At a Glance
- YouTube will now let dramatized or non-graphic videos about self-harm, abortion, suicide, and domestic or sexual abuse earn full ad revenue.
- Child abuse and eating-disorder content remain barred from full monetization.
- The policy shift follows creator complaints that overly strict rules were cutting their income.
- Why it matters: Creators tackling sensitive social topics can now earn money without fear of automatic demonetization.
YouTube is loosening its advertiser-friendly guidelines so more videos that address controversial issues can earn full ad revenue, provided the content is dramatized or discussed without graphic detail.
The Google-owned platform announced the change this week on its Creator Insider channel, marking the latest step in a broader pullback from strict content moderation that began after President Donald Trump returned to office.
What’s Changing
Under the updated rules, creators can now receive the coveted green dollar icon-signifying full monetization-on videos that reference:
- Self-harm
- Abortion
- Suicide
- Domestic abuse
- Sexual abuse
YouTube stressed that child abuse, including child sex trafficking, and eating disorders remain off-limits for full monetization regardless of how the topics are framed.
Why YouTube Moved
The company said creators repeatedly flagged that old guidelines were too restrictive. Previously, any mention of sensitive topics-no matter how tasteful or fictional-could trigger the yellow dollar icon, slashing ad revenue.
“We took a closer look and found our guidelines in this area had become too restrictive and ended up demonetizing uploads like dramatized content,” YouTube explained. “This content might reference topics that advertisers find controversial, but are ultimately comfortable running their ads against.”
YouTube added that many advertisers accept ads alongside fictional or personal-experience narratives as long as the content avoids explicit or highly descriptive scenes.
The Bigger Picture
The tweak is part of a platform-wide easing of content policing. Last year, YouTube instructed moderators to leave up videos that may technically violate rules if the clips serve the public interest, including discussions of political, social, or cultural issues, as reported by The New York Times.
That earlier shift mirrored industry-wide rollbacks in speech moderation across social media after Trump’s re-election.
What Creators Gain
Creators who produce scripted dramas, personal story-times, or educational videos can now earn ad money that was previously withheld. The change rewards storytelling that handles tough subjects responsibly, rather than issuing blanket demonetization.
YouTube framed the move as balancing advertiser comfort with creator livelihood. The company believes brands are willing to appear beside thoughtful content on difficult issues, opening a fresh revenue stream for channels focused on social commentary or awareness.
Key Takeaways
- Dramatized or non-graphic discussions of sensitive topics no longer trigger automatic demonetization.
- Child abuse and eating-disorder content remain fully restricted.
- The change responds to long-standing creator feedback about lost income.
- YouTube’s moderation stance continues to loosen amid wider industry shifts.
