YouTube demonetization is a scary situation that every YouTuber avoids after getting their channel monetized. Getting demonetized on YouTube cuts off the income from ads on your YouTube videos. It often triggers huge levels of frustration, hampers creativity, and eats up a lot of your time in back-and-forth communication with the world’s largest video-sharing network. In this article, I’ll walk you through the intricate details of what is YouTube demonetization and how you can identify whether your channel is demonetized or not. By the end, you will walk away with actionable tips to follow to get your videos monetized again.
What is Demonetization on YouTube?
YouTube demonetization is the process where the platform suspends your channel’s monetization abilities and restricts its ad revenues. In fact, there is a chance that ads will be removed entirely from your videos. The demonetization policy on YouTube ensures that ads are placed on videos with appropriate content and that no harm is done to the associated brands or the platform. YouTube prioritizes viewer engagement and values its trust and reputation with brands worldwide. Hence, it takes utmost care to see that the content the brands advertise on aligns with their values and ethical guidelines.
The YouTube Partner Program gives creators direct access to YouTube’s many features and resources and qualifies revenue sharing opportunities. Through YPP, creators can access Creator Support Teams, Copyright Match Tool, and Monetization features.
How to know whether your video is demonetized?
If your YT videos are demonetized, you will see specific colored icons next to your video. If you see a red icon beside your video, it means that the video is completely demonetized. However, if you see a yellow icon, it indicates that your content may not follow advertiser-friendly guidelines.
Steps to follow when your YouTube video is Demonetized
There could be multiple reasons behind YouTube demonetizing your channel. In such a situation, the first thing you must do is stay calm and explore the following methods to know the precise reason and get your videos monetized again.
Review your content thoroughly
Go through your videos to identify potential points or words that you might have spoken that violate the platform’s advertising terms and policies. If you find anything, adjust your content to bring it within the norms of the advertising guidelines.
Submit Appeal and Request a Manual Review
With the help of YouTube Studio, you can find the exact reason for your YouTube video demonetization. Navigate to the monetization tab and look for the demonetized video. Select the icon next to it and see which color it is to identify the cause of demonetization. Click on request review to submit your appeal. Provide all relevant information while you fill out the appeal form. It gives YT more context about your video’s content and helps them to make an informed decision.
Wait for the Response that fixes YouTube Demonetization
YouTube may take a few weeks to reply to your demonetization appeal. It reviews the video to identify potentially harmful content and then only suggests changes. Meanwhile, analyze the content on your other videos and ensure that YT doesn’t take the step to demonetize them.
How Can You Prevent YouTube Demonetization?
As a YouTube content creator, you can keep the following set of guidelines handy to ensure that the platform never takes the drastic step of demonetizing your videos.
Follow YouTube’s Guidelines
Ensure that each of your videos abides by YouTube’s advertisement guidelines. It should be family-friendly, positive, engaging and must align with the brand’s values you wish to attract.
Create Targeted Content to prevent YouTube Demonetization
Understand your target audience’s needs and craft content that relates to their desires and emotions. It will help potentially increase engagement and definitely keep you away from YouTube’s demonetization steps. Infuse relevant keywords in your video content and prevent using inappropriate content.
Stay Updated with the ever-changing YouTube’s guidelines
YouTube prioritizes viewer experience and always updates its advertising guidelines regularly. Keep up with these latest trends and updates to avoid any kind of YouTube demonetization.
Alternative Sources of Income for YouTubers
In case your channel has been demonetized by YouTube, you can rely on the following sources of income or at least create them to benefit in the long term.
Leverage Crowdfunding platforms
YouTube crowdfunding platforms are brilliant for creating campaigns that supplement your income. Some examples include Indiegogo, Patreon, etc.
Attract Niche Sponsorship and Brand Deals
Looking for your niche-based brand sponsorship opportunities is a great way to create an alternative revenue source that doesn’t rely on ad revenues. It starts small but can potentially evolve into a substantial income source for content creators since brands pay a hefty fee to get their content sponsored through YT videos.
Explore channel memberships
Providing channel memberships to your most loyal subscribers is an excellent way to support your income and build a community around your channel.
Sell Product or Merchandize
Selling merchandise is another method that provides endless possibilities for YT creators to fortify their income streams. There is a list of products you can use to sell as YouTube merchandise.
Conclusion
Although channel demonetization can be frustrating, there are several steps you can take to get your channel remonetized. I recommend following YT’s advertising policy guidelines in your videos to prevent any kind of YouTube demonetization. Additionally, you can also lay a strong foundation for other sources of revenue streams so that you don’t always need to rely on ad revenue to supplement your YouTube channel income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What makes a video Demonetized?
YouTube can demonetize video content that is not suitable for ads or contains profane language that violates its advertiser-friendly guidelines.
Q2. Can you demonetize your own video?
Yes, you can turn off monetization for other videos that you’ve already uploaded. This can be done using YouTube Studio.
Q3. Will I still receive my earnings from before my channel was demonetized?
Yes. There is a good chance that YouTube will add the earnings right before your channel gets demonetized to your AdSense account, and you may receive them. However, based on the severity of the violation, there could be a possibility of YouTube holding your earnings.
Q4. Can you get permanently demonetized on YouTube?
Severe and repeated violations of YouTube’s advertising policies and monetization guidelines may result in YouTube permanently demonetizing your YT channel account.