YouTube monetisation 15 July 2025 update — what Singapore creators must change

Posted on by YWBanu

On 15 July 2025, YouTube renamed its “repetitious content” rule to “inauthentic content” and clarified how mass-produced / low-variation videos affect monetisation. Here’s exactly what changed, what didn’t, and the quick fixes Singapore creators can make today to stay monetised.

Published: 15 July 2025 • Updated: 4 Nov 2025 • By Winner BanuContents

  1. What changed on 15 July 2025
  2. What didn’t change (eligibility & thresholds)
  3. Is AI content banned?
  4. Singapore-specific checklist (do this now)
  5. Examples: monetisable vs non-monetisable
  6. 7 quick fixes to protect your monetisation
  7. FAQ — July 2025 update
  8. Official resources

What changed on 15 July 2025

YouTube clarified that channels featuring mass-produced or repetitive content — videos made from a template with minimal variation or content that’s easily replicable at scale — are considered “inauthentic content”. That label makes a channel ineligible for monetisation. Even if only some videos are inauthentic, reviewers can assess your channel as a whole.

  • Name change: “Repetitious content” ➜ “Inauthentic content”.
  • Channel-level impact: Violations can affect all monetisation on your channel, not just one video.
  • Reused content is unchanged: Commentary, compilations, and reaction formats can still monetise if they’re transformative (voiceover, context, unique value).

Key idea: If an average viewer can clearly tell your videos differ in substance from one another, you’re on the right track.

What didn’t change (eligibility & thresholds)

Eligibility thresholds remain the same. There are two tiers that matter to creators in Singapore:

Early access to YPP (Fan Funding & Shopping)

  • 500 subscribers + 3 public uploads in last 90 days
  • EITHER 3,000 public watch hours (12 months) OR 3 million Shorts views (90 days)

Full ad revenue sharing (Watch page + Shorts)

  • 1,000 subscribers +
  • EITHER 4,000 public watch hours (12 months) OR 10 million Shorts views (90 days)

Tip: Check your progress in Studio > Earn. If you’re not eligible yet, use “Get notified”.

Is AI content banned?

No. You can use AI tools, but the final video must be original and transformative (human narration, analysis, unique editing, on-screen presence, original b-roll, data, research). Minimal edits or “templated” AI videos risk being labelled inauthentic.

Language & ad suitability: YouTube’s 2025 update loosened how strong profanity is treated in some contexts, but titles, thumbnails, and frequent swearing can still lead to limited ads. Use strong language sparingly and never in the title/thumbnail.

Singapore-specific checklist (do this now)

  1. Stay original: Add human voiceover/commentary to every video and avoid repeating the same script structure across uploads.
  2. Use chaptering & sourcing: Add chapters and cite data sources in descriptions — great for trust and retention.
  3. Comply with IRAS: Income from YouTube/brand deals is taxable in Singapore. Track payments & sponsorships (non-cash benefits > S$100 are taxable) and file yearly.
  4. Localise: Include SG-specific angles (pricing in SGD, local regulations, case studies) to win local search intent.
  5. Diversify: Mix long-form, Shorts, and Lives. Shorts growth can lift your subs to hit thresholds faster.
  6. Metadata hygiene: Write natural, keyword-rich titles (no stuffing), compelling first 160 characters in descriptions, and accurate tags.
  7. Evergreen hubs: Build playlists and internal links between related videos and your articles on ywbanu.com/my-blogs/.

Examples: monetisable vs non-monetisable

Likely monetisable

  • Tutorial series with the same intro/outro but different substantive lessons each video.
  • Reaction videos with voiceover, research, and on-screen presence; clips are used to support your commentary.
  • Shorts remix where you add original audio, context, or edits that clearly transform the source.

Likely not monetisable

  • Mass-produced list videos with only minor wording changes.
  • Compilations of other people’s clips with minimal/zero narration.
  • Non-verbal reactions or emoji overlays that don’t add commentary or value.

7 quick fixes to protect your monetisation

  1. Add voice & perspective: Minimum 30–50% of runtime should be your narration/analysis.
  2. Show your face or brand: On-camera intros/b-roll each video (even 15–30s) strengthens originality signals.
  3. Rewrite templated scripts: Vary hooks, proof points, and CTAs; avoid copy-pasting structures.
  4. Unique editing: Custom lower-thirds, charts, B-roll, and screen recordings per topic.
  5. Descriptions that prove value: Add sources, tools, and a 1-paragraph summary; pin a comment with timestamps.
  6. Metadata QA: No misleading titles/thumbnails; ensure the first 200 characters match viewer intent.
  7. Appeal smartly: If limited/demonetised, re-cut with new VO & edits, then request review with specific changes listed.

Copy-paste description template

[Purpose]: What this video helps you do in Singapore (1–2 lines)
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:45 Update overview
02:10 What changed
04:20 What to fix
06:00 SG tax note
Links:
* Full guide (article): https://ywbanu.com/
* Sources: YouTube Help center pages cited in video
Disclosure:
* Some links may be affiliate. Opinions are my own.

FAQ — July 2025 monetisation update

1) Are reaction channels dead?

No. Reaction/compilation formats can monetise if you transform the content with narration, analysis, or educational value. Pure re-uploads or non-verbal reactions won’t.

2) Do I need exactly 1,000 subscribers now?

For full ad revenue sharing, yes (plus watch-time/Shorts thresholds). For early YPP access (fan funding & shopping), 500 subscribers plus the lower thresholds still apply in Singapore.

3) Can I use AI voices or scripts?

Yes, but ensure the result is clearly original (unique edits, commentary, research). Templated AI output across many videos risks the “inauthentic content” label.

4) Has profanity policy changed?

Yes, YouTube loosened some restrictions in 2025, but frequent/strong profanity — especially in titles or thumbnails — can still limit ads. Use sparingly.

5) Do Singapore creators need to declare YouTube income?

Yes. YouTube ad revenue, sponsorships, and most non-cash benefits are taxable. Keep records and file annually with IRAS.

Official resources

  • YouTube Channel Monetisation Policies (inauthentic content & reused content)
  • Expanded YPP thresholds (500 subs tier & full revenue sharing)
  • IRAS guidance on influencer/online income (Singapore tax)

Need help adapting your channel? I offer Singapore-focused YouTube audits. See my latest guides and get in touch.

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