This week, YouTube updated its strikes system for the first time in almost a decade. While you may already be familiar with YouTube’s strikes system, streamers and other content creators need to be aware that the system is changing. So what do you need to know?
First off, YouTube is implementing a warning system. This means that instead of receiving a strike on your account for a first offense, you will instead receive a one-time warning without any penalty other than the removal of the content. This gives streamers the ability to learn how to follow YouTube’s policies, which are now more detailed to help users determine if their content is in compliance or not.
Second, YouTube is overhauling its three strikes system to be more consistent. Previously, a strike on a video would trigger a 90-day freeze on live streaming. For some users, this might not be a penalty at all. Others who only use live streaming might be locked out from the platform for three whole months!
Under the updated strikes system, the first strike will result in a one-week freeze on your ability to upload any new content, including live streaming. Obviously this is a much shorter time frame than the previous policy, but it covers more channel activities.
The second strike will result in a two-week freeze on your ability to upload any new content. This is a longer punishment than the first strike under the new system, but it’s not going to kill your channel. Hopefully, it gets the point across.
The penalty for a third strike remains the same. A third strike will result in your channel being terminated.
It’s important to note that strikes expire after 90 days. However, you will only receive a single warning on your account. Unlike strikes, warnings do not reset.
According to YouTube, the vast majority of users already follow its policies. The company says that 98% of users never break the community guidelines. For the 2% who do receive a first strike on their account, 94% do not receive a second strike. The warning system should make it even easier to avoid getting a strike on your account.
To find out more about YouTube’s community guidelines, click here.