YouTube Demonetization: The Ultimate Guide For Content Creators

Jan 24, 2023

It's not a novel practice of the giant social media site however, since the company's recent change on its policy regarding content moderation and its creator policy, specifically in the gaming industry, have seen an uptick with this pattern.

It's true that the guidelines and rules surrounding YouTube advertising are complex and always changing. Even if you think you're complying at all levels there's a chance that you're not.

In this article, we'll help you understand the specifics of YouTube demonetization and how to protect your livelihood no matter what decisions YouTube--or any other platform makes that affect your online business.

What is YouTube demonetization? And how does it work?

YouTube demonetization occurs when the YouTube channel is unable to show ads on some or all its videos. The underlying reason is that YouTube demonetization is a loss in income for the creator.

YouTube permits anyone to advertise provided they are eligible for the the YT Partner Program (YPP) and follow their Advertiser-Friendly Content Guidelines.

If YouTube believes you're not following the rules of the YPP or content guidelines, you can get penalized with a number of different ways:

  • The ability to run ads is lost. to show ads on certain or all of your content.
  • It is possible to be banned out of the YPP.
  • The account you have created can be cancelled or ended.

According to YouTube's policy, if your content violates one of YouTube's rules the platform will contact you to inform you of the reason they've taken action against you, and what to do to rectify the issue.

Why does YouTube stop monetizing YouTube videos?

There are two main reasons YouTube demonetizes creators' videos that both boil directly from the guidelines for content and the platform's monetization policy. Take a look

The content that isn't in line with the requirements of advertising

YouTube's guidelines for advertising exclude the most diverse of subjects which means you need to examine your content thoroughly prior to uploading it. even if you believe you're complying, you may not be.

There's a lengthy checklist of the content you should avoid in case you do not want to risk being penalized, and it is important to remain aware that your content does not include any of these:

YouTube-advertiser-friendly-content-guidelines
Screenshot of YouTube's Advertiser-Friendly Content Guidelines

In spite of YouTube's comprehensive guidelines to allow ads users say that independent content creators have a harder time avoiding demonetization than major media outlets, even if the content they create is comparable.

Certain users have put together videos using lists of YouTube demonetized words to help others avoid being removed from the platform, which is why it's crucial that you use these tools to make sure that you're doing everything you can to be in compliance with YouTube's rules and policies.

It's not following YouTube's monetization policy

Even if you're complying with YouTube's guidelines on content for advertisements it is possible to be removed from monetization if you don't comply with community guidelines, or if your AdSense account hasn't been updated.

In terms of the community's guidelines, it's pretty straightforward. YouTube doesn't like anything remotely like scams, frauds, or spam or sexual content, such as nudity and child safety dangers or content that is dangerous.

YouTube is also encouraging creators of content to adhere to high-quality principles for family-friendly content and also to maintain a positive attitudes towards their audience, fellow creators, and advertisers.

From an AdSense standpoint it is important to follow a set of rules you must follow to ensure your content doesn't become demonetized. AdSense policies include:

  • Have an updated AdSense account. Since February 2021 the AdSense account that isn't been properly updated will be totally demonetized.
  • Create original content that adds value. If you make content with the same content, your chances of getting removed from the market increase.
  • Don't feature any copyrighted material that you do not have permission to distribute.

Note: Starting Feb 1st, 2023, same guidelines will be applied to YouTube Shorts. These will be eligible for monetization in the same way long-form video content is.

The company uses a certain process for reviewing videos as well as channels, although YouTube's reviewers will also review the content of other sources to make sure it's in line to their guidelines and policies.

youtube-channel-monetization-policies
Screenshots from YouTube's Channel monetization policies

Even though YouTube appears to be taking an extremely thorough approach to guidelines and review methods however, some creators remain shocked to see their accounts removed from monetization even though they haven't breached the policies.

It was this way in the case of Lea Robertson, who's account was demonetized due to the alleged publication of unoriginal content even though all the videos her account uploaded were made by her.

My video has been removed from monetization, what now?

If you're stuck in the unhappy position that your YouTube account (or account) taken down, there's an alternative!

  Here's what you should do:  

  • Review all the information YouTube sends you about your violation of the YouTube policy.
  • Contact them via Creator Support to obtain more information, or to contest their decision.
  • Search for issues with the content. If found, update it until you're 100% sure that your content is in compliance with YouTube's guidelines and policies.

A key factor is persistence. Lea Robinson, as mentioned in the previous paragraph, got her monetization restored in three days following calling YouTube customer service , and then having them check that she did not infringe any of their policies.

One more drastic method of getting your monetization back is to adopt YouTuber Tyrone Magnus' strategy and get your fans to get in touch with YouTube on your behalf. Let us leave it up for you to consider whether this method is a good fit in your case.

Protect your business from YouTube demonetization

After we've examined the basics of what YouTube Demonetization is and how to handle it, let's look at the larger picture of your online business.

In reality, if you're depending on any platform for social media for the purpose of your business You're surrendering the control over your business, and risking to lose your content audience, and revenues.

The best thing you can do to safeguard your business online is to diversify your revenue streams in order not to be at the mercy of YouTube or another third-party platform.

For content creators there are a lot of ways to earn moneywhich includes selling and creating digital goods.

How can I increase my YouTube income?

In order to stop YouTube demonetization from drying up your revenue stream Look at alternative ways to generate revenue--that way even when your account is demonetized, it won't kill your company.

It's true that the creator economy is in disarray with many well-known platforms offering a disadvantage to creators of content, focusing on large accounts while making smaller accounts struggle. Take it from Hero Alla Driksne.

"For seven years, I made no money online. I built up an enormous following , believing that if were a popular fan I could earn profits on YouTube as well as Instagram. Nothing really came of it but I was working five jobs. I earned only $10,000 a year."

Diversifying revenue is the best solution for creators who want to ensure they are not harmed by platforms that do not provide them with the support and tools they need to monetize content regularly.

Create a membership or community that you control

If you manage a community or membership offer You not only determine what content to publish and when, you also leave the fear of demonetization to the past.

It's possible to charge for access and sell products or services to customers who are already familiar with and trust your brand, which means you don't have to worry about building an audience from the ground up. Just invite YouTube viewers to join your group.

Use digital courses and products to diversify your revenue

"In 2021, I was able make close to $100,000 with . The online classes really helped me speed the time I spent."

Offer group or individual coaching

Coaching can be a great method to increase your earnings and also help you establish closer relationships with your community members and understand how you can better serve them.

Make sure you are in control of your content as well as your income

YouTube can be an excellent tool to grow and monetize your business. However, at the final analysis, it exists to serve advertisers more than creators.

This is why we provide our users with everything that you require to develop and sell digital goods from beginning to finish. We also provide plenty of support throughout the process.

Diversifying your income is essential to building a lasting company, and by doing this , you'll have the ability to ensure that your revenue stream never dries out.

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