New updates have been rolled out in YouTube’s likeness detection tool. With this update, creators can upload an image of their face and government ID. YouTube will use that image and ID to detect other uploads on YouTube that have similar content to the creator’s face.
The likeness detection tool will help creators identify similar content or duplicate content made with AI. The update will help tackle deepfake content and identify or remove copyrighted material.
What is the Likeness Detection Tool?
Last month, at the “Made on YouTube 2025” event, YouTube showed a glimpse of how they are going to use AI to protect creators from deepfakes and stop unauthorized use of creators content.
YouTube has been working on identity and content detection methods for years. Now they have established how they are going to detect videos that resemble the creator’s likeness.
The tool is similar to Content ID, with the key difference being that Content ID enables you to identify any copyrighted use of audio and video. The likeness detection tool will look for content that has used your face. Currently, the likeness detection tool is in beta version and available in fewer regions.
YouTube’s Likeness Detection Tool Targets Impersonators
After clicking “Start Now,” Creators can submit their image and a government-approved ID. These images will be stored in Google’s database. YouTube will scan the platform for any content that has the creator’s facial likeness.
If there is content that has used your face, it will appear in the likeness tab. You can take action against those videos. Select the video, click on review, and choose yes. If you think your face has been used in the video.
You can file a privacy complaint and request the removal of content. Since this is a beta version, you can opt for no if you think the content doesn’t use your face.
Conclusion
YouTube has introduced new updates to the likeness detection tool. Creators can add their selfie and a government-approved ID card. YouTube will use these images to scan uploads and look for any content that has facial similarity to creators. If there is any match, it will appear in the likeness tab in content detection. Creators can take action by reporting the privacy violation and removing the content. The tool is in beta version and available in a few countries. Although the new feature will help detect reuse and imposter content. But creators might be skeptical about giving their government ID.