YouTube is set to change its policy on cursing. The video streaming platform has said that not all foul language will be treated the same on the platform.
YouTube is set to Change Its Policy on Cursing
Videos streaming platform YouTube is lightening up on profanity on its website. The Google-owned company in an update this very week to its policy on advertiser-friendly content said that creators can be a little freer with their potty mouths and still get to monetize their videos.
YouTube back in November updated its profanity guidelines in a bid to lump all curse words together, whether it is that you were saying the “shit” word or just dropping an f-bomb.
If any foul language appears in the first seven seconds or was simply uttered consistently as per the regulations, your video could be demonetized. Profanity in your thumbnails or even in small cards can get you dinged.
YouTube Released a Video Explainer on Tuesday
But YouTube monetization lead Conor Kavanaugh in a video explainer on Tuesday stated that the company has received feedback that the regulations put in place were too severe.
“Upon reviewing our own enforcement data, we found the profanity policy resulted in a stricter approach than we intended,” Kavanaugh stated. Now, he added that not all foul language on the platform will be treated the same.
“Moderate” profanity words such as bitch, douchebag, asshole, and shit will not get you demonetized according to Kavanaugh.
Profanity Words Used Within Prerecorded Music or Stand-Up Video Content Are Safe
Many profanity words that are used within prerecorded music or stand-up video content are also safe. Putting or including naughty text in your title or thumbnail will not block your video from ad revenue automatically although it may get to limit it.
A clip with swear words that get to appear after the first seven seconds regardless of just how severe can still get ad revenue, unless, on the other hand, they are used “repeatedly throughout the video,” Kavanaugh explained in the video.
Censored profanity and mild oaths such as hell or damn in the thumbnail, title or video are fine, but “fuck” is however still considered very unfriendly to advertisers.
YouTube Videos That Got Demonetization Stickers Will Be Reviewed This Week
Gizmodo however reported that any YouTube videos that got demonetization stickers will be reviewed this very week. The change in policy does not refer to hateful or derogatory language, YouTube stated, which is still very much “not suitable for advertising.”
