YouTube to automate more video reviews in light of staffing challenges caused by coronavirus

Even digital creators aren’t immune to the impacts of COVID-19 as companies pivot to keep up with business demands amid closures and staff shortages. YouTube on Monday said it has implemented a temporary automatic review process to weed out content that potentially violates policies as in-office staffing in certain locations is reduced.

Automated process. To help compensate for the work carried out by YouTube’s review team, the company said it will be relying more on “automated systems” to remove content without human review. This is designed to help to keep the YouTube ecosystem intact and running as (close to) normal during a time that requires strict workplace protections.

“As a result of the new measures we’re taking, we will temporarily start relying more on technology to help with some of the work normally done by reviewers,” the company wrote in a blog post. “This means automated systems will start removing some content without human review, so we can continue to act quickly to remove violative content and protect our ecosystem, while we have workplace protections in place.”

Non-violating videos could be removed. Because of the automated nature of the review process, some brands and creators may have videos removed even if it doesn’t violate content policies. YouTube said it will work with these creators and won’t issue strikes against content that has been removed by mistake.

Why we care. As automatic reviews take effect, it’s important that brands with a strong YouTube presence pay close attention to their video content over the coming weeks. When adding new videos to the platform, expect that unreviewed content may not be available via search, on the homepage, or in recommendations, YouTube said. Creators can contact YouTube to appeal the decision, but the company notes that “workforce precautions will also result in delayed appeal reviews.”

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Taylor Peterson

Taylor Peterson is Third Door Media’s Deputy Editor, managing industry-leading coverage that informs and inspires marketers. Based in New York, Taylor brings marketing expertise grounded in creative production and agency advertising for global brands. Taylor's editorial focus blends digital marketing and creative strategy with topics like campaign management, emerging formats, and display advertising.