YouTube relaxes monetization guidelines for some controversial topics

YouTube is updating its advertiser-friendly content guidelines to allow more videos covering controversial topics to qualify for full ad revenue, provided the material is presented in a dramatized, non-graphic, or informational manner.

Under the updated rules, videos that discuss or portray issues such as self-harm, abortion, suicide, and domestic or sexual abuse may now be eligible for full monetization if they avoid graphic detail. YouTube clarified that content involving child abuse or eating disorders will continue to be excluded from full monetization.

The change was announced this week on YouTube's Creator Insider channel.

"In the past, the degree of graphic or descriptive detail was not considered a significant factor in determining advertiser friendliness, even for some dramatized material," YouTube said. "As a result, such uploads often received a yellow dollar icon, limiting monetization. With this update, our guidelines are becoming more permissive, allowing creators to earn more ad revenue."

The Google-owned platform said the update follows feedback from creators who argued that existing policies were overly restrictive and reduced ad revenue for dramatized or topical content. YouTube said the revised guidelines aim to ensure that creators addressing sensitive subjects or producing narrative-driven content are not automatically penalized.

"We reviewed our policies and found they had become too restrictive, leading to demonetization of content like dramatized storytelling," YouTube said. "While some topics may be considered controversial, advertisers are often comfortable appearing alongside them when they are presented in a fictional, personal, or non-graphic context. As long as creators avoid explicit or graphic scenes, they can now earn more ad revenue."

The move is part of a broader shift in how YouTube moderates content. Last year, the platform instructed moderators to leave up some videos that may otherwise violate its rules if they were deemed to be in the public interest. The New York Times reported at the time that such videos included discussions of political, social, and cultural issues.

That policy change coincided with a broader rollback of online speech moderation across social media platforms following Donald Trump's return to office.

YouTube emphasized that limits remain in place. Content involving child abuse, including child sex trafficking, as well as eating disorders, is not covered by the updated guidelines. Videos that graphically describe or dramatize those topics will remain ineligible for ad revenue.