YouTube: Disclosing use of GenAI content

What it is

This is YouTube's own help page on disclosing generative AI content. It explains that YouTube requires creators to disclose when they use AI to meaningfully alter or generate photorealistic content, and how to do it with the AI use setting in YouTube Studio on a computer or phone. Once disclosed, the content is labelled for viewers as AI generated or altered.

What must be disclosed

According to the page, read in October 2026, creators must disclose AI content that:

• makes a real person appear to say or do something they did not do
• alters footage of a real event or place
• generates a realistic scene that did not actually occur
• creates music that is the main focus of the video

This covers content fully or partly made or changed with AI.

What does not need disclosure

The page lists clearly unrealistic content, such as someone riding a unicorn, and minor edits, such as beauty filters, colour and lighting adjustments, background blur, captions, sharpening and upscaling. It also lists production assistance: using AI to create or improve an outline, script, thumbnail, title or infographic. Cloning your own voice for voiceovers or dubs is also listed as not needing disclosure.

Why it matters for freelancers

When you deliver video for a client's channel, they will upload it, but you know how it was made. Add a line to your handover note saying whether it needs the AI label and why. A thumbnail you made with AI does not need it; a realistic AI scene of a place or person does. Getting this right protects your client's channel and your reputation.

How to use it

• Read the full list of examples once, then keep the page bookmarked.
• Decide on labels during planning, not after delivery: it can change what a client wants to make.
• When in doubt, label. The label is not a penalty.
• Remember other platforms have their own rules: check Meta and TikTok too.

Who it suits

Anyone making or uploading video for YouTube with AI involved, especially freelancers delivering to clients' channels.

Pair it with on Sefism

• Follow the AI video and design for clients roadmap and keep its cheat sheet open while you work.
• For platforms, proposals, pricing and getting paid, use the Freelancing roadmap.

Best for: deciding quickly whether a client video needs YouTube's AI label.