YouTube Updates: Strict Gambling Rules & Monetization Check Changes

Transcript

YouTube is tightening its online gambling policies: It is now prohibited to reference URLs to non-Google-certified gambling application websites verbally, visually, or in text. Content promising guaranteed wins may be demonetized regardless of whether the site is certified or not. Additionally, content depicting or promoting casinos, even if it doesn’t violate community guidelines, will receive age restrictions and will no longer be available to unregistered users or those under 18.

I think this is a good change. It’s stricter than before, and there will likely be more strikes issued. The discussion about whether skin gambling sites in the gaming area or sports betting count as gambling will surely flare up again. Lawyers will have to deal with it. If in doubt: Stay away from it!

Next, we have a short Help Center article on YouTube Shopping, or “Shopping for Creators.” This includes setting up the shop in the YouTube dashboard and, for the US, the affiliate program connected to Google Shopping. Since this is not available in Germany, you don’t have to read that part. I’ll let you know as soon as it becomes available here as well.

Lastly, there’s a small update on the Monetization Check. This is only relevant for YouTube partners with over 1000 subscribers who have reached the required 4000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views. When you upload a video, the upload process checks for copyright and ad suitability. Previously, this review was typically completed within a few minutes, especially if you had a good history.

However, YouTube now recommends uploading content at least 24 hours, ideally 72 hours before publication if you’re fluctuating between the yellow and green symbol. The reason is that the additional review, which is done both machine-based and by humans, takes time, and the queue can get longer. This way, they can better plan capacity and ensure your content is thoroughly reviewed.

This limited test won’t be available to everyone, but it could roll out in the coming months. I have a date here, but let’s set that aside for now. If you have any questions on this topic, feel free to comment below. See you again next week! Until then, take care and keep creating!