YouTube cracks down on duplicate content videos

YouTube quietly announced in its help forums that it has begun cracking down on YouTube channels that take already-produced videos and reuploading them to their channels. YouTube said it has seen a serious issue with some channels producing “duplicative content” and is thus removed these types of channels, allowing them to reapply in 30 days if they want to rejoin the video platform.

YouTube said posting duplicate content on the platform is against the YouTube Partner Program polices.

If you have seen your channel removed because of this, YouTube said it means that it is not just about copyright issues. YouTube explained:

The spirit of this YPP policy is to make sure we’re only allowing channels into the program when the content adds value, and is original and relevant. If you upload content from multiple sources or repurpose existing content, you may still be eligible for YPP so long as you’re contributing to the value of that content in some way. For example, if you add significant original commentary, educational value, narrative, or high quality editing, then your channel may be fine to monetize. Check out this Help Center article for more information on Content Quality Guidelines related to YPP.

Examples of duplicate content on YouTube: YouTube shared a bulleted list of the types of content that may be removed from YouTube because of duplication. They include:

• Appears to be automatically generated.
• Pulled from third party sources with no content or narrative added by the creator.
• Uploaded many times by multiple users and you’re not the original uploader.
• Uploaded in a way that is trying to get around our copyright tools.

My channel was removed, what do I do? Google said that you can remove or update content to comply with its policies and reapply for YouTube Partner Program in 30 days. Then, YouTube said, it “will carefully review your application and channel again.”

Best practices to get reincluded: YouTube shared these best practices to help you get reincluded in the YouTube Partner Program:

• Add commentary or show your presence in your videos (voice or on screen).
• Link back to your YouTube channel from your website.
• Provide more context about your work in your video and channel descriptions.
• Make sure the content on your channel aligns with its policies. You can review: Community Guidelines, AdSense Policies, and YouTube Partner Program policies.

For more details, check out this help thread.

About The Author

Barry Schwartz

Barry Schwartz a Contributing Editor to Search Engine Land and a member of the programming team for SMX events. He owns RustyBrick, a NY based web consulting firm. He also runs Search Engine Roundtable, a popular search blog on very advanced SEM topics. Barry's personal blog is named Cartoon Barry and he can be followed on Twitter here.