YouTube is updating its impersonation policy. Now fan channels that have a little too much in common with other accounts are subject to YouTube’s updated policies. It also means your channels can shut down completely if you’re not careful.
With an endless number of active channels on YouTube, success can be difficult. Larger channels that have been around for years and have amassed thousands – if not millions – of subscribers can often be the subject of other users’ fan channels. These fan channels aim to provide content based on the content of the original creator, although there is a fine line between adoration and complete impersonation.
YouTube cracks fan channels and updates impersonation policy
To prevent this from happening, YouTube is updating its impersonation and relationship with fan channels policy. The new policy makes it pretty clear that fan channels are allowed. According to 9to5Google, it should be a fan account and not a direct rip-off of the original.
Under the updated policy, a channel that copies another channel’s look and minor details such as a profile picture or background may be terminated. If a channel looks like it’s planning to copy another, it’s essentially outside the impersonation policy guidelines.
To get around this, creators are encouraged to explicitly state that the account is a fan channel. It should also be clear that the channel “does not represent the original creator, artist or entity the channel is celebrating.”
YouTube’s new update will go into effect on August 21, with channels that fall into the “impersonation” category at risk of being terminated.
See also: YouTube makes it easier for new YouTubers to earn money
