When is a Video Not a Video?
So, that's a confusing question, right?
I have been looking into the YouTube monetization rules, which include some pretty strict restrictions and definitions.
You may think that when you hit the required number of subscribers and watch time, that monetization approval is automatic.
But no, your channel will be inspected first.
So, if your New Year's resolution is to start a YouTube channel, then you need to get it right from the outset!
Particularly if you are jumping into the trend of faceless videos.
Which brings me back to the point of this post.
From PMs that I have received, it's apparent that some of you are under the impression that a faceless video, simply means creating a slideshow.
A selection of rolling images with text.
But, unfortunately, this type of content is not eligible for monetization.
As per YouTube - "Image slideshows or scrolling text with minimal or no narrative, commentary or educational value."
So, a slideshow is not a video, even though it has moving images.
Here is a list of ineligible content:
Examples of what's not allowed to monetize (this list is not exhaustive):
Content that exclusively features readings of other materials that you did not originally create, like text from websites or news feeds
Songs modified to change the pitch or speed but that are otherwise identical to the original
Similar repetitive content or mindless content with low educational value, commentary or narrative
Templated, mass-produced or programmatically generated content
Image slideshows or scrolling text with minimal or no narrative, commentary or educational value
However, this is simply talking about ads on your videos.
If your purpose of using YouTube is for promoting affiliate products or sending visitors to your website, then that's a different story, of course.
Please always do your own research.
Thanks for reading!
Recent Comments
15
Of course, that is common sense. I never thought about using a slide show as a video. The only time I saw those was in a live webinar. Canva has different videos; those are not slide shows. Does that still count for monetization and still follow faceless YouTube requirements?
Hi - you can certainly use Canva videos for commercial use.
As per Canva:
You can use our content in a Canva design, for a wide range of personal and commercial uses.
You can use our content in marketing or social media or even sell merchandise with your design on it.
Don’t resell, redistribute or take credit for content provided through Canva.
As regards YouTube, I presume that as long as it has educational or entertainment value through the added commentary, it should meet their requirements.
I thought about that, because I often take a lot of pictures from my miniature projects, besides the longer form content videos. So kind of making an "extra" tutorial video from pictures alone, which is often done in the niche.
But I guess besides pictures for my blog and such, that doesn't make much sense spending extra time on it. Rather short Youtube videos and then linking them to long-form content videos.
It would require too much extra time anyway, adding a step-by-step text to a video slide. Anyway, good to know , wondered about it for a while.
Good to know that I don't have to invest time in this, thanks again!
By the way, I was just looking into this new thing on canva, where you can create 5 second AI videos, some pretty neat things came out , to my surprise haha.
I guess I will keep them for Pinterest only?
Thanks
Yes, they are fine for Pinterest, but I don't think they are restricted to only 5 seconds?
No no, I mean the new feature on Canva, where AI videos are created in a testing stage, pretty cool! They are 5 seconds only for now. I can't find any template videos with things like "child playing with a dollhouse" or even just "miniatures". Neither in the premium Canva
Did I miss that part? I try to read all you write because of the quality you have, and I am focused on these things. Even so, I am not ready for YouTube; I need to prepare more, as I will use that only to try to get people to come to my site.
Oh, gotcha!
I found quite a few videos on your niche, see screenshot.
Don't search in the Template Design area, but click on Apps on the left and go directly to Videos.
You can drag these videos to a blank template to create your own design.
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I have given little thought to creating YouTube videos, but it seems like a great idea. I will keep the information you gave here in the back of my mind. My niche is made for YouTube, so maybe down the road, Diane.
Your images are spectacular!
Dave