YouTube has announced that it will automatically add AI disclosure labels to both videos and shorts. Creators today are widely using AI platforms to generate videos that look realistic. However, amid the surge in AI generated fantasy videos, YouTube started labeling videos in 2024; however, it’s now becoming more prominent for viewers.
The AI disclosure label will now be easier to spot, and automated detection systems will identify videos created and edited with AI tools.
Previously, the labels were hidden in the expanded description section, requiring viewers to click to see them. However, with this update, it has been shifted to a prominent position.
Labels Now with Improved Visibility for Videos and Shorts
- For long-form videos: The label will appear directly below the video player, above the description.
- For short-form videos: The label will appear as an overlay in the video itself.
This single format is now applicable for photorealistic and meaningfully AI generated or edited content on YouTube. The company aims to help viewers easily understand which content includes AI-generated scenes, voices, or any other alterations.
Automation Detection that Can Catch What Creators Won’t Disclose
Alongside the manual creator disclosures, YouTube is rolling out new internal signals to identify AI-generated content starting in May 2026.
As mentioned by YouTube creator Rene Ritchie in a video and announcement, “If a creator doesn’t specify whether or not they used AI, but our systems detect significant photorealistic AI use, we will now automatically apply a label.”
If the creator thinks their content is incorrectly flagged as AI-generated, they can update their query in YouTube Studio. However, labels will remain the same for videos created using YouTube’s tools like Dream Screen, AI tools like Veo, or content with C2PA metadata.
No Impact on Recommendations or Revenue
The company has confirmed that the labels have no impact on videos. It does not change how video is recommended or whether it is eligible to earn money. This means that AI labels won’t affect video performance. If viewers see it and do not click, it gradually affects the video and how it will appear in recommendations.
Ritchie mentions, “These changes are designed to balance transparency, along with creator control.” Even though the change won’t penalize, it’s clear that the AI labels would change the viewer’s behavior, as they get to spot the AI-generated video content, and whether to watch or not.
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