What to do if your YouTube Partner Program application was rejected for Duplication or Reused Content

YouTube has clarified that the YouTube Partner Program requires channels to have original and relevant content. Even you upload public domain movies or "fair use" video compilations, you need to "add value" to monetize that content.

YouTube started a review process for YouTube Partner Program applications in 2017. Formerly there wasn't a review of a channel's content before monetization was enabled, and acceptance was usually fast and automatic.

With the new reviews, a number of channels have had their application rejected  - or their monetization disabled - for the ambiguously-named "Duplication", "Repetitive Content" or "Reused Content".

Information provided to rejected Partner Program applicants on their Monetization Settings tab focused on copyright issues, which didn't always seem to apply to the creator's channel. And while it is possible to reapply after 30 days, YouTube didn't provide any guidance about what steps could be taken to improve the likelihood an application would be approved.

Now YouTube has finally provided more information about what "Duplication" includes, and best practices users should follow.

It’s important to note that “duplicative content” is not just about copyright. The spirit of this YPP policy is to make sure we’re only allowing channels into the program when the content adds value, and is original and relevant

Your content is expected to comply with the YouTube Partner Program Policies, Advertiser-Friendly Content Guidelines and the AdSense Program Policies which include the AdSense Quality Guidelines.  

Examples of content that is not acceptable for the YouTube Partner Program:

• The main purpose of your channel is to monetize other channels’ or sources’ content, even if you have a license or permission to use the content
• Content that is repetitious or appears to be automatically generated 
• Content from third party sources with no content or narrative added by the creator
• Content uploaded many times by multiple users and you’re not the original uploader 
• Content uploaded in a way that is trying to get around YouTube's copyright tools

You can get more detailed information in the YouTube Help Center and this FAQ in the YouTube help forum. 

Here are specific examples of what is not allowed as of January 2019 with regards to Reused and Repetitious content:

What you should do if your application for the YouTube Partner Program was rejected for "Duplication" or "Reused Content"

Sometimes YouTube gets it wrong. And sometimes you may just need to adjust your content to comply with YouTube's policies. Here is what you should do before you reapply

• Review the YouTube Partner Program Policies and the AdSense Quality Guidelines
• Make sure that you have a license or explicit written permission to use any 3rd party content commercially. YouTube provides some guidance on how to read a license to understand your rights. There is also more detailed information about using video game or software content. And no, just because there isn't a Content ID claim does not mean the copyright holder is fine with you using their work.
• Add commentary or otherwise show your presence in your videos. Add your personal touch, your voice or your face on screen.
• Provide more written context about your videos in your video and channel descriptions. You can provide license details for third party content in the video description.
• If you have an official website, link back from your website to your YouTube channel. You can add a subscribe button or clickable YouTube icon 

Read the announcement and ask questions in the YouTube Help Forum

Updated March 2019.