YouTube breaks down monetization policy for transparency

In an attempt to clear the air around its monetization policy, YouTube nudges creators to self-certify content before running ads.

YouTube has recently released a breakdown of its monetization policy in an attempt to be more transparent. The platform is essentially asking creators to rate their content with self-certification based on their advertiser-friendly content guidelines in addition to community guidelines.

"We’re not telling you what to create. Each and every creator on YouTube is unique and contributes to the vibrancy of YouTube. These guidelines aim to help you understand more clearly the types of content that advertisers may not wish to appear against," the platform states.

The policy has been broken down into three parts: One where YouTube is asking creators to go through their advertiser-friendly content guidelines. Two, where creators can turn on ads but only brands who opt-in would run ads on that content. Third, the platform is asking creators to use their discretion and turn off ads for content that is not suitable for advertisers.

Prompts for the three sections have been released in connection with eight key concerns/categories: Inappropriate language, adult content, violence, harmful or dangerous acts, recreational drugs content, hateful content, firearms-related content and sensitive issues.

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Among the content flagged-off by YouTube for creators to turn off ads for include:

• Exposed breasts or full nudity, sexual acts, animal mating, discussion of fetishes, or a video thumbnail with sexual content.
• Severe real injury, real death, harm to minors, or abuse of animals; depictions or discussions of sexual abuse or domestic violence; edited video gameplay that primarily focuses on graphic violence.
• Focus on accidents, pranks, or stunts that have health risks, like drinking or eating non-edibles; or discussions of trending videos that show this type of content.
• Content showing or discussing abuse, buying, making, selling, or finding of drugs or drug paraphernalia in a graphic and detailed way.
• Hate or discrimination toward a protected group based on race, age, or other natural characteristics.
• Content that shows gun creation or modification, promotes gun makers or sellers, or facilitates the sale of a gun, minors using guns without adult supervision.
• Discussions of modern acts of terror, events resulting in the catastrophic loss of human life, or controversial social issues.