YouTube says it will soon begin automatically detecting AI-generated content and adding labels to videos for viewers on the platform.
The company announced on Wednesday, May 27, that the update marks a move away from its earlier system, which depended on creators to disclose whether generative AI tools were used in their videos.
“If a creator doesn’t specify whether AI was used, but our systems detect significant photorealistic AI content, we will now automatically apply a label,” YouTube said in a blog post.
The platform first introduced AI disclosure guidelines in 2024, requiring creators to flag content produced with generative AI. Since then, AI technology has advanced rapidly, with tools such as Google Veo 3.1 and Seedance making realistic AI-generated videos easier to produce.
YouTube added that creators will be able to appeal labels if they believe their videos were incorrectly flagged. The company also said the labels will not influence how videos are recommended by its algorithm. Other platforms, including Spotify, have also begun rolling out automatic AI-content labeling as AI-generated images, videos, and audio become more widespread online.
