The commercialization policies of YouTube have been seen by
content creators as both a windfall and a source of discontent in recent years.
On the one hand, the platform provides opportunity for creators to develop
sustainable careers by monetizing their videos and generating cash from such
videos.
On the other side, the policies have been criticised for
being too difficult to understand, being inconsistent, and having the potential
to be exploited.
The revenue-sharing model is one of the key advantages of
YouTube's rules regarding the commercialization of content. YouTube has made it
possible for individuals to transform their hobbies into full-time careers by
providing creators with the opportunity to earn a percentage of the advertising
money generated by their material.
The entertainment business has been democratised as a result
of this, with entry barriers being broken down and a platform being provided
for a variety of viewpoints to be heard.
In addition, YouTube's monetization practises have
progressed to include more than just the revenue from advertisements. Additional
opportunities to communicate with their audience and commercialise their
material have become available to creators on YouTube since the launch of
features such as Super Chat and channel memberships, as well as the YouTube
Partner Programme.
These capabilities make it possible for creators to develop
more direct and personal connections with their audience while also allowing
them to generate several streams of income.
However, the monetization policies of YouTube come with a
few potential negatives as well. A significant cause for concern is that the
platform's decision-making process does not adhere to any standards of
transparency or consistency.
The ever-evolving restrictions can be difficult to
understand and difficult to adhere to, which can result in the demonetization
or removal of videos without any clear justifications. Content providers
frequently confront these issues. Because of the unpredictability of the
industry, it can be challenging for creators to successfully prepare and
maintain their livelihoods.
Another problem is that it is easy for dishonest people to
take advantage of the situation. Because of its size and open nature, YouTube
is subject to copyright violations, content theft, and misuse of the system
that enables it to be monetized.
Both creators and rights holders face difficulties as a result of this situation since they must manage the complexities of preserving their intellectual property while also ensuring that they are fairly compensated.
In addition, the monetization rules have raised discussions
regarding the appropriateness of the material as well as the function of the
platform as a gatekeeper.
In some instances, YouTube's standards and algorithmic
systems are unable to discriminate correctly between appropriate and inappropriate
content, which can result in content being demonetized or ads being placed next
to problematic material, both of which can spark controversy.
The platform continues to face a great amount of difficulty
in achieving a happy medium between the rights to freedom of expression and the
need for responsible content control.