Youtube will now allow creators to monetize COVID-19 or Coronavirus content.
YouTube has created its “sensitive event” policy to protect advertisers from being associated with videos with sensitive topics.
These include terrorist acts, armed conflicts, mass shootings, and global health crises. As you may have guessed, the current coronavirus outbreak belongs in this category.
Accordingly, the video streaming behemoth announced that it would not allow creators to monetize videos about the coronavirus. Creators risk automatic demonetization, whether they create a video about the outbreak or simply mention the virus in passing.
YouTube’s decision made the creator community unhappy, and that’s understandable.
Although the decision hinders those looking to capitalize on the human tragedy, it also inhibits informative, newsworthy content. For example, news organizations won’t be able to generate revenue from their videos, even though the outbreak is a primary coverage area.
Now, the company is reversing its decision. But why?
Why YouTube is Allowing Creators to Monetize Coronavirus Content
It turns out that the sensitive events policy applies to short-term events of significant magnitude, like a natural disaster. And the current outbreak doesn’t seem short-term.
In a blog post announcement, YouTube CEO, Susan Wojcicki explained:
“It’s becoming clear this issue is now an ongoing and important part of everyday conversation. And we want to make sure news organizations and creators can continue sustainably producing quality videos.”
With that said, all creators will now be eligible to monetize their videos.
According to YouTube, only a limited number of channels will have this privilege. These include channels that belong to creators or news partners “who accurately self-certify.”
The video streaming company is also making efforts to fight misinformation about the outbreak on its platform.
These include raising authoritative sources in search and recommendations. Also, the platform is quickly removing videos that violate policies, particularly those that discourage seeking medical treatment.
Despite these efforts, a massive amount of misinformation about the outbreak continues to make its way across social media.
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