For many years, YouTube has been guilty of not fully explaining how and why demonetization due to restricted ads actually happened. Well, creators, your cries have been answered!

20 YouTube Updates that Will Affect Your Channel in 2024

Restricted ads notification on YouTube studio

YouTube has recently launched a monetization feature that will not only help you avoid that dreaded yellow icon for your videos but also give insights on tour past videos and mistakes that caused your content to get demonetized. And who better than our expert Rob Wilson to explain all of that to you! Click on the link below.

Only for those using the desktop upload process.

Creators must honestly self-certify their videos during the upload process.

Creators can appeal if a video receives a yellow icon indicating restricted ads. A human expert will review the video based on the following factors. In the video above by Creator Insider, you can learn how you appeal for the removal of these yellow icons. In short, here is what is required:

The review will detail which guidelines were breached.

Specifics on how the breach affects ad placement.

Identifies the exact moment the issue occurred in the video.

 Includes details if the issue was with the thumbnail or title.

Given that this process is fairly new and still pending results, there are some limitations that we have to accept. The intention is for creators to learn and avoid future mistakes, and not abuse the process. So, creators need to request a review to get this detailed report--there isn't an automatic alternative yet.

While you can still look at past mistakes, you cannot retroactively change them by just editing out the contentious part. However, YouTube may consider re-reviewing content in the future.

But all in all, it's a huge step taken in favor of creators moving forward!

, YouTube has taken a more hands-on approach with ad placements on your videos. Instead of allowing you to select the ads you want to show, such as pre-rolls, post-rolls, skippable, or non-skippable, YouTube makes those decisions for you. Not only that, but YouTube also decides 

This means you don't have to manually insert video ads anymore; YouTube will place them along the best possible timestamps, effectively doing the hard work for you. But why is this happening? 

 while ensuring that creators make the most money possible. It’s a win-win because creators will spend less time placing ads and (potentially) earn more ad revenue overall. But more on that later!

What Happens to My Watch Time If YouTube Handles My Ads?

If you're concerned about how this might affect your watch time, YouTube has some insights. Their data suggests that enabling non-skippable ads can 

, with only a minor decrease in watch time of less than 1%.

Additionally, activating pre-roll ads can potentially 

, with a watch time reduction of less than 5%.

So, yes — watch time will take a small hit, but the tradeoff is that you can make more money in the long run. This video has all the details, so give it a watch if you need more information about the update.

While these changes offer a streamlined approach, it's worth noting that the 

ad settings of your existing videos won’t change

. And for those who want to use mid-roll ads, you still have the option to place those manually.

, there are updates in that arena as well. Creators can choose to let YouTube determine the optimal times for mid-roll ads during streams or set regular intervals, such as every 6, 8, or 10 minutes. However, if you're using third-party streaming tools, like StreamYard, be aware that they might not support these new ad features (yet).

These changes won’t impact every creator. But it's good to understand them as you navigate YouTube, the new ad settings, and the monetization goals you’ve set for your channel.

And, speaking of monetization, are you looking for ways to boost your YouTube AdSense revenue? This guide will show you how!

a graphic showing the dollar sign symbol and the phrase "plus 15%"

Calling all monetized creators! Learn all the recent ads updates coming directly from the YouTube office.

YouTube Monetization Update: Key Changes for Video Ads

Throughout the last year, YouTube has rolled out many updates on the platform for creators. While some of these updates are minor, several have changed how we look at YouTube forever. And when we peek into the future, it doesn't look like the pace of innovation will be slowing anytime soon.

To help you stay informed, we've compiled the biggest YouTube updates every creator should know!

phone laying on pile of money and showing youtube logo

 is the most important step in growing a sustainable career. And YouTube seems to have acknowledged that loud and clear. Changes to the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), Shorts monetization, and the positioning of video ads are helping creators earn 

 for joining the YPP. However, this new monetization tier doesn't include ad revenue. Creators can make money through fan funding instead, via features like Super Chats, Super Thanks, Channel Memberships, and the shopping feature.

You can apply to the YPP as soon as you have:

3,000 public watch hours in the previous 12 months (instead of 4,000)

If YouTube rejects your YPP application, you can re-apply in 21 days instead of waiting the original 30 days. Also, creators who are rejected a second time will have to wait 90 days before reapplying.

This Update Could Change the YouTube Partner Program Forever

Creators can earn ad revenue from YouTube Shorts now, and there's a new pathway to get there: 1,000 subscribers plus 10 million Shorts views over 90 days. However,

 the monetization structure for Shorts is different.

YouTube pools all of the Shorts ad revenue on its platform.

YouTube calculates how much money goes to the creator pool, which depends on views and music usage across all Shorts. If creators use no music in their Shorts, they retain all of the revenue at this point. If they use music, the revenue is split between the creator pool and music publishers.

YouTube distributes the ad revenue to monetized Shorts creators. This is based on a creator's total share of Shorts views on the platform, whether that's 5%, 10%, 15%, etc.

Creators keep 45% of their revenue share.

Instead of allowing you to select the video ads you want to show, such as pre-rolls, post-rolls, skippable, or non-skippable, YouTube will make those decisions for you. It will happen automatically when you decide to monetize an upload.

YouTube has said that activating pre-roll ads can potentially boost revenue by over 15%, with a watch time reduction of less than 5%. Creators will still have full control over mid-roll ads and can place them manually.

Creators who use coarse language in the first 7 seconds of a video are still eligible for monetization (unless harsh profanity is used throughout the video). Here are the exact rules:

Not all kinds of profanity will be treated the same. Words like "f**k" are now classified as "stronger profanity," while "b***h," "d***ebag," "a**hole," and "s**t" are all considered "moderate" profanities.

Videos containing “moderate” profanity will be eligible for complete monetization. Those containing “stronger” profanity in the first 7 seconds will receive limited monetization.

You won't be demonetized for profanity in background music, backing tracks, or intro or outro music.

Profanity in thumbnails or video titles will still lead to demonetization.

YouTube is taking steps to discourage the use of ad blockers

, encouraging viewers to support creators through YouTube Premium. This is happening for several reasons:

To continue producing high-quality content, creators need financial support. Ads provide that cushion.

 By watching ads, viewers help to compensate creators for their effort and time.

 Ad revenue creates long-term sustainability for the platform.

wrench with the red and white youtube logo

YouTube launched a host of tools last year (and some are yet to come in 2024) to aid creators in their process and make life easier. YouTube isn’t just providing a space to upload videos anymore; it wants to enhance your creative process with a slew of shortcuts!

YouTube will share AI-powered insights with creators, which they can use to make engaging content. The new tool suggests video ideas and even provides a content outline using powerful data and analytics! Essentially, YouTube is going to share personalized insights for your channel based on what people are viewing.

Using the assistive search feature for Creator Music, you can swiftly pinpoint the perfect tracks for your YouTube videos. Just describe what you need, be it lively dance tunes or mellow lo-fi beats, and the search assistant will recommend tracks. This is much faster than sifting through YouTube's Audio Library.

In 2024, YouTube will test a new tool called Dream Screen. The name of this feature is spot-on because it sounds exactly like what it does. Whatever you can “dream of”, YouTube will place it in the background of your YouTube Shorts! Just describe what you want to see, and the AI will make it happen.

Coming Soon: YouTube Announces New AI Tools for Video Creation

Late last year, YouTube introduced a new feature that draws attention to the subscribe button as well as the like button. Now, the buttons light up with colorful animations when a creator says "like" or "subscribe."

YouTube will now have a video editor that creators can use for their content. Here’s what it can do:

Synchronize video clips to the beat of your music.

YouTube Create is in beta right now, but a few Android markets have access to the free app.

Creators can now test up to three thumbnails

 per video, with YouTube selecting the best one based on share of watch time. This is a significant update for those who want to optimize their video's packaging.

In 2024, YouTube will introduce labels to indicate 

, aiming to prevent misinformation and creator impersonation. Soon, creators must self-certify their AI content or risk harsh penalties, like content removal or suspension from the YPP.

YouTube has recently launched a brand-new product that allows creators to stream their content in a vertical, 9:16 format that is usually popular with platforms like TikTok and Instagram. With this new live format, both veterans and newbies of the "Shorts" and "Live" categories have a new way of growing their channel and audience.

 A new feature in the community tab allows creators to engage with their audience through quizzes.

 A new section on channel pages recommends content based on viewer interests.

 Enhanced integration of podcasts into the YouTube ecosystem, including a dedicated tab and playlist.

 Creators can now select a frame from their Shorts as a thumbnail, but custom uploads are not yet supported.

 External links have been removed from Shorts descriptions to combat spam and scams. However, now you can link your Shorts to a related long-form video and redirect your viewers to more monetizable content.

 Updated policies require fan channels to disclose that they don't represent the actual artist or creator.

New detailed activity graphs in analytics, changes to the About section on channel pages, and new metrics for analyzing audience behavior.

Want more details about these updates? Watch our video below for a deeper guide.

While the community hasn’t always been on the same page with YouTube’s changes, most of these updates have been received well. We can expect more updates coming our way in 2024. 

kickstart your year on YouTube the right way!

From monetization changes to quirky new tools, check out the biggest YouTube updates from the past year.

YouTube has now enabled creators to make live streams in a vertical format through the YouTube Shorts player. Although it is still pretty early to say for sure, this looks like one of the most impactful new features introduced this year. With this new live format, both veterans and newbies of the category have a new way of growing their channel and audience. Sounds exciting? So, let's understand how the whole thing works.

6 Things to Do Before Your First YouTube Live Stream

In an interview with Creator Insider, Rene Ritchie, YouTube’s creator liaison talked to the Product Manager of YouTube Live to better understand this exciting new update. Watch their conversation below:

Vertical livestreams are identical to the regular streams we see on YouTube or Twitch usually, except for the dimensions of the video itself. While they are a new addition to YouTube, vertical live has existed before through platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Compared to regular horizontal livestreams, this format limits screen space and you have less real estate for presentation. This is where Shorts creators might have an edge over others getting into this new mode of creation.

Streaming vertically doesn’t require you to learn new tools and techniques to get started with. As of now, there are 3 main ways to go live vertically on YouTube:

Easily go live in a vertical format directly from the YouTube app.

Preferred for versatility, encoders like OBS studio allow for setting up a vertical canvas for streaming, commonly used by gaming channels.

A tool that simplifies vertical live streaming setup, offering a tailored menu of options for vertical format. StreamYard is a good option here.

5 Tools You Need to Improve Your YouTube Livestreams Today

As of now, there isn’t a dedicated section for vertical livestreams. Vertical live streams are somewhat hidden but can be found by pausing a YouTube Short and tapping the "Live" chip at the top, leading to a feed of live streams.

You may also come across one of these streams just while passively scrolling through Shorts on your device. This means more chances to get fresh eyeballs to your content.

As mentioned above, this feature is still at a nascent stage to tell us how impactful it really is to your channel overall. But we can surely expect certain things:



 There's high potential for new viewer discovery due to lower competition and novelty.

If your viewers are already entertained by Shorts or Live content, then it is a no-brainer to try this new feature out.

Experimenting with new formats while understanding the potential impact on viewer engagement and channel growth, and will establish the meta on these livestreams.

Our in-house YouTube experts were quick to get in the midst of the action themselves immediately with this new feature update. Rob and Dan hosted our channel’s first vertical livestream and discovered some interesting insights. Watch the stream VOD below:

The first challenge they faced was to arrange the elements on the screen to fit within the 9:16 aspect ratio, something they were not used to.
Over 50% of viewers in the stream were new to the channel, which indicates good reach but unclear long-term engagement.

While the number of viewers was more, the time spent by each viewer on the stream was less resulting in lesser watch time compared to usual streams.

It is important to consider whether you want to make vertical content genuinely and whether vertical streams align with your content strategy, rather than doing it just for variety. YouTube hasn’t mentioned yet how hours collected from these streams will contribute to 

, so expect some news on that front soon. To understand this better, watch the video below:


It is safe to say that innovation from the house of YouTube is not going to slow down anytime soon, which means it is the best time to start creating. So, make your videos count, 

A phone with the YouTube logo with the word "Live" below.

Learn how YouTube's latest vertical livestreaming feature works and if it is worth it for you to pursue.

YouTube Vertical Live: Is It For You?

Are you struggling to make thumbnails that stop viewers in their tracks and inspire them to click on your videos? If so, you’re going to love this update geared toward creators of all sizes.

, that lets you upload multiple thumbnails and test them with different audiences. The results are pretty straightforward: Whichever graphic has the highest share of 

 wins the attention war. Best of all, the tool is 100% free, and all YouTube creators will have it by early 2024.

The watch time share for three thumbnails being tested on YouTube

, as it’s never been harder to stand out on YouTube and get noticed by your target audience. Thumbnails do a lot of that work, from grabbing viewers' attention to providing an emotional snapshot of the video beforehand. So, getting to test multiple thumbnails is a fantastic way to increase your views.

YouTube is gradually rolling out the Test and Compare tool, but you might have early access. To find out, upload a video as you normally would and pay close attention when it’s time to upload a thumbnail. If you have the feature, you’ll see an option labeled “Test and Compare” below Reselect and Upload File.

Test and compare menu option when uploading a thumbnail

Does ‘Test and Compare’ Work for all Content Types?

For now, you can test and compare thumbnails on long-form videos, completed 

. Certain types of content, like those aimed at kids or mature audiences, are excluded from using this tool.

YouTube Thumbnail Testing: How to Measure Performance

YouTube’s new tool follows the rules of 

. It allows you to upload multiple thumbnails (two or three) for the same video. YouTube then displays these thumbnails to different segments of a creator’s audience, each one getting an equal share of exposure.

The goal is to determine which thumbnail is more effective in terms of viewer engagement and performance. And YouTube is using a new metric, “

”, as its benchmark of choice. That’s not to be confused with average view duration, which is the average amount of time viewers spend watching a video.

From a testing perspective, the share of watch time each thumbnail earns is what YouTube describes as watch time share. For example, if you test and compare two thumbnails, thumbnail A might accumulate 60% of the watch time, while thumbnail B collects 40%. In this case, thumbnail A is the winner and most likely to boost your views.

But why is YouTube using watch time to test thumbnail performance instead of clicks? After all, the 

 measures how attractive a video is on search pages and other display areas.

It turns out that click appeal isn’t enough. In the YouTube Studio, the platform explains why watch time is a better predictor of satisfaction than clicks, and how thumbnails reinforce that.

Screenshot of a tool tip in the YouTube studio explaining what watch time share is

“Great thumbnails don’t just get viewers to click,” YouTube states. “They also help viewers understand what the video is about, so that they can make informed decisions about what to watch.”

It’s awesome that YouTube is helping creators choose the best thumbnails for their videos. But the real question is, does it work? Do you get more views after testing thumbnails and using the best one?

In a simple experiment, we tested three thumbnails for 

this video about new AI developments on YouTube.

three vastly different youtube thumbnails

The AI robot image was winning by a small margin, so we dropped the worst-performing thumbnail and let the stronger options compete against each other. Eventually, we got better results: The AI robot was leading the watch time share with a 59.7% split.

One image beats another in a thumbnail test

So, we dropped the other thumbnail and used the strongest performer (AI robot image). In the end, the video got three times the amount of views that we normally get.

Views going up on a line graph for a video that underwent a thumbnail test

New to Thumbnail Testing? A Word of Advice

YouTube’s new thumbnail tester is a major step up when you want to optimize your video’s appeal. At the same time, not everyone has the time or resources to create two or three thumbnails per video. If that’s your situation, do small tests instead of large, time-consuming experiments. Make tiny design shifts, like testing different fonts, colors, or simple backgrounds. Even those small tweaks can make a difference in your viewer’s eyes.

This video has more details and advice, so give it a quick watch to cement your knowledge.

But even without a thumbnail test, are you designing images your viewers can’t resist? 

Here are 12 thumbnail styles that people love on YouTube!

An image with the words "this is thumbnail A"

Want to A/B test your thumbnails to see which one performs better? YouTube has you covered with its new ‘test and compare’ tool.

YouTube Launches New Thumbnail Testing Tool to Boost Your Views

If you use an ad blocker on your browser and have tried to watch a YouTube video recently, you may have seen a prompt like this pop up:

“Ad blockers violate YouTube’s Terms of Service."

“It looks like you may be using an ad blocker. Video playback is blocked unless YouTube is allowlisted or the ad blocker is disabled."

“Ads allow YouTube to be used by billions worldwide at no charge."

“You can go ad-free with YouTube Premium, and creators still get paid from your subscriptions."

YouTube's stance against ad blockers has been a topic of heated discussion among creators and viewers alike. While ad blockers may seem like a convenient way to skip through commercials, their impact on the YouTube ecosystem is far-reaching.

Let's delve into some critical questions to understand why YouTube is cracking down on ad blockers and what it means for everyone involved.

Why Is YouTube Taking a Stand Against AdBlock?

, ads have contributed the lion’s share of revenue for most creators. And, YouTube has consistently earned lots of ad revenue in comparison to other platforms. So, it’s necessary to keep the advertisers happy and returning to the platform year after year, and adblockers stand in total opposition to this.

YouTube reported a significant fall of 2.6% year over year

 as advertisers pulled back from the platform due to economic uncertainty. YouTube raked in $6.69 billion in advertising revenue in early 2023 compared to $6.87 billion during the same period last year. So, it makes sense for YouTube to become proactive now!

How Does This Affect Your YouTube Channel?

Even if you aren't monetized, YouTube's new approach to ad blockers could affect your channel. The first two sentences of the error message (above), emphasize that YouTube is responding to ad blockers by 

A monetized creator will feel the sting of this, but not as sharply as someone who isn't monetized yet. New creators need every video view and every ounce of watch time to 

 for the YouTube Partner Program and get monetized. It's hard to do that when your videos aren't being shown to some viewers!

YouTube shares ad revenue with creators, offering them healthy pay for their efforts. Ad blockers cut into this shared income, affecting the platform's financial health. 

So, the revenue generated from ads helps YouTube invest in new features and improve user experience.

Plus, these benefits are also at stake if ad revenue disappears:

 To continue producing high-quality content, creators need financial support. Ads provide that cushion.

By watching ads, viewers help to compensate creators for their effort and time.

YouTube has been working on making ads more relevant and less intrusive, which could improve the overall viewing experience.

Ad revenue creates long-term sustainability for the platform.

With reduced revenue, YouTube might find it challenging to support creators, which could lead to a decline in content quality.

Just Got Monetized on YouTube? 4 Tips to Boost Your AdSense Revenue

How to Increase Views, Revenue, and Watch Time Despite Ad Blocking

Now that you know how ad blockers affect your channel, is there anything you can do to keep your metrics high? Absolutely!

 how ad blockers hinder you from creating the content they love. In the same way that you ask for likes and comments, ask your viewers to disable their ad blockers. Emphasize that you love your community and you want to be there for them always. If they can't watch your videos due to ad blockers, it's almost impossible to build that relationship.

, a service that allows for ad-free viewing. 

 YouTube made it clear that using ad blockers is a no-go according to their Terms of Service. However, YouTube will warn viewers of that fact and ask them to disable any ad blockers. If the requests are ignored, that's when playback may be disabled.

The crackdown on ad blockers is not just a move to protect the platform's revenue but also an effort to sustain the community of creators who rely on that revenue. 

So, the next time you think about using an ad blocker, consider the bigger picture and how it impacts other creators.

And if you're not monetized yet, don't make these three mistakes with your channel!

YouTube revenue isn't the only thing in jeopardy when viewers use ad blockers; they also affect channel views and watch time. Here's why!

Can Ad Blockers Tank Your YouTube Views and Watch Time?

 for creators who want to make, edit, and upload their videos faster. The platform is rolling out 

, and from what we’ve seen, these updates could be game-changing. YouTube isn’t just providing a space to upload videos anymore; it wants to 

 your creative process with a slew of shortcuts!

A graphic explaining the new AI tools by YouTube

YouTubers have always pushed the boundaries of creativity, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy task for most people. After all, coming up with video ideas that are not only entertaining, but also original, is hard work!

To ease the journey, YouTube will share AI-powered insights with creators, which they can use to make engaging content. The new tool will suggest video ideas and even provide 

 using powerful data and analytics! Essentially, YouTube is going to share personalized insights for your channel based on what people are viewing.

YouTube's inspiration tool suggests a content outline for a video idea

So, be on the lookout for this new tool in the YouTube Studio! It could reduce the time you spend brainstorming and researching new video ideas.

The best videos on YouTube have more than great visuals. They also use sound to create an atmosphere so enticing, you can’t help stay put, relax, and feel the vibe. YouTube knows this and wants to help you find the right backing tracks for your content!

And, fortunately, it’s not going to take hours. With assistive search for Creator Music, you can find tracks for your YouTube videos in no time. All you have to do is explain what you’re looking for, whether that’s upbeat dance music or chill, lo-fi beats. The search assistant will recommend tracks to you, which is much faster than browsing YouTube's Audio Library.

In a few months, YouTube will test a new tool called Dream Screen. The name of this feature is spot-on because it sounds exactly like what it does. Whatever you can “dream of,” YouTube will place it in the background of your YouTube Shorts! Just describe what you want to see, whether that’s a cow jumping over the moon or rolling sand hills in a scorching desert.

The prompt "panda drinking coffee" appears on a mobile screen

Best of all, you can create AI-generated images 

YouTube is rolling out Dream Screen to select creators before a broader push next year.

Also, YouTube is launching Aloud, an AI tool for dubbing videos in various languages. It’s launching next year, but when it does, millions of creators will have the chance to reach a wider audience on YouTube.

Like others, this tool will be available in the YouTube Studio. It will also support automatic dubbing!

Want to edit YouTube videos from your smartphone? If so, you’re in luck: YouTube is launching a video creation app called YouTube Create! Its main function is to help you 

 and intuitive features that work for both Shorts and long-form videos.

A graphic shows preview of YouTube Create app

YouTube is launching a handful of AI tools to help you make videos faster and easier. Keep reading to see what they are!

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