube Studio has now confirmed the final, official threshold is 10 million views, reflecting the platform’s aim to foster more engaging, original short-form content.
More Rigorous Monetization Review Process
Along with the new thresholds, YouTube is tightening its channel review process. Creators applying for monetization will undergo a more detailed evaluation focusing on the uniqueness, effort, and value of their content. Repetitive uploads or content that appears mass-produced with little human involvement will face a higher risk of being denied monetization access.
YouTube emphasized that eligible content must offer something distinctive—whether it’s thoughtful editing, voiceovers, visual creativity, or educational insight.
YouTube Monetization Policy Changes Impacting Global and Indian Creators
India, which has one of the largest and fastest-growing YouTube creator bases, is expected to see a substantial impact. Many small and mid-tier creators in the country rely on trending, easily replicable formats or AI-generated visuals to gain rapid traction. The new policy effectively disqualifies such content from monetization, forcing a shift toward more original and value-driven uploads.
With this July 15 update, YouTube is taking a firmer stance on content quality and authenticity. The policy shift aligns with broader industry trends pushing platforms to prioritize genuine creators and discourage shortcuts that game the algorithm.
For creators—especially newcomers and those using Shorts as a growth strategy—these changes mean that originality, creativity, and meaningful engagement are no longer optional, but essential for monetization success.
How YouTube’s July 15 Policy Update Is Reshaping Monetization for Global and Indian Creators
The July 15, 2025 update to YouTube’s Monetization Policy is already creating waves across the global creator community. The tightened eligibility criteria—particularly the increased Shorts view threshold and the crackdown on reused content—are expected to reshape how creators strategize, especially in emerging markets like India.
India, which has one of the largest and fastest-growing YouTube creator bases, is expected to see a substantial impact. Many small and mid-tier creators in the country rely on trending, easily replicable formats or AI-generated visuals to gain rapid traction. The new policy effectively disqualifies such content from monetization, forcing a shift toward more original and value-driven uploads.
Indian Creator & Industry View
Indian media outlets have highlighted a potential challenge for smaller creators. Those producing Shorts or long-form videos using templated formats, stock footage, or automated voices may struggle to meet the new standards of originality. While detailed statistics specific to India aren’t yet available, industry experts urge creators to audit their content and ensure substantial transformation—such as personal narration and unique editing.
According to Rene Ritchie, YouTube’s Head of Editorial & Creator Liaison:
“We’re renaming our ‘repetitious content’ policy to ‘inauthentic content’ to better reflect the clarity of what we’ve always enforced. Creators who add significant original commentary or educational value remain eligible.
Windows Central described the policy as a targeted move against what they termed “AI slop”—low-quality, mass-produced videos—highlighting it as a timely response to generative AI trends.
The Verge noted that, while stricter definitions are being enforced, YouTube maintains support for creators who use AI responsibly for storytelling.
These commentators agree the update builds upon existing policy rather than introducing entirely new restrictions.
What This Means for Creators
Principle
Details
Originality Required
Content must feature significant human input—voiceovers, commentary, editing, or educational context. Purely AI-generated or recycled videos risk demonetization.
No Change in YPP Thresholds
Subscriber and view-hour criteria remain unchanged; the update focuses solely on content integrity
Enforcement & Appeals
YouTube will use AI-driven systems and human review. Channels flagged can appeal but must prove content authenticity.
Global, Not Regional
The policy applies equally to creators worldwide. However, emerging markets like India may feel stronger effects due to higher reliance on templated or AI-reliant formats.
Bottom Line
This is a refinement—not a wholesale policy change. YouTube clarifies that “inauthentic content” has always been disallowed under the YPP. The new July 15 wording is meant to make enforcement clearer amid rising AI-generated uploads. Creators globally, including in India, now need to ensure significant originality in their videos to meet monetization standards.
2025 would not meet the new threshold without significant changes to content strategy.
In Summary
The global response to YouTube’s July 2025 monetization update has been one of cautious optimism. While the stricter rules raise concerns for smaller creators, especially in developing economies, many industry leaders agree that these changes push the platform in the right direction—favoring quality, originality, and long-term creator sustainability over viral replication.
As the dust settles, creators worldwide are reassessing their approach. The message from YouTube is clear: authenticity and originality are the new currency of monetization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on YouTube Monetization Policy – July 2025 Update
1. What exactly changed on July 15, 2025?
YouTube renamed its “repetitious content” policy to “inauthentic content.” This update clarifies that AI-generated voice clips, reused footage, or mass-produced videos without meaningful transformation are more strictly disallowed. While the core policy existed before, the language is now more specific and enforceable.
2. Do creators still need the same eligibility thresholds for monetization?
Yes. You still need at least 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 valid public watch hours (long-form content) or 10 million Shorts views in the past 90 days.
3. Can I use AI tools in my videos?
Yes, but with conditions. YouTube allows AI-generated content only when it’s enhanced with editorial value such as commentary, education, or storytelling. AI voices or visuals by themselves, without added context or transformation, are not eligible for monetization.
4. Are Shorts monetization rules stricter now?
The eligibility threshold remains 1,000 subscribers and 10 million valid Shorts views in 90 days. However, YouTube is now more rigorously checking for originality—low-effort, unedited, or recycled Shorts are no longer monetizable.
5. What happens if my content is flagged as inauthentic?
If flagged, your channel may be denied or removed from the YouTube Partner Program. YouTube uses both AI and human reviewers. You can appeal, but repeated low-quality or reused uploads may result in stricter penalties or long-term ineligibility.
6. What exactly does 1,000 subscribers + 10 million Shorts views in 90 days mean?
You must accumulate 10 million valid public Shorts views within any recent 90-day window, plus 1,000 subscribers. These must come from real users—not bots or reused content. YouTube continuously evaluates your channel’s stats to determine eligibility.
7. What are the new YouTube monetization rules for 2025?
The 2025 update emphasizes originality. Mass-produced or reused content without transformation is no longer accepted. Shorts creators must meet strict originality standards in addition to existing metrics.
8. Has the monetization threshold changed for long-form videos?
No, the threshold for long-form content remains unchanged: 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid watch hours within the past 12 months.
9. When did the new YouTube monetization policy take effect?
The updated policies began rolling out in July 2025 and will be fully enforced globally by September 2025.
Written by
Akher Ali
is a seasoned editor and media professional with a deep commitment to journalistic integrity and public-interest reporting. With a focus on government policy, social equity, and education, he leads The Banga Enquires in delivering fact-checked, context-rich news for a discerning readership. Known for his editorial clarity and attention to linguistic precision, Ali champions high-quality, inclusive journalism that informs, engages, and empowers.
