YouTube will start running ads on non-monetised videos

YouTube creators who aren't part of the YouTube Partner Program will be affected by this change.

YouTube updates its terms of service.

YouTube is making a big change that will most likely disappoint creators. YouTube will start running ads on videos by creators but without any revenue paid to them. The creators that will be affected are those that are not part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

YouTube announced the new change in its updated terms of service for monetisation on the video platform. YouTube says it will roll out ads on a limited number of videos but hasn't specified how many exactly will see ads. “Since you're not currently in YPP, you won't receive a share of the revenue from these ads, though you'll still have the opportunity to apply for YPP as you normally would once you meet the eligibility requirements,” YouTube said in its announcement.

YouTube creators in YPP will naturally not be affected by this change since their videos are eligible for monetisation. To get into YouTube's Partner Program, creators need to have 4,000 hours of total watch time in the last 12 months, and have over 1,000 subscribers. YouTube creators who meet these criteria can apply for YPP to monetise their videos.

YouTube did not specify how many videos it will run ads on. But it did confirm to The Verge that videos from non-partnered creators, and on topics like politics, religion, alcohol and gambling will not be considered. This still gives YouTube more room to run ads and without having to pay creators. The change is likely to affect YouTube's shaky relationship with creators that has been going on for years.