Disclosing use of altered or synthetic content

We encourage creators' innovative and responsible use of content editing or generation tools. At the same time, we recognise that viewers want to know if what they're watching or listening to is real.

To help keep viewers informed about the content that they're viewing, we require creators to disclose content that is meaningfully altered or synthetically generated when it seems realistic.

Creators must disclose content that:

Makes a real person appear to say or do something that they didn't say or do
Alters footage of a real event or place
Generates a realistic-looking scene that didn't actually occur

This could include content that is fully or partially altered or created using audio, video or image creation or editing tools.

Disclose using the 'altered content' setting in YouTube Studio

To disclose content that is meaningfully altered or synthetically generated, the 'altered content' setting is available to creators using YouTube Studio on a computer or mobile device. We'll expand this setting to other devices and YouTube apps in the future.

After a creator selects this field and uploads content, a label will appear in their video's expanded description.

Creators who make a post or YouTube Short using Dream Track or Dream Screen, YouTube's generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, don't need to take extra steps to disclose. The tool will automatically disclose the use of AI for creators. For other AI tools, creators need to disclose their use during the upload flow.

Examples of altered or synthetic content

The following list includes examples of altered or synthetic content. Altered or synthetic content can include content that is fully or partially altered or created using any audio, video, image creation or editing tools. Realistic content and meaningful changes require disclosure, while unrealistic or minor edits don't. Bear in mind that this isn't a complete list.

Doesn't require disclosure by creators	Does require disclosure by creators
Applying beauty filters	Digitally generating or altering content to replace the face of one individual with another's
Synthetically generating or extending a backdrop to simulate a moving car	Digitally altering a famous car chase scene to include a celebrity who wasn't in the original film
Using effects to enhance previously recorded audio	Simulating audio to make it sound as if a medical professional gave advice when the professional did not actually give that advice
Using an AI-generated animation of a missile in a video	Showing a realistic depiction of a missile fired towards a real city

Examples of content that creators don't have to disclose

Examples of content that creators need to disclose

Disclose altered or synthetic content

We require creators to disclose meaningfully altered or synthetically generated content that seems realistic. Creators can make this disclosure during the upload process.

Android Computer iPhone and iPad

Open the YouTube Studio app or YouTube app .
Follow the steps to upload content.
Under 'Add details', tap Altered content.
Select Yes if your content meets the disclosure requirements.
Tap the back icon to select other video details.

If a creator makes a YouTube Short that uses one of YouTube's generative artificial intelligence (AI) effects (such as YouTube's Dream Track or Dream Screen), no additional steps are needed to disclose currently. The tool will automatically disclose the use of AI for creators.

To help creators, we may proactively select disclosure on their behalf if they disclose the use of altered or synthetic content in the title or description of their video.

What happens after creators disclose

If creators select 'Yes' to indicate that their content is altered or synthetic, we'll add a label to their video's description field. These labels will show for viewers watching YouTube videos on a mobile device or tablet for now.

Label in the expanded description field

Additional label for sensitive content

High-quality and timely information about elections, ongoing conflicts, natural disasters, finance or health is very important. This type of information can greatly affect the wellbeing, financial security or safety of people and communities. For content about sensitive topics like these, a more prominent label in the video player may also appear for added transparency.

Other impacts of disclosing

Disclosing content as altered or synthetic won't limit a video's audience or impact its eligibility to earn money.

Risks of not disclosing

It can be misleading if viewers think that a video is real, when it has actually been meaningfully altered or synthetically generated to seem realistic.

When content is undisclosed, in some cases, YouTube may take action to reduce the risk of harm to viewers by proactively applying a label that creators will not have the option to remove. Additionally, creators who consistently choose not to disclose this information may be subject to penalties from YouTube, including removal of content or suspension from the YouTube Partner Programme.

Remember that we apply our Community Guidelines to all content on YouTube, regardless of whether it's altered or synthetic.

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