The Terms of Service are basically the rules governing the YouTube platform. As a content creator, you should be familiar with those policies. Recently, YouTube made a few changes to its rules that can impact channels like yours.
Here’s what creators need to know about the updates to YouTube’s Terms of Service.
YouTube can monetize your videos for itself, even if you’re not part of the YouTube Partner Program.
The most significant update to the Terms of Service is YouTube’s “right to monetize.” This means that, essentially, YouTube has the right to earn revenue from any content uploaded to the platform. So, even if your channel isn’t enrolled in the YouTube Partner Program, they can still put ads on your videos.
In such a case, the creator wouldn’t see any of that revenue themselves. Therefore, you should prioritize joining the Partner Program if you haven’t already. Focus on making content that won’t be demonetized as well. That way, YouTube won’t be able to make money from your channel without you getting a share.
Google will withhold taxes from your revenue.
YouTube is going to start treating the revenue you earn as royalty payments from a US tax perspective. Therefore, Google, the platform’s parent company, will begin withholding creators’ taxes where it’s required by law. This will make tax season easier on affected creators because they won’t be left to pay a hefty sum of taxes all at once.
Currently, this change only impacts creators who are based in the US. However, in 2021, YouTube will roll out similar changes for creators globally. Therefore, you should begin to familiarize yourself with local tax laws now.
You’re not allowed to collect information that could identify someone without their consent.
This rule was already part of the Terms of Service. However, the new updates clarify that it includes facial recognition information. Basically, you can’t collect your viewers’ likenesses, such as their profile pictures, without their express permission.
This also includes usernames. So, for example, if you wanted to give shout-outs to random subscribers every week, you would need to get their permission by having them comment below your video. Overall, the more clearly you make your request, the more inline with the Terms of Service you’ll be.
As a creator, it’s vitally important that you keep up with any changes made to YouTube’s policies. These updates could impact your channel and its monetization.
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Kristen Harris enjoys listening to a wide range of music, from Taylor Swift to, on occasion, Celtic instrumental. She also spends her time writing, reading, and baking.
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