YouTube: AI content disclosure
Last reviewed 2026-09-10 · Current
YouTube currently provides full native AI labeling: Altered content disclosure — Realistic altered or synthetic content that could mislead viewers. On top of platform policy, EU AI Act Article 50(4) requires disclosure of realistic synthetic media resembling real persons, objects, places or events.
Native AI-label capability
| Native label | full Altered content disclosure |
|---|---|
| Applies to | Realistic altered or synthetic content that could mislead viewers. |
| API / scheduler | partial Videos uploaded via API still require the disclosure step to be completed in YouTube Studio. |
| Last checked | 2026-09-10 |
Content and media types
| Type | Native handling | Manual action |
|---|---|---|
| Video | native | “Altered content” checkbox in Studio upload flow. |
| Synthetic voice | native | Covered by disclosure options. |
| Realistic scenes | native | Covered by disclosure options. |
| Clearly unrealistic content | manual | Optional disclosure; label appears in description. |
Legal layer vs platform policy
EU AI Act Article 50(4) requires deployers to disclose realistic AI-generated or manipulated image, audio or video resembling real persons, objects, places or events. Article 50 obligations apply from 2 August 2026.
Platform policy is separate: it governs what the platform itself requires or removes, and it can change independently of the law. Keep evidence of both layers per asset.
Before you publish
- In YouTube Studio upload flow, open the Disclosure step.
- Check “Altered content” for realistic AI-generated or AI-altered content.
- Select the most accurate disclosure option (synthetic voice, altered face, realistic scene, made-up event).
- Publish — YouTube chooses a description label or a prominent label based on sensitivity.
Known limitations / uncertainty
YouTube decides label prominence based on sensitivity (news, elections, health, finance); creators cannot force the prominent variant.
The checker opens prefilled for YouTube.