YouTube is rolling out a big change that will likely disappoint creators. YouTube will start running ads on videos by creators but without any revenue paid to them. The creators that will be affected are those that are not part of the YouTube Partner Program
YouTube announced the new change in its refreshed terms of service for monetization on the video platform. YouTube says it will roll out ads on a limited number of videos but hasn’t specified how many exactly will see ads. “Since you’re not currently in YPP, you won’t receive a share of the revenue from these ads, though you’ll still have the opportunity to apply for YPP as you normally would once you meet the eligibility requirements,” YouTube said in its announcement.
YouTube creators in YPP will naturally not be affected by this change since their videos are eligible for monetization. To get into YouTube’s Partner Program, makers need to have 4,000 hours of absolute watch time over the most recent a year, and have more than 1,000 subscribers. YouTube makers who meet these rules can apply for YPP to adapt their recordings.
YouTube didn’t determine how many videos it will run advertisements on. But it did confirm to The Verge that videos from non-partnered creators, and on topics like politics, religion, alcohol and gambling will not be considered. This still gives YouTube more room to run ads and without having to pay creators. The change is likely to affect YouTube’s shaky relationship with creators that has been going on for years.
