# YouTube Clarifies Policies on AI-Generated Low-Quality Content New rules outline how AI-generated content can monetize on the platform. - **Source:** [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-20 - **Topic:** [Marketing](https://brifing.si/c/marketing) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ac73e77f-46c1-4d78-aa60-eb5ecacfddbc ## YouTube Updates AI Content Policies YouTube has clarified its policies to prevent low-quality AI-generated content from monetizing on the platform. The new rules define three main categories of inauthentic content and prohibit their monetization. ## Categories of Inauthentic Content YouTube divides inauthentic content into three categories: repetitive or template-based content, distressing or emotionally manipulative content, and AI personas discussing sensitive topics. These contents will no longer earn money through the YouTube Partner Program. ## The Dual Nature of AI Technology YouTube’s Trust and Safety Head Matt Halprin noted that AI technology can both enhance creativity and facilitate content farming. Quickly produced, generic content lowers the platform’s quality. ## Distressing Content Banned YouTube has also banned content that viewers find distressing. For example, videos featuring emotional manipulation, such as rescuing an animal, will no longer monetize. Channels dedicated to such content will be removed from YPP, regardless of AI usage. ## AI Personas and Sensitive Topics YouTube does not want to incentivize AI personas discussing sensitive topics like finance, health, and legal issues. Channels with excessive such content will not monetize. This policy aims to maintain the platform’s credibility. ## YouTube’s Competitive Strategy These updates are a crucial step in YouTube’s competition with TV and other streamers. Preventing low-quality content helps protect ad revenue and boost viewer trust. ## Sources covering this story - https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/20/youtube-clarifies-policies-around-ai-slop-and-upsetting-videos/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._