YouTube is rolling out two updates that will make AI notifications simpler and more understandable for content creators and viewers on the platform.
Specifically, the disclosure label for photorealistic content, as well as content that has been heavily modified or created with AI, is being moved to a more prominent location: below the long-form video player and above the description and as an overlay on the video itself in Shorts.
Google reports
We hear from our community all the time that they value transparency when it comes to content created with generative AI. That's why, from 2024, we label content when creators declare that they have used Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
During this time, we've learned more about what users find useful about AI notifications, and today we're rolling out two updates that we believe will make this process much simpler and more understandable for creators and viewers on YouTube.
More visible and simplified labels
We're moving the disclosure label for photorealistic content, as well as content that has been heavily modified or created with Artificial Intelligence, to a more prominent location.
- For long videos: The label will now appear just below the video player and above the description.
- For Shorts: The label will appear as an overlay on the video itself.
By bringing these labels to the forefront, viewers get the context they need at a glance. This is now the single form of labeling for all photorealistic content, as well as content that has been heavily modified or created with AI on YouTube.
For content that is non-realistic, animated, or slightly modified, viewers can find this disclosure in the expanded description.
Introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) automatic detection
While we still require creators to manually declare when they use photorealistic AI, we want to make the process more seamless and reliable. Starting in May 2026, we are implementing new internal signals to help identify content that has been generated by AI.
If a creator doesn't specify whether or not they used AI, but our systems detect extensive use of photorealistic AI, then we will automatically apply the relevant label.
As this technology continues to evolve, creators remain in full control. If a creator believes their content has been misidentified as an AI product, they can update their notification status in YouTube Studio. However, notifications will remain permanent in certain cases, such as:
- In content created with YouTube's AI tools, such as Veo or Dream Screen.
- In content that includes C2PA metadata, which indicate that it was created entirely by generative AI.
Our commitment to responsibility
These changes are designed to balance transparency with creator control. It's important to note that having a disclosure label alone does not affect how a video is recommended or its ability to monetize. In a world where AI is changing the game, our goal is simple: make it as easy as possible for creators and viewers to get the right information.
Although the press releases will range from very select to rare, I said I'd pass...because sometimes the editors hide.
