YouTube clarifies its policy on AI "slop" and why some creators will not be paid

We live in the era of AI-generated “slop.” So much so that Merriam-Webster chose that word as the word of the year for 2025. Creating a video for YouTube from a simple prompt has become almost automatic, prompting the platform to update its monetization rules for channels participating in the YouTube Partner Program.

In a recent interview for Creator Insider, Matt Halprin, Vice President of Trust & Safety at YouTube, explained how they will limit AI content within the partner program. The numbers show the magnitude of the phenomenon: last year The Guardian reported that around one in ten of the fastest-growing channels were focused on artificial intelligence. However, a survey cited by Fortune revealed that only 26 percent of people have a positive view of AI.

YouTube is not going to completely ban this type of material. Halprin was clear: the company is “agnostic” regarding the tools creators use. The change in language in the policy, which shifted from “repetitive content” to “inauthentic content,” aims to emphasize that those who want to monetize, even if they use AI, must demonstrate real effort and creativity in their videos.

The new rules do not equate to a total ban on generated content. Rather, they aim for creators to understand what they need to keep their material within the monetization program. The policy identifies three specific types of AI videos that will be removed from the YPP.

What is excluded from monetization

First, generic and repetitive videos, especially those perceived as pure content farming. Second, unpleasant or distressing material, such as endangered animals. And third, what Halprin calls “AI personas” giving advice on serious topics, such as finance or other significant issues.

These restrictions are independent of the general community guidelines, which still prohibit nudity, hate speech, and more. They only affect those who intend to generate income with videos created using artificial intelligence.

YouTube has already implemented automatic AI detection, although there is always the possibility that some videos go unnoticed. With increasingly sophisticated technology, distinguishing the authentic from the generated becomes more difficult, and the homepage can become a minefield.

There are still signs that help identify synthetic material. Very long videos often reveal more AI errors, which is why many creators opt for short clips. Quality can also be a clue: both low-quality or distant shots that hide inconsistencies, as well as hyper-realistic images with perfect faces, retouched skin, and immaculate hair, especially if they do not fit the context, raise suspicions.