YouTube has announced that it is rolling out automatic labels for AI-generated videos on its platform. The move will make it easier for users to identify content produced via AI.
YouTube is one of the most popular streaming platforms in the world, with millions of users and a massive library of several billion videos. It is thus not surprising that a good portion of the videos on the platform are AI-generated.
The video-sharing site does not prohibit the use of AI in creating videos. However, it requires creators to disclose if they have used generative AI for their videos.
A more conspicuous location for the AI label
One of the new changes YouTube is making for AI-generated videos is a more visible location for the AI label. Previously, the AI tag was located in the description section, where it was not immediately visible.
From now on, YouTube is going to place the AI label in conspicuous locations. For long-form videos, the label will appear directly below the video, but above the description, whereas shorts will feature an overlay within the video.
The change in location will apply only to photorealistic AI-generated videos or videos that have been heavily altered with AI. Unrealistic, animated, or slightly modified AI content will continue displaying the label in the expanded description section.
Automatic detection for AI-generated videos
In addition to making the AI label more visible, YouTube is also introducing an automatic AI-detection. Since 2024, the platform has been using a self-disclosure system where creators tag their videos.
The platform will now scan and automatically tag content that has been created using AI tools. However, it will still require content creators to continue with manual disclosure of content made or heavily altered using AI.
AI label to offer viewers context
The conspicuous label and automatic AI detection features will help users easily identify AI-generated content on the platform.
“By moving these labels on to the main stage, viewers get the context they need at a glance,” said YouTube in a statement.
The features are a major win for YouTube users, given the rise of AI slop on the platform. The new measures are also understandable, as AI applications have rapidly advanced to the extent that some AI-generated videos are barely distinguishable from the real thing.
Still, YouTube has reassured content creators that the AI label will not be used as a basis for penalizing content.
“It’s important to note that a disclosure label alone does not change how a video is recommended or whether it’s eligible to earn money. In a world where AI is changing what’s possible, our goal is simple: make it as easy as possible for creators and viewers to have the right information.”