Everything About YouTube's New AI Content Label & Why I am salty about it!

Summary

YouTube is introducing a new AI content labeling system, requiring creators to disclose if their content has been altered or synthetically generated by AI. Creators don't need to label minor AI adjustments but must do so for AI voice cloning or deep fakes. The label doesn't limit viewership but failing to disclose can lead to penalties, including removal from YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Monetization is possible if AI content adheres to YouTube policies, but there's confusion around monetization specifics. The system's lack of a default setting and mobile upload limitations may cause issues for creators, with potential for community guideline strikes.

Takeaways

• 📅 YouTube has been working on a new AI content labeling system since November.
• 🔍 A self-labeling system will be available exclusively through YouTube Studio desktop.
• 🛠️ Creators must disclose if their content has been altered or synthetically generated by AI through a toggle in the upload details section.
• 🚫 Small AI adjustments like background image extensions or background removal do not require labeling.
• 🗣️ AI voice cloning, changing, synthesis, and deep fakes must be labeled if they can be mistaken for real content.
• 📊 The AI content label does not limit the video's audience or affect views.
• 🚫 Non-disclosure of AI usage can lead to penalties, including being removed from YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and video removals.
• 💰 Monetization is possible for AI content as long as it complies with YouTube's monetization policies.
• 🚫 Using AI for mass templated, programmatically generated content can lead to YPP exclusion and requires content labeling.
• 👍 Using AI for enhancements like green screens or background replacement is fine for monetization and does not require disclosure.
• 🤔 There is some uncertainty regarding monetization and the new labeling system, with creators seeking more clarity.

Q & A

What is YouTube's new AI content labeling system?

YouTube's new AI content labeling system is a self-labeling feature that creators must use to disclose if their content has been altered or synthetically generated by AI. This system is accessible through YouTube Studio desktop and requires creators to specify whether AI has been used in the content creation process.

When did YouTube start working on the AI content labeling system?

YouTube started working on the AI content labeling system since November of the previous year.

Do I need to label my content if I use AI for minor adjustments?

No, you do not need to label your content if you use AI for small adjustments like extending a background image, removing the background, or applying small video effects.

What types of AI usage require content labeling according to the new system?

You need to label your content if you are using AI for voice cloning, voice changing, voice synthesis, or creating deepfakes. Essentially, if viewers can easily mistake your content for something real, such as a real person, place, or event, it must be labeled.

Will labeling my video with 'AI generated content' reduce its views?

No, the altered or synthetic content label does not limit the video's audience. Labeling your content as AI-generated does not prevent you from reaching your normal viewership.

What are the consequences of not disclosing AI usage in my videos?

If you do not disclose AI usage, YouTube may automatically label your video and you won't be able to remove it. Repeated non-disclosure can lead to penalties such as being removed from the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), having videos removed from the platform, and receiving a community guideline strike.

Can I still earn money with AI content on YouTube?

Yes, you can earn money with AI content on YouTube as long as it complies with YouTube's monetization policies.

What are some examples of AI usage that would require the content label for altered and synthetically generated content?

Examples include using an AI voice for reading Reddit stories, which falls under reduced content, and using an AI voice as a fictional interview partner, which requires disclosure for monetization.

What are some issues with YouTube's altered or synthetic content label?

Some issues include a lack of clarity regarding monetization, the inability to set a default value for the upload settings, and the requirement to declare AI usage even for creators who have never used AI before.

How can creators get more information or ask questions about the AI content labeling system?

Creators can ask questions in the comments section of the video or join the host for a Q&A live stream to get more detailed information and clarification.

Is there a plan to allow setting a default value for AI content labeling in the future?

As of the script's information, there is no mention of a plan to allow setting a default value for AI content labeling in the future. This is an area of concern that the host hopes to get clarification on.

Outlines

00:00

🤖 YouTube's AI Content Labeling System Explained

The speaker expresses concerns about YouTube's new AI content labeling system, which has been in development since November. A self-labeling system will be implemented exclusively through YouTube Studio desktop, requiring creators to disclose if their content has been altered or generated by AI. The necessity to label content arises when AI is used for significant changes like voice cloning, synthesis, or deep fakes, especially if the content could be mistaken for real. The label does not limit viewership, and non-disclosure can lead to penalties, including removal from YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and community guideline strikes. Monetization is possible if AI content adheres to YouTube's policies, but there is ambiguity regarding monetization that may cause confusion among creators. The speaker plans to discuss the issue further in a Q&A stream and seeks clarification from YouTube.

05:04

📱 Challenges with YouTube's AI Content Labeling Implementation

The speaker discusses the practical challenges of YouTube's AI content labeling system, particularly the inability to set a default value in upload settings and the requirement to use a desktop for labeling, which is inconvenient for mobile uploads. This could lead to community guideline strikes if not properly managed. The speaker is concerned about the platform's long-term creators who do not use AI content and must now adjust their upload process. The speaker also mentions the limitations of using AI with YouTube's Shorts music library and the YouTube music library, which further complicates the process. A Q&A live stream is planned to address these and other pending topics, and the speaker encourages viewers to subscribe for updates and engage in the discussion.

Keywords

💡AI content labeling

AI content labeling refers to the process of identifying and marking media content that has been created or significantly altered using artificial intelligence. In the context of the video, it's about YouTube's new system that requires creators to disclose if their content has been synthetically generated or altered by AI. This is crucial for transparency and to avoid misleading viewers about the authenticity of the content.

💡Self-labeling system

A self-labeling system is a feature that allows content creators to voluntarily mark their work as AI-generated or altered. In the video, it is mentioned that YouTube Studio desktop will have a toggle in the details section of the upload where creators can choose to label their content. This system is significant as it helps viewers understand the nature of the content they are consuming.

💡AI voice cloning

AI voice cloning is a technology that enables the replication or simulation of a person's voice using AI. The script discusses the need to label content if AI voice cloning is used, as it can create a realistic impression of a person's voice that may deceive viewers. This is an important aspect of the video's theme, emphasizing the ethical use of AI in content creation.

💡Deepfakes

Deepfakes are synthetic media in which a person's likeness is swapped with another using AI. The video mentions that using deepfakes would require content labeling, as they can be highly realistic and potentially misleading. This term is central to the video's discussion on the implications of AI-generated content on viewer perception and platform policies.

💡Monetization policies

Monetization policies are the rules and guidelines set by platforms like YouTube that determine whether content can generate revenue through ads, sponsorships, etc. The video highlights that AI content can be monetized as long as it adheres to YouTube's monetization policies. This is an important consideration for creators who want to earn money from their AI-enhanced videos.

💡YouTube Partner Program (YPP)

The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is an initiative that allows creators to monetize their content on YouTube. The script warns that using AI in a way that violates YPP guidelines can lead to penalties, including removal from the program. This underscores the importance of adhering to platform rules when using AI in content creation.

💡Community guideline violation

A community guideline violation occurs when content on a platform like YouTube breaches the community standards set by the platform. The video mentions that not disclosing AI alterations can lead to such a violation, resulting in penalties like content removal and strikes against the creator's account.

💡Synthetic content

Synthetic content refers to media that has been created or significantly modified using artificial means, such as AI. In the video, synthetic content must be labeled if it involves using AI to generate voices or alter video in a way that could deceive viewers. This term is integral to the video's message about transparency and ethical content creation.

💡Content disclosure

Content disclosure is the practice of informing viewers about the nature of the content they are about to consume. The video emphasizes that creators need to disclose if their content has been AI-generated or altered, especially if it could be mistaken for real. This is a key aspect of the video's theme, focusing on honesty and trust between creators and viewers.

💡AI-generated content toggle

The AI-generated content toggle is a feature within YouTube Studio that allows creators to indicate whether their content has been AI-generated or altered. The video script mentions that this toggle will be available in the details section during the upload process. This feature is part of the new system YouTube is implementing to ensure transparency about AI use in content creation.

💡Q&A stream

A Q&A stream is an interactive live broadcast where the host answers questions from the audience in real-time. The video script mentions that the creator will host a Q&A live stream to discuss the AI content labeling system and other related topics in more detail. This demonstrates the creator's engagement with their audience and their commitment to clarifying complex issues.

Highlights

YouTube's new AI content labeling system is being implemented.

A self-labeling system will be available through YouTube Studio desktop.

Creators need to disclose if content has been altered or synthetically generated by AI.

Small AI adjustments like background image extensions do not require disclosure.

AI voice cloning, changing, synthesis, or deep fakes must be labeled.

Content must be labeled if it can be mistaken for something real.

Using the AI generated content label does not limit the video's audience.

YouTube may automatically label undisclosed altered or synthetic content.

Consistently undisclosed use of AI can lead to penalties including removal from the platform.

AI content can be monetized if it adheres to YouTube's monetization policies.

Using AI to enhance videos is fine, but reusing content can lead to policy violations.

Let an AI voice read Reddit stories is considered reduced content.

AI-generated fictional interview partners require disclosure for monetization.

AI background replacement for personal talks is fine for monetization and doesn't need disclosure.

YouTube has addressed some issues regarding AI use in video production.

There is uncertainty regarding monetization of AI content.

Creators may be required to manually label AI content on every upload.

Mobile uploads may not support AI content labeling, leading to potential issues.

Transcripts

I am salty about YouTube's new AI content labeling  system this has been in the work since last  

November and uh we need to have a talk about it in  the following days there will be a self-labeling  

system in place that will only be available  through YouTube Studio desktop and there will be a  

toggle in the details section of the upload where  we will have to choose whether or not your content  

has been altered or synthetically generated by  AI the first question that comes to mind is do  

I need to label my content are generated if you're  only planning to use AI for small adjustments like  

extending a background image or using uh an AI  tool to remove the background like this screen  

screen or uh do like small video effects the  answer is no you don't have to disclose that  

however if you're planning on using AI voice  cloning voice changing voice synthesis or deep  

fakes the answer is yes as a general rule of thumb  if viewer can easily mistake your content for  

something real like a real person real place real  event you have to label it you can find an list of  

examples down in the video description as well as  the link to the help center article whereas there  

like a more extended list on that and I think  over time that list will get uh Fuller with  

more examples will my video get fewer views if I  use the AI generated content label short answer  

no the altered or synthetic content label does not  limit the video's audience so even if you have to  

disclose that you have used AI you can still reach  your normal viewership in addition to that I often  

see people complain about Shadow bands on YouTube  there are no Shadow bands if you don't get viewed  

it's very very likely people just don't enjoy  your content what happens if I don't disclose  

that I used altered or synthetic content in my  videos basically if that happens occasionally  

YouTube will just like give you a little slap on  the wrist and put the label in for you you cannot  

remove it however if they put it in automatically  and uh if that happens on purpose and consistently  

you will get penalties like getting kicked out of  the ypp if you're already in ypp and undisclosed  

videos might get removed from the platform and as  a reminder if a video gets removed for Community  

guideline violation which this would be then you  will also receive a community guideline strike can  

I earn money with my AI content on YouTube as long  as the altered or synthetic content fulfills the  

YouTube monetization policies yes you can earn  money with your videos uh AI videos on YouTube  

however there's fine line between enhancing your  videos with AI by for example using a green screen  

and getting into Reus content territory that will  kick you out of the ypp or deny your entry if you  

have never been in the ypp I have some examples  for you letting an II voice read Reddit stories  

falls under reduced content especially under  the mass templated programmatically generated  

content that as a subset within the policy  this will get you kicked out of the ypp uh  

and would still require the content label for  altered and synthetically generated content the  

second example would be having an II voice as a  fictional interview partner asking you questions  

this would be fine for monetization but you  would have to disclose the use of synthetic  

content since you're using someone else's voice  to generate the questions the third example would  

be I'm talking to you in person uh the background  has been removed by AI replaced with another image  

and uh that would be fine for monetization and  doesn't need to be disclosed so that are three  

use cases that you can Orient yourself on so  let's get back to my opening statement there  

are some issues with this whole altered or  synthetic content label um first of all like  

YouTube addressed some of the issues we pointed  out last November like for example they absolve  

basically all of classic video production editing  uh AI use cases like for example this scen screen  

or summarizing a script or extending a background  image all of that has been addressed which is fine  

I really appreciate that they went their way and  like talked to us about it um the other thing is  

it leaves still some uncertainty regarding the  monetization the monetization paragraph in The  

Help Center article is literally one sentence and  it doesn't differentiate between the different use  

cases and I do think that is going to cause some  confusion among creators if you want to know more  

about it please feel free to ask questions in the  comments comments below or join me later for a q&  

a stream this week uh I will talk about this  in more detail if you send in your questions  

up front I'll make sure to get back to a YouTube  uh employee and uh discuss it with them to have  

clearance on that all right um on top of that  from my understanding this feature will launch  

without the ability to set a default value to the  uh uh to the upload settings that means if you've  

never touched AI in 20 years on YouTube um you  would still be required to put in no every time  

you upload from now on and that is something I am  not sure is the best way to handle it especially  

if you've been on the platform for so long and  your content doesn't even go near the AI content  

label on top of that you cannot upload this or you  cannot set this from a mobile upload that means if  

you have an II generated or altered uh chot that  you're using and you use the YouTube shorts music  

library you cannot do that since you would have  to upload through desktop right now or you use  

the YouTube music library and you upload through  the mobile device but then you cannot declare  

that you've used AI altered content um which is  kind of a pickle and from my understanding can  

lead to community guidelines strikes so this is  something also very very confusing I hope we can  

get clearance on that as well as well um yeah  let me know what you think uh as I said before  

I'll be hosting a Q&A live stream later this  week which will hopefully touch this topic as  

well as a few others that are still pending and  otherwise subscribe for more YouTube updates on  

this channel and I'll see you either in the video  videos on the streams or on gg/ yoube or gg/ yoube

gaming oh