There is a general fear in the gaming community that gaming videos get ‘flagged’ more than the other types of content. Gaming content makers lose their ad revenue seemingly over nothing overnight. The question remains: is YouTube gaming demonetization truly out of control or what is happening? Let’s find out!
Understanding YouTube Demonetization and Its Common Causes
Why does YouTube demonetize your videos? Well, first of all, to protect their platform! The process of demonetization refers to the act of restricting or removing ads from your videos, which, in turn, results in less revenue for content creators. Granted, it can be deplorable and confusing, especially when you have no idea why your videos got ‘flagged’. Usually, this happens for violations of YouTube’s policies and guidelines. For gaming channels, this can strike especially hard due to the very nature of gaming content as a whole. And it’s hard enough to set up a YouTube ad campaign even without flags! But what could be the reasons for yellow or red signs near your videos?
Inappropriate Language
It’s clear as day that gaming channels thrive upon commenting and reactions to certain video games. Sometimes, something terrifying pops up on your screen and you cannot help but to plant a very emotionally-driven f-bomb. YouTube’s policies on inappropriate language are strict, and violating these can lead to some very unfortunate consequences for your channel. But fear not, not all of it can be accounted for by demonetization grounds. Here’s the breakdown:
Profanity and Vulgar Language
All curse words are not treated the same by YouTube’s algorithm. Words like ‘damn’ and ‘hell’ may not trigger demonetization if used in appropriate (non-aggressive) context. You –can- say ‘What the hell was that?’ next time a monster casually strolls by not noticing you in turn in Amnesia or if you notice an exceptionally beautiful doggy in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.. YouTube will understand! Remember that everything is good in moderation!
However, words that are considered highly offensive, especially those that target specific groups will most likely lead to demonetization. Even if these words are part of a reaction during a gaming session, they will be flagged by YouTube’s automated systems. For instance, during a very frustrating online game of Dota, League of Legends, or CS: GO, using explicit language to insult your teammates or the other team would be flagged. It’s a reminder to be kinder to others and try to help if your teammate is not as good as you’d want them to be. Being toxic will not only ruin their day but also result in you earning less!
Hate Speech
This means any language that promotes violence or hatred against individuals or groups based on attributes such as race, religion, disability, gender, age, nationality, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Nowadays videos consisting of such are banned more than ever and even more pop up from time to time. Videos containing such language are not only demonetized but can also lead to strikes against the channel among other severe penalties.
It’s never okay to use hate speech, slurs, or violent language against another group of players. If you suddenly realize that you are becoming too angry to play – step away and take a break!
Sensitive Topics
Discussing sensitive or controversial topics within your gaming videos can and will lead to the dreaded yellow or even red sign. It’s recommended not to discuss topics like politics, religion, or social issues, because those are often flagged by YouTube’s algorithm. Focus on keeping your gaming content relevant and avoid veering into such talks, even if they are a part of the game. By discussing the plot of Detroit: Become Human in the context of current events, you will only endanger your channel and spark hate in the comments, so don’t do that!
Violence and Graphic Content
Apart from the language you use, your content might be flagged for the games you play. Highly violent and graphic gaming videos might face demonetization as well. Let’s take a closer look.
Graphic Violence
Gaming inherently involves some level of violence whether it’s defeating a boss in Elden Ring, slaying packs of unholy creatures in Doom, defeating an opposing team, or even hitting NPCs with a fishing rod in Animal Crossing. However, those instances wouldn’t get you in trouble. What will do the trick is showing excessive gore, realistic violence, or brutality. Such games as Mortal Kombat, GTA, Manhunt, Dead Space, Agony, Resident Evil Village, Outlast etc. can cause demonetization if not censored properly to adhere to YouTube’s guidelines. Even an explicit compilation of epic Call of Duty kills can get the yellow sign.
You must also remember that although in-game violence can result in flagging, real-life violence is no joke as well. Including clips or references to real-life violent events, even as a part of a news commentary or reaction, can lead to demonetization. Do not show explicitly graphic footage of a violent event, whatever the context might be.
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Explicit Content
It’s true that some games, as innocent as they might appear, can contain explicit content or nudity. While these elements might be a part of the game or even the special mechanics, they can get you the yellow sign in no time. For example, Yandere Simulator (with its explicit core game mechanics), Lollipop Chainsaw, Catherine, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, etc. – all games with some adult undertones that need to be properly censored before uploading.
Suggestive Thumbnails and Titles
Thumbnails or titles that suggest adult content, even if the video itself doesn’t have that, can lead to demonetization. Creators should ensure that the things that represent their video accurately describe the content without resorting to clickbait. For example, using a suggestive image from any game listed above can lead to the dreaded yellow sign.
Harmful or Dangerous Acts
Any content that encourages or promotes dangerous acts, self-harm, or harm to others, even if it's related to in-game actions, can be flagged. For instance, if the in-game character is doing something that can be classified as dangerous or harmful and you showed it in your video, that video can get flagged. Never encourage viewers to mimic these stunts even as a joke!
Videos that show or promote the use of illegal substances or alcohol will be demonetized as well. This includes casual mentions or jokes about such during gameplay. For example, joking about drug use while playing GTA can trigger the yellow sign near the video.
Misleading and Copyright
This might be a bit of a controversial topic, because not everyone can be aware of the copyright. However, if you want to know even more, reach out to AIR Media-Tech and we will gladly help you fix your content to fit the YouTube criteria!
Misleading Titles and Thumbnails
Clickbait titles and thumbnails that don’t actually represent the content in said video can lead to demonetization. YouTube holds transparency and accuracy in high esteem, so make sure your titles and thumbnails accurately reflect the content of your videos. Misleading can not only lead to yellow signs but also much more severe penalties such as strikes to your channel. Three strikes and you’re out, so be honest!
Copyright
The games themselves usually aren’t flagged for copyright (especially if you credited the studio properly), but the music within those games can fall under the copyright rules. Understanding copyright and how it works is a key to success here. The way the most popular gaming channels resolve it – they start talking loudly over the music or outright mute it.
Remember that repeatedly violating YouTube’s community guidelines can lead to harsher punishments than receiving no ad revenue. If you engage in harassment, cyberbullying, promoting harmful or dangerous content, and doing the things listed above, your channel might get permanently banned. Be respectful, be mindful, and, most importantly, be kind!
