YouTube's AI Disclosure Requirements: The Complete 2025 Guide
Last Updated: January 22, 2025 | Reading Time: 15 minutes
If you're using AI to create YouTube content in 2025, you're navigating an increasingly complex landscape. One wrong step—forgetting a disclosure, mislabeling content, or using the wrong AI tool—and you could face demonetization, strikes, or even channel termination.
YouTube's AI content policy has evolved dramatically since November 2023, with major updates coming in May 2025 and another significant change scheduled for July 15, 2025. The platform now requires mandatory disclosure for realistic AI-generated content and is preparing to crack down on "AI slop"—mass-produced, low-quality content that floods the platform.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about YouTube's AI disclosure requirements, including the latest 2025 updates, with step-by-step instructions, real examples, and expert insights to keep your channel safe and compliant.
Table of Contents
- What Changed in YouTube's AI Policy
- July 2025 Monetization Update: The "AI Slop" Crackdown
- Types of AI Content That Require Disclosure
- Types of AI Content That DON'T Require Disclosure
- How to Add AI Disclosures: Step-by-Step
- Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Best Practices for AI Content Creators
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Disclosure Checklist (Free Download)
What Changed in YouTube's AI Policy {#what-changed}
On November 14, 2023, YouTube rolled out its most significant policy update regarding synthetic and altered content. The platform now requires creators to disclose when they've used AI or other tools to create "realistic" content that viewers might mistake for real footage.
Key Changes:
- Mandatory Disclosure Tool: A new checkbox in YouTube Studio for flagging altered or synthetic content
- Viewer Labels: Automatic labels that appear on videos with disclosed AI content
- Stricter Enforcement: Enhanced AI detection systems scanning uploads for undisclosed synthetic content
- Expanded Definitions: Broader interpretation of what constitutes "altered" or "synthetic" content
The Timeline:
- November 2023: Initial AI policy announced
- March 2024: Disclosure tool rolled out globally
- June 2024: First wave of strikes for non-compliance
- January 2025: Enhanced AI detection system deployed
- May 21, 2025: Mandatory disclosure requirements fully implemented
- July 15, 2025: New monetization policy targeting "AI slop" (scheduled)
July 2025 Monetization Update: The "AI Slop" Crackdown {#july-2025-update}
Starting July 15, 2025, YouTube is implementing its most significant monetization policy change yet, specifically targeting low-quality, mass-produced AI content. Here's what you need to know:
What's Changing
The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) will enforce stricter guidelines requiring content to be "significantly original and authentic" to remain eligible for monetization. This update draws a hard line around what counts as monetizable content.
Content at Risk of Demonetization
YouTube will demonetize videos that fall into these categories:
- Reused content with minimal changes
- AI-generated narration over stock footage without significant transformation
- Text-to-video AI clips without human creative input
- Automated slideshows or unedited stock clips
- Mass-produced content using templates without customization
- Stolen or recycled footage with AI voiceovers
Important Clarification from YouTube
According to YouTube's official response to creator concerns:
"We welcome creators using AI tools to enhance their storytelling, and channels that use AI in their content remain eligible to monetize."
The key distinction: AI as a tool = allowed. AI as the entire creative process = not monetizable.
What This Means for Creators
- Human creativity is essential: Your content must demonstrate original creative input
- Transformation matters: Simply using AI isn't enough—you must add value
- Quality over quantity: Mass-producing videos with AI will result in demonetization
- Reaction content is safe: If you provide meaningful commentary and transformation
Examples of Acceptable AI Use
- Using AI to enhance your scripted content
- AI-assisted editing while maintaining creative control
- AI music in the background of your original content
- AI tools for research and ideation
Examples That Will Be Demonetized
- Channels posting 10+ AI-generated videos daily
- Content that's entirely AI-created without human input
- Reposting AI content from other sources
- Using AI to create misleading thumbnails or titles
Types of AI Content That Require Disclosure {#types-requiring-disclosure}
YouTube's policy specifically targets content that could mislead viewers about its authenticity. Here's what MUST be disclosed:
1. Realistically Altered Humans
What it includes:
- Face swaps using AI (deepfakes)
- Voice cloning or synthesis that sounds like real people
- Body modifications that make someone appear to do/say something they didn't
- AI avatars that look photorealistic
Example: Using AI to make it appear that a celebrity endorsed your product when they didn't.
2. Synthetic Footage of Real Events
What it includes:
- AI-generated footage of actual locations
- Recreations of historical events using AI
- Synthetic crowd scenes at real venues
- AI-enhanced disaster or accident footage
Example: Creating AI footage of a crowded Times Square for a video about New York.
3. Altered Reality in Sensitive Contexts
What it includes:
- Political content with AI modifications
- Health/medical demonstrations using AI
- Financial advice with synthetic elements
- News reporting with altered footage
Example: Using AI to demonstrate a medical procedure that looks real but isn't actual footage.
4. Voice Synthesis of Real People
What it includes:
- AI voice clones of public figures
- Synthetic recreation of someone's voice
- Translation that maintains original voice characteristics
- Posthumous voice recreation
Example: Using AI to make it sound like a deceased actor is narrating your video.
Types of AI Content That DON'T Require Disclosure {#types-not-requiring-disclosure}
Not all AI use needs disclosure. YouTube explicitly states these uses are exempt:
1. Obvious Creative Effects
What's allowed without disclosure:
- Beauty filters and touch-ups
- Background replacement (green screen)
- Color grading and correction
- Animation and motion graphics
- Special effects that are clearly artificial
2. Production Assistance Tools
What's allowed without disclosure:
- AI script writing assistance
- Automated video editing (jump cuts, transitions)
- AI thumbnail generation
- Caption generation
- Music and sound effect creation
3. Generative Elements That Don't Mislead
What's allowed without disclosure:
- AI-generated backgrounds that are clearly artistic
- Synthetic music and soundscapes
- Cartoon or stylized AI characters
- Abstract visuals and patterns
- AI-assisted graphic design
4. Enhancement Tools
What's allowed without disclosure:
- Audio cleanup and noise reduction
- Video stabilization
- Automatic lighting correction
- AI-powered zoom and crop
- Frame interpolation for slow motion
How to Add AI Disclosures: Step-by-Step {#how-to-add-disclosures}
Method 1: During Upload (Recommended)
- Upload your video to YouTube Studio as normal
- Navigate to "Details" page
- Scroll to "Altered content disclosure" section
- Click "Yes" to the question "Do any of the following describe your content?"
- Select all applicable options:
- Makes a real person appear to say or do something they didn't say or do
- Alters footage of a real event or place
- Generates a realistic-looking scene that didn't actually occur
- Add description in your video description (optional but recommended)
- Publish your video
Method 2: After Publishing
- Go to YouTube Studio
- Click "Content" in the left menu
- Find your video and click the pencil icon
- Navigate to "Details" tab
- Scroll to "Altered content disclosure"
- Update disclosure and save changes
Method 3: Automatic Disclosure for YouTube AI Tools
If you're creating YouTube Shorts using YouTube's own generative AI effects:
- Dream Track: Automatically disclosed
- Dream Screen: Automatically disclosed
- No additional steps needed—YouTube handles the disclosure for you
What Viewers See:
When you add a disclosure, viewers will see:
- A label in the expanded description field stating "Altered or synthetic content"
- For sensitive content (politics, health, news), a more prominent label appears on the video player itself
- Mobile users see labels adapted for smaller screens
- The label helps build trust and transparency with your audience
Consequences of Non-Compliance {#consequences}
YouTube takes AI disclosure seriously. Here's what happens for violations:
First Offense
- Content removal
- Warning email
- Required to acknowledge policy
Second Offense
- Content removal
- Community Guidelines strike
- 1-week upload restriction
Third Offense
- Channel termination
- Loss of monetization
- Potential legal liability
Additional Risks:
- Demonetization: Even without strikes, undisclosed AI content often gets demonetized
- Reduced Distribution: YouTube's algorithm may limit reach of non-compliant content
- Reputation Damage: Viewers lose trust when they discover undisclosed AI use
- Legal Issues: Potential lawsuits for deepfakes or misrepresentation
Best Practices for AI Content Creators {#best-practices}
1. When in Doubt, Disclose
If you're unsure whether your AI use requires disclosure, err on the side of transparency. Over-disclosure is better than under-disclosure.
2. Be Specific in Descriptions
Don't just check the box. Add context in your video description:
"This video uses AI-generated voice narration for educational purposes. All historical recreations were created using AI and do not represent actual footage."3. Create a Standard Disclaimer
Develop a template for your AI disclosures:
AI DISCLOSURE: This video contains:✓ AI-generated voiceover✓ Synthetic background environments✓ Face-swapped demonstrationsAll AI content is clearly marked and used for educational purposes only.4. Document Your AI Tools
Keep records of:
- Which AI tools you used
- What content was generated/altered
- Why you used AI for that purpose
- Screenshots of your disclosure settings
5. Stay Updated on Policy Changes
YouTube updates its policies regularly. Subscribe to:
- YouTube Creator Insider channel
- Official Creator Blog
- Policy update emails
6. Train Your Team
If you work with editors or collaborators:
- Share this guide with them
- Create an AI use checklist
- Review all content before publishing
- Assign a compliance manager
Frequently Asked Questions {#faq}
Q: Do I need to disclose AI-generated scripts?
A: No. AI assistance in writing, planning, or ideation doesn't require disclosure. Only the final video content matters.
Q: What about AI music?
A: AI-generated music typically doesn't need disclosure unless it's imitating a specific real artist's voice or style in a way that could mislead viewers.
Q: Can I use AI voices for different characters?
A: Yes, if they're clearly fictional characters. You only need to disclose if the AI voice could be mistaken for a real person.
Q: Do AI thumbnails need disclosure?
A: No. Thumbnails fall under "production assistance" and don't require disclosure unless they're deceptively showing fake events as real.
Q: What if I forgot to disclose?
A: Add the disclosure immediately through YouTube Studio. If YouTube hasn't flagged it yet, you can avoid penalties by being proactive.
Q: Does disclosure hurt video performance?
A: Our data shows properly disclosed AI content performs similarly to non-AI content. Viewers appreciate transparency.
Q: Can I contest a false AI detection?
A: Yes. YouTube provides an appeal process if their system incorrectly flags your content as AI-generated.
Q: Will the July 2025 update affect my existing AI content?
A: The July 15, 2025 update focuses on monetization eligibility going forward. Existing content that adds human value and creativity should remain monetized, but mass-produced AI content may be demonetized.
Q: What's the difference between disclosure requirements and monetization rules?
A: Disclosure is about transparency—telling viewers when content is AI-generated. Monetization rules determine whether your content can earn ad revenue. You must follow both: disclose AI use AND ensure your content meets originality standards.
Q: Can I still use AI tools after July 2025?
A: Absolutely! YouTube explicitly welcomes AI tools that enhance storytelling. The key is using AI as a tool while adding your own creativity, commentary, and value—not relying on AI to do everything.
Free AI Disclosure Checklist {#checklist}
Download our comprehensive checklist to ensure compliance:
Pre-Upload Checklist:
- [ ] Review all AI-generated elements
- [ ] Identify any realistic human alterations
- [ ] Check for synthetic event footage
- [ ] Verify voice sources
- [ ] Document AI tools used
Upload Checklist:
- [ ] Enable altered content disclosure
- [ ] Select all applicable categories
- [ ] Add description disclaimer
- [ ] Include #AI hashtag if relevant
- [ ] Save disclosure documentation
Post-Upload Checklist:
- [ ] Verify label appears correctly
- [ ] Monitor for policy flags
- [ ] Respond to viewer questions
- [ ] Track video performance
- [ ] Update disclosures if needed
Conclusion
YouTube's AI policies in 2025 represent a balanced approach: the platform welcomes AI as a creative tool while demanding transparency and human creativity. The message is clear—AI should enhance your content, not replace your creativity.
Key takeaways for 2025:
- Always disclose realistic AI-generated content
- Add human value to remain monetization-eligible after July 15
- Quality over quantity—avoid mass-producing AI content
- Stay informed as policies continue to evolve
Remember: Transparency and creativity are your best strategies. When viewers know you're using AI responsibly and adding your unique perspective, they're more likely to support your channel.
As we approach the July 15, 2025 deadline, now is the time to audit your content strategy. Are you using AI as a tool or a crutch? Your answer will determine your channel's future success.
About Onewrk: We're a YouTube management agency helping SMBs navigate the complexities of content creation and platform compliance. Our team stays updated on all policy changes to keep your channel safe and growing. Contact us for a free YouTube channel audit.
Disclaimer: This guide is based on YouTube's public policy documentation as of January 2025. Always refer to YouTube's official Creator policies for the most current information.