YouTube to automatically label AI-generated videos

YouTube is updating its AI usage label display method and introducing an automatic detection system to strengthen transparency for generative AI content.

Changes to Label Display For content that has been realistically or meaningfully altered by AI, the label placement is being adjusted so viewers can easily recognize it.

• Long-form videos: displayed directly below the video player, above the description.
• Shorts: displayed as an overlay on top of the video.
• Content with animation or non-realistic minor changes can be checked via the expanded description.

Automatic Detection and Creator Permissions

• Starting May 2026, YouTube will introduce internal signals to assist in identifying AI-generated content.
• Even if a creator does not disclose it themselves, the system will automatically apply a label when it detects a significant level of realistic AI usage.
• If judged to be a false positive, it can be corrected in YouTube Studio, but for content that used YouTube's own AI tools (Veo, Dream Screen) or that contains C2PA metadata, the label remains permanently.

Labeling does not affect how a video is recommended or its monetization eligibility, and its purpose is to increase the transparency of information.