YouTube prioritizes the safety of its creators, viewers, and partners and expects users to follow its Community Guidelines to help maintain a safe environment. Content that supports, promotes, or assists violent extremist, terrorist, or criminal organizations is not allowed on the platform.
In some cases, exceptions may be made for content that has clear educational, documentary, scientific, artistic, or public-interest value, but only when appropriate context is provided.
What This Policy Covers
This policy applies to all YouTube features, including videos, livestreams, comments, descriptions, thumbnails, and external links shared on the platform.
Content is not allowed if it includes:
Support or Promotion of Violent Organizations
- Content created by or directly associated with extremist, terrorist, or criminal groups
- Material that encourages or justifies violence carried out by such groups
- Recruitment content aimed at bringing in new members
- Content celebrating or praising violent extremist figures or their actions
- Use of logos, symbols, or imagery to support or glorify these organizations
Glorification of Violence or Tragedies
- Content that praises mass violence events such as school shootings
- Memorializing or celebrating acts of terrorism or violent crimes
- Songs, videos, or posts that glorify attackers or their actions
Harmful or Dangerous Distribution
- Sharing or linking to websites that promote extremist ideology or recruitment
- Fundraising for violent or extremist organizations
- Posting content designed to intimidate, threaten, or promote violence
- Content showing hostages used for coercion or propaganda
Other Prohibited Content
- Unedited reuploads of extremist or terrorist-produced material
- Video games or modified content designed to glorify real-world violent attacks or perpetrators
- Links to manifestos or ideological materials promoting violent acts
Important Context and Exceptions
Content related to terrorism, violence, or criminal activity may be allowed only when it is clearly educational, documentary, scientific, artistic, or in the public interest.
Even in these cases:
- Clear context must be provided within the video or audio itself
- Content may still be age-restricted or displayed with warnings
- It must not promote, glorify, or support violent organizations
Examples of permitted context may include news reporting, government proceedings, or academic analysis of violent events.
Consequences of Violating This Policy
If a violation occurs, YouTube may:
- Remove the content
- Notify the creator by email
- Remove unsafe external links
- Issue a warning or strike
First-time violations usually result in a warning, which may expire after policy training. Repeated violations within 90 days can lead to strikes, and three strikes may result in channel termination.
Severe violations may lead to immediate account removal or loss of access to features such as livestreaming. Monetization may also be disabled across affected accounts.
YouTube may also take action against accounts believed to be linked to designated extremist or terrorist organizations based on official listings or credible evidence. Repeat violations may result in permanent removal and restrictions on future participation in policy training.
