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YouTube Loosens Monetization Rules for Violent Games After 8 Seconds

9/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

YouTube updated its rules to allow ad revenue for graphic gaming violence after eight seconds.
Violence shown within the first seven seconds remains ineligible for monetisation.
Videos created solely for shock value such as mass NPC extermination compilations are fully demonetised.
The rule update is timed for the Grand Theft Auto VI launch on November 19, 2026.
YouTube now also allows ad revenue for gaming videos that depict recreational drug use or sale.

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Story summary

YouTube updated its rules to allow ad revenue for graphic gaming violence after eight seconds.
Violence shown within the first seven seconds remains ineligible for monetisation.
Videos created solely for shock value such as mass NPC extermination compilations are fully demonetised.
The rule update is timed for the Grand Theft Auto VI launch on November 19, 2026.
YouTube now also allows ad revenue for gaming videos that depict recreational drug use or sale.