As AI‑generated videos continue to dominate the platform, YouTube announced on Wednesday that it is upgrading the way it notifies viewers they are watching AI‑created content and adding automatic detection to assist with labeling.
The Google‑owned service first began tagging AI‑generated videos two years ago, but now says the new tags will be «simpler and more intuitive» for both audiences and uploaders. In a briefing video, Rene Ritchie, YouTube’s head of editorial and creator liaison, explained that the aim is to provide «context at a glance.»
For long‑form videos that employ AI to produce photorealistic results or are «meaningfully AI altered or generated,» a label will appear beneath the video player and above the description. In the case of the platform’s increasingly popular Shorts, the label will be overlaid directly on the video.
Creator disclosure and auto‑detection
YouTube already requires uploaders to disclose any realistic AI use in their content. Now, even if creators omit this disclosure, YouTube will employ its own tools to identify such AI usage and automatically attach a label.
Creators may request removal of the label if they believe it was applied in error. However, if the video was produced with Google’s own video tools or contains metadata indicating generative AI, the label will remain.
The presence of the label does not influence video ranking or monetisation.
Earlier this year, Apple rolled out AI labeling on Apple Music, and a Gfaloe survey found that 51% of Americans want clearer AI content labeling online.
