1. Community Guidelines

YouTube requires all content to follow platform-wide rules that apply to videos, thumbnails, comments, links, posts, and private/unlisted content.

Main policy areas:

• Spam & scams: No misleading content, fake engagement, impersonation, or deceptive links.
• Sensitive content: Restrictions on nudity, sexual content, self-harm, child safety, and graphic violence.
• Violence & hate: No hate speech, harassment, dangerous acts, or violent extremist content.
• Misinformation: No harmful false claims (medical, elections, manipulated media, etc.).
• EDSA exceptions: Some violating content may remain if it is Educational, Documentary, Scientific, Artistic, or in the public interest.

2. Community Guidelines Strikes System

YouTube uses a 3-strike system within a 90-day period.

First violation

• Usually a warning (no penalty if first time)
• Optional policy training removes warning after 90 days

First strike

• 1-week restriction:
  • No uploads or live streams
  • No scheduling content or custom thumbnails
  • Limited channel features
• Strike stays for 90 days

Second strike

2-week restriction on posting content

Third strike

Channel may be permanently terminated. Deleting content does NOT remove strikes.

3. Appeals Process (Community Guidelines)

• Video removals
• Strikes
• Age restrictions

Time limits:

• Strikes/warnings: up to 6 months
• Content removals: up to 1 year

Outcomes:

• Appeal approved → content restored, strike removed
• Partial approval → age restriction applied instead
• Rejected → strike remains

4. Copyright Strikes vs Content ID

Content ID claims

• Automated system matches copyrighted material
• Actions: block, monetize, or track
• NOT a strike

Copyright strike

• Legal takedown request
• 1 strike per video maximum
• 3 strikes = channel termination

Resolving strikes:

• Wait 90 days (with Copyright School)
• Get retraction from claimant
• Submit counter notification (fair use or mistake)

5. Monetization & YouTube Partner Program (YPP)

Requirements

Must meet eligibility and policy standards

Monetization types:

• Ads revenue
• Channel memberships
• Super Chat / Stickers / Thanks
• Shopping integrations
• Shorts revenue

Monetization restrictions:

• Strikes can reduce or pause earnings
• “Limited ads” = reduced advertiser suitability

Appeals:

You can request a review if monetization is incorrectly limited

6. Content Restrictions (Age & Ads)

Age restrictions apply when content includes:

• Violence or disturbing content
• Sexual or suggestive material
• Dangerous or illegal activities

• Effects: No visibility to users under 18 or signed-out users. Limited distribution across platforms

Ad suitability levels:

• Green: full monetization
• Yellow: limited ads
• No ads: not monetizable

7. Reporting & Enforcement

Users or systems can report content. YouTube reviews and may:

• Remove content
• Age-restrict content
• Issue strikes
• Suspend or terminate channels

8. Support & Help Resources

Creators can get help via:

• YouTube Help Center (guides & troubleshooting)
• Creator Support chat (eligible channels)
• Send Feedback tool
• YouTube Creator & Partner programs
• Partner Managers (invite-only)

9. Key Account Impacts

• Strikes affect uploading, livestreaming, and features
• 3 strikes = channel termination
• Monetization requires adherence to all policies
• Some features require account verification

10. Best Practices for Creators

• Follow Community Guidelines strictly
• Avoid copyrighted content without permission
• Use original or licensed media
• Optimize titles, thumbnails, and metadata responsibly
• Review monetization eligibility before uploading