This week: ๐ YouTube Will Not Pay You For AI Videos
๐ BIG Announcement
๐ AI Tools When You Have A Creative Block
and more... lets go!
๐ฐ Corner Newsstand
YouTube just dropped some major changes to their monetization policies around AI content, and creators are PANICKING... and some are rejoicing.
Let me calm your nerves - this isn't the AI apocalypse that some creators are making it out to be. But we do need to understand what's actually changing and how to stay on the right side of YouTube's new rules.
Here's what's really happening:
What YouTube Actually Said (The Real Situation)
On July 15th, 2025, YouTube will update their guidelines to "better identify mass-produced and repetitious content." They're calling it a "minor update" to existing policies, but creators are freaking out because the initial announcement was confusing.
Figure It Out What GIF by CBC
YouTube's Head of Editorial, Rene Ritchie, had to come out and clarify because people thought ALL AI content was getting banned. Here's what he said:
"This kind of content has been ineligible for monetization for years, and it's content that viewers often consider spam."
So what's actually changing? They're getting BETTER at identifying content that's:
Mass-produced with minimal effort
Repetitive and low-value
Created just to game the algorithm
Basically AI slop that nobody wants to watch
What "Mass-Produced Content" Actually Means
This is where it gets interesting. YouTube isn't banning AI - they're banning LAZY AI usage. Here's the difference:
What's Getting Demonetized:
Channels pumping out 50 AI videos per day with stolen clips
AI-generated content with no human input or creativity
Repetitive content that's just keyword stuffing
Videos that combine stolen footage with AI voiceovers
What's STILL Monetizable:
AI-enhanced content where you add value
Using AI tools to improve your existing content
AI-generated elements in original, creative videos
Content that meets all other YouTube policies
YouTube specifically clarified: "Using AI to improve content is still eligible if it meets all other policy requirements."
So no AI is not banned from you and you can still make money with AI on YouTube. They are just focus on the QUALITY and not the quantity.
Just wanted to clear this up!
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
We kick off in 3 days (this Monday), Lion Behavior presents: Create14. INVITE ONLY. This is for:
Who has content in their camera roll but never posts
Leaves posts in "Drafts"
Been watching to "Launch" a product/service but don't know if anyone is going to buy it
Show up for one focused 30-minute sprint a day and, in two weeks, youโll walk out with either five banked content pieces (one goes live on Day 14) or a wait-list / preorder page already snatching emails or cash.
I'm only opening this up for you since you are on my email list. You will not see this posted on social media. So you will be among others who are serious about doing this together. Plus this gets you inside of Lions Behehavior.
This will be closing Monday night. Click here for the link only fot you.
I had zero content ideas and was in a complete creative block, so I decided to test how good AI really is at taking me from blank brain to fully polished video. All I used was 2 AI Tools
ChatGPT
Submagic
Watch the video and see how good the final video was ... remember it was edited by AI. I need your honest opinion.
So you already know you have to email me back about your biggest takeaway from this week's Content Corner take a screenshot and tag me in your stories (or Threads) so I know you liked this week's content. If not, I'll see you next Friday. Same time, same corner.
I'll Holla,
Nicky S
P.S. Whenever you are ready, here's how I can help you
Watch my YouTube channel for full tutorials and walk-throughs on content tips, AI, and brand strategy that go beyond this newsletter.