YouTube is committed to responsible AI development while ensuring creators and rights holders maintain control over how their content is used.
Some creators and rights holders may choose to partner with third-party AI companies to support the development of generative AI technologies. If they do, they can allow selected companies to use their content for model training through an optional setting.
Default Setting
- The third-party training setting is turned off by default
- If you do not want your content used for third-party AI training, no action is required
- YouTube’s Terms of Service still prohibit unauthorized scraping or use of content
Content Eligibility
Content may be eligible for third-party AI training if:
- Rights holders have explicitly allowed third-party training
- The video is set to public
- The content complies with YouTube’s Terms of Service and Community Guidelines
What It Means to Enable Third-Party Training
If you enable this setting:
- You can select specific third-party companies or allow all eligible companies
- Selected companies may use your content to train their AI models
- For YouTube Studio users: all eligible videos on your channel may be included
- For Content Manager users: all eligible claimed videos and linked channels may be included
- Training permissions may be publicly visible via the YouTube Data API using video IDs
YouTube will only share eligible content with companies you (and any other rights holders) have approved.
Managing Your Settings
You can change your preferences at any time:
- YouTube Studio (channel owners): via channel settings
- Content Manager (rights holders): via the Settings page
Changes may take up to 7 days to update in public systems like the YouTube Data API.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my decision later?
Yes. You can turn the setting on or off at any time and adjust which companies are allowed. Updates may take up to 7 days to take effect in public listings.
How will companies use my content?
If enabled, YouTube may share eligible videos with selected companies for AI training purposes. However:
- Companies may choose not to use your content even if allowed
- YouTube does not control how third parties ultimately use shared data
What does “All third-party companies” mean?
This option allows any approved company to access your eligible content, even if they are not individually listed.
If you only want specific companies, you should choose the “Selected companies only” option instead.
How do companies join the list?
AI companies can apply to participate if they are developing models and want access to creator content for training purposes.
Will I be paid for this?
At this time, YouTube does not facilitate payments between creators and third-party AI companies.
