YouTube Widens Monetisation

YouTube has rolled out further updates to its advertiser-friendly content guidelines, opening the door for more videos covering sensitive or controversial subjects to qualify for full monetisation, provided they are handled responsibly and without graphic detail.

The platform confirmed that non-graphic discussions or dramatisations of topics often seen as challenging for advertisers may now earn full ad revenue. These include subjects such as abortion, suicide, self-harm, domestic abuse, sexual abuse and sexual harassment, as long as the content is presented in an informative, fictional or commentary-based way rather than showing explicit scenes or imagery.

YouTube acknowledged that its previous rules were too restrictive. Under the old system, videos could be excluded from full monetisation simply because of their topic, even when the content was clearly educational, fictional or handled sensitively. The updated policy aims to strike a better balance between advertiser safety and allowing creators to discuss real-world issues in a responsible manner.

The changes were first outlined in a Creator Insider video and have since been reflected in YouTube’s Help Centre policy wording. According to the updated guidance, content focused on “controversial issues” can now generate ad revenue if it is non-graphic and clearly framed as discussion or dramatisation. This replaces the earlier blanket restriction that limited monetisation regardless of how the topic was approached.

YouTube has been clear that not all content will benefit from the change. Videos that focus on child abuse or eating disorders remain ineligible for full monetisation, even if they are non-graphic. These topics continue to sit under stricter advertising controls due to their particularly sensitive nature.

In its policy explanations, YouTube defines “controversial issues” as topics linked to trauma, abuse or serious harm. The rules can apply whether the content is fictional, documentary-style or purely opinion-based. The platform also draws an important distinction between content where a sensitive issue is the main focus and content where it is mentioned briefly. A fleeting reference may not trigger restrictions, while a sustained discussion or entire video on the topic will be assessed more closely.

For creators, this update could make a meaningful difference to channel revenue. Videos that were previously limited or demonetised purely due to subject matter may now qualify for full ads if they meet the revised criteria. However, YouTube stresses that monetisation decisions are still made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the video itself, along with elements such as the title, description and thumbnail.

As with previous advertiser-friendly policy changes, outcomes may vary depending on how a video is reviewed by YouTube’s systems and human reviewers. Clear context, careful wording and responsible presentation will continue to play a key role in monetisation decisions.

It is not yet known whether videos restricted under the old rules will be automatically reassessed. YouTube has not confirmed whether re-reviews will happen by default or only after creators submit an appeal.

For creators affected by the earlier policy, YouTube suggests taking action rather than waiting. Now may be a good time to appeal monetisation decisions on older videos that were limited due to controversial subject matter, as they could be eligible under the updated guidelines.