YouTube is reporting that after pushing an update to its automated monetization systems, the number of yellow demonetization icons on new uploads have been reduced by 30%.
Tom Leung, YouTube’s Director of Project Management, said that recently there had been an “increase in yellow icons on new uploads” and that this update “improves this issue.”
According to Leung, the update will also make the automated system “a lot less likely to change its opinion and flip your video from green to yellow” after it’s published.
While the update offers some improvements, Leung is still encouraging creators to upload the video as unlisted first and then wait an hour or two for the video classification system to “stabilize.”
For YouTubers that cover news and current events, these recommendations are likely to force them to choose between two less than ideal outcomes.
If they publish their video instantly, it’s more likely to be demonetized.
If they wait for a couple of hours so that the system can stabilize, they’ll be covering the story late and will be likely to take a hit in views.
Beyond YouTube’s automated system, creators are also facing monetization challenges when it comes to covering or mentioning one of the world’s top news stories – the coronavirus.
Earlier today, YouTube announced that it would be choosing which channels are allowed to monetize videos that mention the coronavirus – a decision that has been slammed for creating “literal double standards” and “picking and choosing who gets to talk about coronavirus.”
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