YouTube demonetization occurs when a YouTube takes away your ability to earn ad revenue either from a particular video or your channel. It is also when a channel’s content are considered ineligible for displaying ads, resulting in a loss of potential revenue for the content creator. This usually happens when a user violates YouTube content guidelines.
There are many reasons why a YouTube video/channel may be demonetized, the most common reason is copyright infringement which is usually due to copyrighted music. It can be very painful to know that your video or channel was demonetized after putting all effort to come out with something very appealing and interesting especially if you have built a very strong community. Reaching the milestone of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours to make your channel eligible for YouTube monetization is no small feat.
What is YouTube Demonetization policy
YouTube Demonetization policy is a set of guidelines designed to safeguard both content creators and advertisers. The goal is to prevent advertisers from associating their brand with content that could be considered unsuitable, controversial, or potentially harmful.
What can make your channel demonetized?
Below are somethings that can make your video or channel to be demonetized:
- Inappropriate language
- Firearms-related content
- Violence
- Controversial issues
- Adult content
- Sensitive events
- Shocking content
- Enabling dishonest behavior
- Harmful acts and unreliable content
- Inappropriate content for kids and families
- Hateful and derogatory content
- Incendiary and demeaning
- Recreational drugs and drug-related content
- Tobacco-related content
How do I know if my channel has been demonetized?
YouTube may send an email to you informing you or but you can also check YouTube Studio to see if your videos are affected. If you’ve activated ads, look for the monetization icon next to each video to see your status.
Colours is a language that indicates some meaning on your video or channel.
Green: This colour indicates that your videos comply with the advertiser-friendly content guidelines and as such it’s eligible to earn from ad revenue from ads.
Yellow: This means that your video falls short of some advertiser-friendly content guidelines and as such brands can potentially opt out of ads on your video.
Red: This means you video has a copyright claim by someone and you are no longer monetizing your video.
What do I do if my channel is demonetized?
Usually it is only one video that may be demonetized unless there’s a serious breach of community guidelines. However if you continue to violate copyright laws and community guidelines, your channel maybe demonetized. YouTube can respond by limiting ad revenue, suspending you as a YouTube Partner in their program, or even banning your account. Sometimes, YouTube creators might get a suspension, like a 30-day or 90-day suspension, before they can reapply.
How to appeal for demonetization
- Carefully read the notification sent to you by YouTube on your email or check your channel.
- Provide evidence if any. This may be inform of edits indicating that you’ve made changes to the content, provide details and evidence of the modifications.
- Submit an appeal. This is done by
- Locate the demonetized video in your Video Manager.
- Select “Request review.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate a human review.
YouTube will assign an employee to assess your video manually.
You can also read How to use YouTube SEO