What can you do if your YouTube channel has been demonetized?
Although demonetization occurs in less than 1% of partner videos, it still has a significant impact on creators.
While YouTube does not pay for advertisement placements, you can still connect with your audience and earn money.
In fact, there are still ways to contribute, including memberships, Super Chats, or other websites. Besides YouTube, you could use other streaming services that will allow your audience to donate directly.
Also, it's essential to learn YouTube's community guidelines and dos and don'ts of monetization after demonetization.
Providing insights into monetization best practices, this article explains how can you stream and receive donations if demonetized on YouTube.
So, read on to learn more!
What Does YouTube Demonetization Mean?
Usually, demonetization on YouTube is a term used to refer to when YouTube stops ads from appearing on your videos or even on the whole channel. Hence, you will not get any income from lost advertisements on your content anymore.
It happens when YouTube notices that your video breaks content policies or is unfriendly towards advertisers.
Even, when demonetization happens, videos don't need to be taken down from platforms. Audiences can view such videos, but advertising won't monetize them.
So, what types of content should be avoided for monetization?
To avoid demonetization, here’s a list of content types you should try to avoid:
Violence: Videos with graphic violence, blood, or injuries.
Adult Content: Nudity or explicit sexual themes.
Hate Speech: Anything that spreads hate, racism, or discrimination.
Controversial Topics: Sensitive political topics or anything that could be seen as offensive or shocking.
Drugs and Alcohol: Content promoting drugs, tobacco, or alcohol use.
Dangerous Activities: Videos showing dangerous or harmful behavior.
Misleading Content: Clickbait or deceptive titles and thumbnails.
Spam or Scams: Content that tricks people or promotes false information.
What Causes YouTube to Demonetize Videos?
Videos can end up being demonetized on YouTube for different reasons.
In most cases, it's all about protecting the brand and its advertising partners. So, with that in mind, let's consider the list of the most crucial reasons why this happens.
Engaging with Violent Extremist Content
YouTube has set rules that dictate what can be published on the platform and what cannot. Within these parameters are such things as abuse, hate speech, or incitement of violence.
For instance, if a video contains profanity, it cannot be accepted for an advertisement. Videos that verbally attack a specific group are also unacceptable.
Sensitive or Controversial Topics
Some types of content could cause your video to be unmonetized, mainly because advertisers may find them too sensitive to engage with. These topics include things like:
Tragic events [natural disasters or accidents]
Certain aspects of politics that are radical or offensive
Violence or gore that is unnecessary or is not educational or artistic
If your video touches on these sorts of issues, then YouTube will demonetize the footage, especially if it is not done very well. But illustrative containing material may be okay if it is to educate or explain.
Violence, Harm, or Adult Content
YouTube aims to make the platform safe for all viewers. If your video shows graphic violence, explicit sexual content, or anything that promotes harm, it will likely be demonetized.
Misleading Titles and Thumbnails
Sometimes, creators use clickbait tactics to get more views.
This means using titles or thumbnails that don't accurately reflect the video content, often making it look more exciting or shocking than it is.
For example, if you use a thumbnail that shows something shocking, but your video doesn't actually include it, YouTube might see this as misleading. It could lead to demonetization if your title or thumbnail misrepresents the content or is deemed inappropriate.
Spamming Views, Scams, and Fraud
If your video presents scams, tricks, or misleading information to get people's views, it's pretty obvious YouTube would demonetize it. Practices like unrealistic giveaways, unbelievable headlines, or prospects who don't have ads.
Violation of Copyright Terms
YouTube allows you to monetize a video as long as it doesn't involve copyrighted places and people (e.g., music videos, movie clips, and pictures).
Therefore, if you do not own the rights to an image or a song, the monetization goes away through advertisement loss.
As soon as YouTube finds such content, it will not place advertisements on it. If you use other people's content, be ready to face the long arm of the law.
Hate Speech And Harassment
YouTube's rules prohibit hate speech and harassment of any kind directed at others. Videos that promote violence against ethnic groups, women, or religions will be demonetized.
Concern about the safety of children
YouTube places particular emphasis on the safety of children. If your video contains inappropriate images, ideas, or subcultures, it will be demonetized.
How to Know If a YouTube Video Is Demonetized Videos?
Actually, there is a lot of confusion among YouTube creators regarding whether their videos are completely demonetized or if they only receive limited monetization.
But, you can check the status of your video somewhere in the YouTube Studio interface. Symbols and their meanings are explained as follows:
Step 1: Proceed to YouTube Studio
If you wish to how your videos have been demonetized or limited monetization, one of the first things to do is to visit YouTube Studio.
Here you will find your videos and channel analytics upon uploading them.
Start by logging into your YouTube account.
Head over to the top right corner and click on your profile photo. There will be a drop-down menu, select “YouTube Studio”
As soon as you enter the YouTube studio, you will see all your videos, including those you don't monetize. This section would display whether or not one's videos have monetization or are ads enabled.
Step 2: Look at the Monetization Icon
YouTube Studio has a monetization icon beside each uploaded video in the Videos tab. Each icon represents a revenue-bringing video, and if it doesn't, explain why.
Here are the symbols:
Green Dollar Sign: Monetization with advertisements is turned on for this video. Yellow Dollar Sign: You might earn some revenue from the video, but not fully since it does not meet YouTube's requirements.
Red Dollar Sign: Video is fully monetized off and not making any ad revenues due to a violation of essential policy.
No Icon (Off): Monetization is off for these videos.
Step 3: Go through the Explanation
Here, red and yellow icons indicate limited or entirely different monetization options.
Most of the time, YouTube provides such limitations or reasons for demonetization. These can be found in the video's Monetization tab.
However, YouTube often says:
“This video has sensitive information.”
“This video contravenes our copyright laws”
“This video has abusive language”
It could also be any of the Youtube-specific policies. Thus, understanding the issue will aid in determining how to fix it.
Step 4: Request a Manual Review If Necessary
If, after watching your video, you think that it has been demonetized by mistake, you can request a manual review as well.
Follow these steps:
In YouTube Studio, go to the Monetization section for the video.
Simply click on Request review. A reviewer will screen the video for compliance with YouTube's guidelines.
After the reviewer determines that it does, the demonetization will be lifted and ads will return.
Note: Expect that manual reviews may last for a few days, and they may not alter the final outcome. As long as the video content continues to violate the guidelines after review, it will be barred from monetization. |
What Happens if YouTube Demonetizes Your Content?
If YouTube demonetizes your video or a Google-registered account that has been doing well up until that point, you stop receiving advertisements.
In fact, if creators fail to comply with the laws, they may face harsh consequences.
Here's what occurs:
For non-profits or, in your case, video creators, demonetization sends a strong message that no more revenue will be earned from ads. In return, new ad earnings will be lost. Instead, you will keep any earnings before demonetization.
Some creators can be disappointed as it may be one of the ways they earn. Some creators may experience a slight dip, while others- especially those with a larger audience- may suffer severe losses.
When YouTube's Terms of Service are violated, one of the following options you can take:
YouTube might adjust or withhold earnings from your videos if they don't meet monetization policies.
Ads might be limited on your videos, meaning you'll earn less, or no ads will be shown at all.
If your channel repeatedly violates guidelines, YouTube could suspend your ability to participate in the Partner Program, meaning you can no longer monetize your videos.
In extreme cases, YouTube might suspend or even terminate your entire channel.
What are YouTube's Demonetization Policies?
YouTube's monetization policies are rules that creators must follow to maintain their videos' ability to have adverts.
If a video or channel doesn't comply with these requirements, YouTube has the right to demonetize it. This means that ads will not be displayed on the video, and the creator will not receive any revenue.
Here is a simple summary of the general guidelines violations:
Rule 1: Advertiser-Friendly Content
Your videos need to be safe for advertisers. That means avoiding:
Inappropriate content (violence, bad language, sexual themes)
Controversial topics (politics, sensitive issues)
Harmful content (promoting dangerous or illegal activities)
If your video doesn’t follow these guidelines, it might get demonetized. You can read more about these rules.
Rule 2: Community Guidelines
Your content also needs to follow YouTube’s Community Guidelines, which include:
Hate speech (attacking people based on their race, religion, etc.)
Harassment (bullying or targeting others)
Dangerous content (encouraging unsafe or harmful behavior)
If your video violates these rules, it could be demonetized or even removed. You can check the full guidelines.
Rule 3: Regulations Regarding Copyright
You should comply with copyright laws, as using someone else's material (such as music or video snippets) without permission could lead to demonetization. Always use content that you hold or have the right to use.
Rule 4: Duplicate or Recycled Content
YouTube expects its users to be original creators.
Putting videos and images on repeat or recycling them (for example) will negatively impact your monetization.
So, always ensure that your videos are creative and informative on a certain level in order to avoid monotony.
Rule 5: Conditions to Qualify For In-House Ads
Last but not least, to earn advertising income-
You must have 1000 subscribers and 4000 watch hours received over the last year.
Your channel must become a member of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) in order to benefit from ad-based revenue.
If these are not met, then the monetization facilities will not be accessible. For monetization eligibility data, see here.
What Is The Reason Behind Having These Policies On YouTube?
Truthfully, youTube has a demonetization policy in place that protects both advertisers and creators.
Adverts do not want their ads associated with content that could hurt their business, and creators need instructions to optimize their monetization. These policies keep content appropriate for audiences and advertisements relevant.
Can You Stream on YouTube if Your Channel is Demoted?
Yes, absolutely! You can still stream on your YouTube channel with a demonetized account.
Demonetization, since it eliminates any earning ad opportunities on your videos. As a result, streaming live is free whether the videos are monetized or not.
In this way, a channel remains in touch with viewers even if it does not make money from videos.
Streaming Eligibility on YouTube
If your channel is demonetized, YouTube doesn't simply take away the ads and your videos.
What this means is that the majority of videos with ads attached to them will not be able to gain revenue. Demoting video monetization does not remove the ability to broadcast.
For business reasons, you can continue to post videos and Stream without interference, even if you are demonetized.
In this circumstance, if you are banned from Medicare, you won't be able to livestream.
Demonetized vs. Banned Streaming: What's The Difference?
Well, there is a slight chance that distinction is not clear to you, so let’s explain-
Demonetized:
In this case, ad revenue will be generated on your uploaded videos, but you will still be able to upload videos and even stream them.
Basically, it happens when the type of content you use complies with YouTube advertiser policies (see: includes difficult or controversial topics).
Banned Streaming:
When a user streams on YouTube, it means they've been banned from live streaming.
In fact, when you violate YouTube's community standards, whether it's hate speech or bullying, this happens.
So, for those of you who have only been demonetized, you can continue to stream. If YouTube issued an outright ban, you would not be able to stream at all.
Streaming Even After Demonetization
While you do not make money from ads, 'availability' means possibility, and for possibilities, there are always ways.
Here's how.
Super Chats and Super Stickers:
If you're part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), you can still earn money during live streams through Super Chats and Super Stickers. This allows viewers to send you money during the Stream, and it's a great way to interact with your audience while earning.
Channel Memberships:
Offer exclusive perks (like custom badges or access to unique videos) to viewers who become channel members. This is another form of monetization that doesn't rely on ads.
External Donations:
You can also use third-party platforms like Patreon or Ko-fi to receive donations from your viewers. These platforms allow your fans to support you directly.
Even without ads, you can still find ways to make money and engage with your audience through these features.
Can You Stream and Receive Donations If Demonetized on YouTube?
Yes, even though the channel has been demonetized, donations are still welcome. Demonetization only affects ad revenue, but Super Chats, Super Stickers, and memberships remain available.
If you are a member of the YouTube Partner Program, your subscribers can buy 'super chat' for your videos or pay for the YouTube channel.
There, they get exclusive content. Ko-fi, Patreon, or PayPal are some of the other ways where you can accept donations from your fans directly.
Growth And Reach Of Channels After Demonetization
Demonetization has a significant effect on how many people can view or subscribe to your channel:
Reduced Promotion: Videos with monetization receive more support in search and recommendations, affecting their exposure.
Reduced Engagement: Fewer views mean fewer likes, comments, and shares, which, in turn, lower engagement.
Limitations to Growth: With reduced views and interactions, it over time becomes more work for channels to grow or get new subscribers.
Audience Perspective: Demonetization may affect the audience's motivation and their willingness to stay engaged with the content.
Restricted exposure: Demonization limits potential audience growth, though people can still develop their content by interacting with the audience.
How to Appeal YouTube Demonetization: Step-by-Step
If you feel that YouTube has mistakenly demonetized your video, you can appeal the decision. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Step 1: Check YouTube Studio for the notification about the video that outlines which specific policy or guideline was violated.
Step 2: Ensure you have read YouTube’s Community Guidelines and Advertiser Safety Policies before reporting anything.
Step 3: Open YouTube Studio, click on the dollar sign icon next to the relevant video, and choose the option to appeal the decision.
Step 4: Provide details on all the reasons your video portrays are correct in terms of YouTube Policy.
Step 5: Once submitted, YouTube will do a manual review on the particular video that has been submitted for appeal. When the video meets the policies, it will be remonetized.
Important Note: Generally, the process of appealing takes time. Appeals for the same video at different times can bring more scrutiny and damage the whole channel. If the video does not comply with the policies, it should not be appealed to avoid further complications. Remember, before appealing, make sure your content truly follows YouTube's guidelines. If it doesn't, appealing might not help, and could even harm your channel in the long run. |
How to Avoid Demonetization on YouTube?
To keep your YouTube channel in good standing and maintain monetization, here are some helpful tips:
Ensure that the music, videos, or pictures you incorporate are royalty-free, or obtain copies of materials that require permission.
Use appropriate language and avoid using vulgar, abusive or inflammatory language.
If the thumbnail cannot be guessed from the video content, avoid using one that is irrelevant.
Urge others to remain polite and eschew harassment, bullying, and evil comments.
Use YouTube's tools on your videos before you unleash them onto the world so you can avoid doing something that is against YouTube's policy.
Manage comments and use the moderation features that are available to block negative and inappropriate comments.
Make your videos fresh and full of value; entirely refrain from posting content that only changes the original video title.
Use alternative monetization methods such as merchandise, EzyCourse, Patreon, or super chats to protect earnings if YouTube monetization fails.
How to Get Your Monetization Back on YouTube?
So, you have all the essential information about monetization, but now how can you gain your monetization back on YouTube?
Well, there is no need to stress or freak out when YouTube takes away your monetization! They will do everything possible to restore it.
First of all, determine the cause of the demonetization of your video or channel. You can find that reason through the notification you received in YouTube Studio.
After identifying the problem, focus on resolving it. It could be as simple as deleting copyrighted video content, altering the title of your video or making sure that your content is appropriate according to YouTube’s policies.
If you think, however, that the demonetization was incorrect, then there is also an appeal option. Please follow the instructions we discussed above regarding how to appeal.
In case, however, your appeal is ineffective, or if you’re looking to expedite the results, you may wish to resort to hiring a YouTube expert.
There are, however, some experts who help creators reinstate their monetization.
Also, if monetization cannot be reinstated immediately, consider alternate methods of generating income. You can still make money by utilizing channel memberships, super chats, or even Patreon.
Alternatives for Creators After Demonetization
If YouTube demonetizes your channel, several other platforms can help you continue to earn revenue.
Here are three of the best options:
1. EzyCourse
EzyCourse is a complete platform that enables web content creators to design, market, and administer online courses and memberships.
Educators who are looking to monetize developed materials as well as interact with their audience will benefit from this strategy.
Also, there is excellent customer service, as well as easy-to-use tools to help you expand your content opportunities.
Essential Features:
You will be able to create and manage online courses easier than ever before with our course creation feature.
Use your patrons' subscriptions for yourself by creating members-only subscriptions for them.
Develop your audience with free and readily available resources for increasing community engagement.
You will have the ease of uploading and managing your videos and audio files, as well as managing your account without hassle.
Upload indexed videos and create blog websites quickly with branded websites.
Pay for a course or subscribe to a channel through a course's or a channel's subscription-based model.
Shared as well as private conversations that leave your audience engaged.
iOS and Android apps
Pros:
All-in-one solution for courses and memberships.
Customizable website options.
Real-time analytics and reporting.
Advanced quiz and course engagement tools.
Effective email marketing capabilities.
Multiple payment options.
Best customer support.
Smart upselling features.
High customer satisfaction.
Cons:
Higher pricing for advanced features.
Limited offline access.
2. Uscreen
As an all-in-one platform, Uscreen is a great choice for content creators looking to earn money from their videos. The membership tools, live streaming, and building white-label apps for your brand are remarkable.
Thus, Uscreen is an important tool for entrepreneurs, whether they wish to sell videos on demand or stream live events.
Essential Features:
Provide a subscription-based model for your memberships with a dependable membership base.
Viewers can engage with videos displayed as part of the video library by viewing a collection of videos.
Through important features such as community tools, it is possible to promote community around the content.
Use native streaming features to stream the content in real time without the need for any special software.
Build apps for your content, which can run on mobile devices and on television, using White-Label Apps.
You can easily organize and schedule your video content with a video content management system.
Ensure that you use a high-quality video player to play the content on your users' end without any hiccups.
Measure the impact and examine the type of audience more deeply.
Pros:
Easy to use.
Strong community-building features.
High-quality video playback.
Customizable website and apps.
Multiple revenue options (memberships, pay-per-view).
Great customer support.
Real-time interaction tools.
Scalable for growth.
High user satisfaction.
Flexible pricing.
Cons:
Expensive for premium features.
Limited language support.
Requires a learning curve.
Limited offline access.
Setup can take time.
3. Wistia
Wistia helps businesses create, host, market, and measure meaningful engagement through videos. This platform is effective in helping companies that wish to produce videos for marketing, lead generation, and customer interaction.
Wistia offers features such as:
Analytics,
Personalized branding
A/B testing,
Viewer tracking
The platform also provides detailed analytics and reports to help businesses understand the effectiveness of their videos.
Features
Wistia specializes in high-quality video hosting services that stream videos and do not buffer or lag. Organizations can customize the video player according to their preferences, which enhances branding.
Incorporates various video marketing tools, including email collectors and call-to-action buttons.
Provides rich analytics that would help in monitoring video performance as well as viewing statistics.
Components like Turnstile email collectors promote the generation of leads by embedding them in videos.
Hints that would promote search engine optimization for videos are available, thereby increasing the chances of being found.
Hubspot, MailChimp, and other platforms can work with Wistia.
Besides educational content, support is available to help users use videos for marketing more effectively.
Pros
Easy to use with a clean and intuitive design.
Ensures videos play smoothly and look professional.
Detailed insights into video performance and viewer behavior.
Allows for extensive customization to match branding.
Effective tools for capturing and nurturing leads.
Helps improve video discoverability through SEO optimization.
Access to tutorials, webinars, and other resources.
Consistent and reliable video hosting.
Excellent customer support with quick response times
Cons
Videos cannot be accessed offline.
May require some time to understand all features fully.
Primarily supports English.
Initial setup can be time-consuming.
Which Platform Is Best?
EzyCourse is an ideal platform for creators who have been banned from monetizing their content on YouTube.
It lets you create and sell online courses, run memberships and interact with audiences on one site. The site is also very easy to use and allows beginners to create and manage their content in a few weeks.
Also, you can customize the building of your website so that it tells your story and enhances the content. There’s also amazing customer service, so you do not feel neglected or receive directions.
And yes, it’s even mobile-optimized for course management or community engagement while traveling. Additionally, you can easily upload, manage, and market your content with EzyCourse.
Can You Stream and Receive Donations If Demonetized on Youtube? Final Words…
Streaming and receiving donations are still possible even if your YouTube account has been demonetized. While ads might be off the table, there are plenty of other ways to keep earning and connecting with your audience.
Even, you can earn through subscriptions, individual courses, or memberships. There are quizzes, assignments, and reports to keep your audience engaged.
There are several ways to donate, including Super Chats, channel memberships, and external platforms. Just be sure to follow YouTube’s guidelines to avoid any further issues.
And don’t forget about alternative platforms like Twitch or Patreon, which can offer even more opportunities for creators.
Keep building your community, engaging with your fans, and exploring new ways to monetize your content. You don't have to give up on your income or growth as a creator when demonetization happens.