I received an email from YouTube titled, “Changes to YouTube’s Terms of Service” on November 18 at 2:26 p.m. (the same day the terms went into effect) and bay-bee it’s a mess. These people are now saying that they have “the right to monetize all content on the platform and ads may appear on videos from channels not in the YouTube Partner Program.” I’m sorry, what? 

YouTube Has the right to monetize all content on the platform and ads may appear on videos from channels not in the YouTube Partner Program.” —YouTube

Can you imagine being a small YouTuber, investing a significant amount of time editing and planning out your videos, hoping to stand out, and—if the social media “spirits” above allow it—cross the monetization threshold, only to have your videos monetized for YouTube to make a few coins? I would be so tight. Like, sir, are you serious? 

I’m actually in the  midst of creating content that I intended to upload to YouTube but, honestly, this gives me pause. It’s a huge reminder that ownership is key. This lesson also came to me earlier this week when Bondy Blue, a commentary YouTuber that I watch from time to time, worriedly discussed on YouTube Live the possibility of her channel and “lively hood” being taken away due to two copyright strikes. Her income and years of hard work could be taken away in an instant all for screenshots from a show that she reviews and gives free publicity to. Mad.

YouTube’s email also states, “For creators entitled to revenue payments, such payments will be treated as royalties from a U.S. tax perspective and Google will withhold taxes where required by law.” Maybe I’m jaded because i’m a NewYorker and we get taxed like it’s nothing out here but shouldn’t they have already been doing that? It sounds pretty standard to me. I wonder what the creators think of these updates…

Well, until next time!