-->

YouTube Instructs Creators on Keeping Channels Ad-Friendly

Article Featured Image

After a brand-safety brouhaha that began in February and an advertiser pull-out that angered YouTube creators through NewFront Season, YouTube is now offering creators updated guidelines on how to keep their channels advertiser-friendly. Brand safety has been a chief concern at the top video sharing site ever since The Times of London exposed the fact that ads from top brands were playing alongside videos from hate sites.

Creator guidelines now suggest channels steer away from hateful content, the inappropriate use of family characters, and demeaning language if they want to show ads. These additional guidelines come from meetings YouTube held with advertisers, in which brands explained the type of videos they definitely don't want to be next to. Hateful content is any that disparages an individual or group, or that promotes discrimination. The family rule means not showing kids' character doing inappropriate things, even in satire. The demeaning content guide is about using language that insults and individual or group.

YouTube has created a new course in its Creator Academy offering more explanation on creating a brand-safe channel.

While the new rules seems overly conservative, so far there's been no backlash from YouTube creators who are always eager to get brand support. Look for YouTube to become a sunnier and more brand-friendly environment in the near future.

Streaming Covers
Free
for qualified subscribers
Subscribe Now Current Issue Past Issues
Related Articles

YouTube Will Grow Video Moderation Team to Over 10,000 in 2018

The leading video destination was plagued by multiple content scandals this year. Will an increase in moderation assuage advertisers?

YouTube Creates Vetting Policy to Safeguard Children's Videos

A variety of channels churn out low-quality, often disturbing videos using familiar children's characters. YouTube aims to keep these away from young viewers.

YouTube Adds Partner Management to Revamped Creators Site

A year after launching a hub just for its creators, YouTube has refreshed the area with more content on growing a channel and running a business.

YouTube TV Expands to More Markets, Now Covers 50% of U.S.

With an additional 14 metropolitan areas, half the homes in the United States can now subscribe to YouTube TV. 17 more markets will soon follow.

YouTube and Jigsaw Use Search Redirects to Fight Terrorism

Extremist groups turn to video sharing sites to radicalize supporters and spread their message, but a YouTube strategy will help counter those efforts.

YouTube Details 4 Steps for Reducing Extremist Videos on Platform

Remove, flag, bury, and retarget: When it comes to taking extremist and hateful speech from its network, YouTube shows it has plenty of options.

YouTube Announces Original Programming, Partners with Ellen

In a streaming world dominated by ad-free SVOD originals, YouTube will create ad-supported series with a small assortment of proven online talents.

YouTube Sets Limits on Which Partner Channels Can Show Ads

Channels in the YouTube Partner Program now need 10,000 lifetime views to qualify for ads, and must be reviewed for policy compliance.

YouTube Responds to Advertiser Pullout, Offers Stronger Controls

It's been a challenging week for the leading online video destination, as hundreds of advertisers have pulled ads after learning they supported hate videos.