Spam violations can cost monetization or the channel; some get content removal and a warning or strike
If content violates the spam policy, YouTube may suspend monetization or terminate the channel or account. For some violations YouTube may remove the content and issue a warning or a strike against the channel, and it says it will send an email to let the creator know. The wording is "may", so the outcome is discretionary and depends on the violation.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we may suspend your monetization or terminate your channel or account. Learn more about [monetization policies](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1311392) and [channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
For some violations, we may remove the content and issue a warning or a strike against your channel. If this happens, we’ll send you an email to let you know.
Not stated here
The linked pages for monetization policies, terminations and the strike system are separate pages not supplied in this passage, so this card cannot say what they require.
Account & Service Control · User right or choice
An optional policy training can let a warning expire after 90 days, with conditions
A creator can take an optional policy training to allow a warning to expire after 90 days. If the content violates the same policy within that 90-day window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. If the creator violates a different policy after completing the training, they get another warning. YouTube may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future.
Supporting quotations
You can take an optional policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. However, if your content violates the same policy within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning. We may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future.
Qualifications & exceptions
Applies to warnings; training is optional.
Same policy repeated in the window: warning may not expire and a strike may follow.
Different policy after training: another warning.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Three strikes within 90 days may end in channel termination
If a channel gets 3 strikes within 90 days, it may be terminated. The page points to the strike system for more detail, which is not part of this passage.
Supporting quotations
If you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel may be terminated. Learn more about [our strike system](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked pages for monetization policies, terminations and the strike system are separate pages not supplied in this passage, so this card cannot say what they require.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
A channel set up to impersonate may be removed
If YouTube determines that a channel was established to impersonate another person or entity, the channel may be removed to protect the community. The page does not describe warnings or strikes for impersonation in this section.
Supporting quotations
If we determine that a channel was established to impersonate another person or entity, the channel may be removed to protect our community.
Qualifications & exceptions
The wording is "may be removed", so removal is discretionary.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Link violations: content removed and email sent; unverified links may be removed
If content violates the external links policy, YouTube says it will remove the content and send an email to let the creator know. If YouTube cannot verify that a posted link is safe, it may remove the link. Violative URLs posted within the video or in its metadata may result in the video being removed.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we will remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If we can’t verify that a link you post is safe, we may remove the link. Note that violative URLs posted within the video itself or in the video’s metadata may result in the video being removed.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
First violation usually a warning; a policy training can let it expire after 90 days
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel. They have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days, and the 90 days start when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. If the same policy is violated within the window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. If a different policy is violated after the training, the creator gets another warning.
Supporting quotations
If this is your first time violating our Community Guidelines, you'll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. The 90 day period starts from when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. However, if the same policy is violated within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Likely" a warning for a first violation; not guaranteed.
Window runs from training completion.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Three strikes within 90 days may end in channel termination
If a channel gets 3 strikes within 90 days, it may be terminated. The page points to the strike system for more detail, which is not part of this passage.
Supporting quotations
If you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel may be terminated. Learn more about [our strikes system](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Channels or accounts may be terminated for repeated violations, one severe abuse, or a channel built around a violation
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. YouTube may also prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future. This sits after the external links enforcement text on the captured page.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. We may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future. Learn more about [channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Violating content and channels may be terminated; hired promoters can put your channel at risk
Content and channels that do not follow the fake engagement policy may be terminated and removed from YouTube. If a creator hires someone to promote a channel, that person's decisions may affect the channel. Any method that violates YouTube's policies may result in content removal or a channel takedown, whether the action was taken by the creator or by someone they hired.
Supporting quotations
Content and channels that don't follow this policy may be terminated and removed from YouTube.
Important: If you hire someone to promote your channel, their decisions may impact your channel. Any method that violates our policies may result in content removal or a channel takedown, whether it's an action taken by you or someone you've hired.
Qualifications & exceptions
Responsibility reaches actions by people the creator hires.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Artificial traffic is not counted and can lead to strikes; spam subscribers do not count
Page traffic found to be artificial will not be counted on YouTube and can lead to strikes on the account. Terminated accounts and subscribers identified as spam will not count toward total subscribers or views. YouTube says these are not active viewers, so removing them should not affect views or watch time.
Supporting quotations
Page traffic found to be artificial will not be counted on YouTube and can lead to strikes on your account. Terminated accounts and subscribers that are identified as spam will not count toward your total number of subscribers or views. These aren't active viewers, so their removal shouldn’t impact your views or watch time.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Fake engagement violations: content removed with an email; unverified links may be removed
If content violates the fake engagement policy, YouTube says it will remove the content and send an email. If YouTube cannot verify that a posted link is safe, it may remove the link. Violative URLs posted within the video or its metadata may result in the video being removed.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we will remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If we can’t verify that a link you post is safe, we may remove the link. Note that violative URLs posted within the video itself or in the video’s metadata may result in the video being removed.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Fake engagement policy: first violation likely a warning; a training can let it expire after 90 days
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel. They can take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days, and the 90 days start when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. If the same policy is violated within the window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. A violation of a different policy after the training brings another warning.
Supporting quotations
If this is your first time violating our Community Guidelines, you'll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. The 90 day period starts from when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. However, if the same policy is violated within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Likely" a warning for a first violation; not guaranteed.
The 90 days run from training completion.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Fake engagement policy: three strikes within 90 days may end in termination
If a channel gets 3 strikes within 90 days, it may be terminated. The page points to a strikes system page for detail.
Supporting quotations
If you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel may be terminated. Learn more about [our strikes system](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Fake engagement policy: termination for repeated violations, severe abuse or a channel dedicated to a violation
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation, and may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. We may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future. Learn more about [channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Restriction or exception
Encouraging other users to violate the Terms of Service can lead to removal or penalties
If a user posts content that encourages other users to violate YouTube's Terms of Service, the content may be removed and the account may be penalized. In some cases the account may be terminated.
Supporting quotations
If you post content that encourages other users to violate our Terms of Service, the content may be removed, your account may be penalized, and in some cases your account may be terminated.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service are a separate document not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Restriction or exception
Re-posting removed content, or content from restricted or terminated creators, is circumvention
Posting content previously removed for violating the Terms of Service, content from creators with a current channel restriction, or content from creators who have been terminated is considered circumvention under the Terms of Service. If a user posts such content, it may be removed and the YouTube channel may also be penalized or terminated. This may also apply to other channels the user owns.
Supporting quotations
Posting content previously removed for violating our Terms of Service, content from creators with a current [channel restriction](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032), or content from creators who have been terminated is considered circumvention under our Terms of Service.
If you post such content, it may be removed, and your YouTube channel may also be penalized or [terminated](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168). This may also apply to other channels you own.
Qualifications & exceptions
Outcomes are "may": removal, penalty or termination.
Other channels the user owns may also be affected.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and linked restriction and termination pages are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
YouTube may ask users to confirm their age
YouTube may ask a user to confirm their age if it thinks the user is not old enough to use YouTube. The page points to a separate page for more about the process.
Supporting quotations
We may ask you to confirm your age if we think that you are not old enough to use YouTube. You can learn more about this process [here](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1333913).
Not stated here
The age confirmation process is described on a linked page that is not supplied here.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Playlists policy: violating content is removed with an email; unverified links may be removed
If content violates the playlists policy, YouTube says it will remove the content and send an email to let the creator know. If YouTube cannot verify that a posted link is safe, it may remove the link. Violative URLs posted within the video or in its metadata may result in the video being removed.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we will remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If we can’t verify that a link you post is safe, we may remove the link. Note that violative URLs posted within the video itself or in the video’s metadata may result in the video being removed.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Playlists policy: first violation likely a warning; a training can let it expire after 90 days
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel. They can take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days, and the 90 days start when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. If the same policy is violated within the window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. A violation of a different policy after the training brings another warning.
Supporting quotations
If this is your first time violating our Community Guidelines, you'll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. The 90 day period starts from when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. However, if the same policy is violated within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Likely" a warning for a first violation; not guaranteed.
The 90 days run from training completion.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Playlists policy: three strikes within 90 days may end in termination
If a channel gets 3 strikes within 90 days, it may be terminated. The page points to a strikes system page for detail.
Supporting quotations
If you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel may be terminated. Learn more about [our strikes system](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Playlists policy: termination for repeated violations, severe abuse or a channel dedicated to a violation
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation, and may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. We may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future. Learn more about [channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Restriction or exception
Explicit content can lead to termination; real, dramatized, illustrated and animated content all count
Explicit content that violates the policy could result in channel termination. The policy applies to real-world, dramatized, illustrated and animated content, including sex scenes, video games and music.
Supporting quotations
Explicit content that violates this policy could result in channel termination. This policy applies to real-world, dramatized, illustrated, and animated content, including sex scenes, video games, and music.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Third-party ratings may be considered; age-restricted content is hidden from under-18s and signed-out users
For educational, documentary, scientific or artistic content with adult material or graphic violence, YouTube may take official third-party ratings into account in deciding whether the content may remain. Content that follows the policies but is not appropriate for all audiences is age-restricted, and age-restricted content is not viewable by anyone under 18 years of age or signed out.
Supporting quotations
For educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic content that has adult material or graphic violence, we may take into account official third-party ratings to decide whether the content may remain on YouTube. Content that follows our policies but isn’t appropriate for all audiences is [age-restricted](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802167). Age-restricted content isn’t viewable to anyone who’s under 18 years of age or signed out.
Not stated here
The linked age-restriction page is a separate page not supplied here.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Nudity & Sexual Content Policy: violating content is removed with an email; unverified links may be removed
If content violates the nudity & sexual content policy, YouTube says it will remove the content and send an email to let the creator know. If YouTube cannot verify that a posted link is safe, it may remove the link. Violative URLs posted within the video or in its metadata may result in the video being removed.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we will remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If we can’t verify that a link you post is safe, we may remove the link. Note that violative URLs posted within the video itself or in the video’s metadata may result in the video being removed.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Nudity & Sexual Content Policy: first violation likely a warning; a training can let it expire after 90 days
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel. They can take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days, and the 90 days start when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. If the same policy is violated within the window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. A violation of a different policy after the training brings another warning.
Supporting quotations
If this is your first time violating our Community Guidelines, you'll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. The 90 day period starts from when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. However, if the same policy is violated within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Likely" a warning for a first violation; not guaranteed.
The 90 days run from training completion.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Nudity & Sexual Content Policy: three strikes within 90 days may end in termination
If a channel gets 3 strikes within 90 days, it may be terminated. The page points to a strikes system page for detail.
Supporting quotations
If you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel may be terminated. Learn more about [our strikes system](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Nudity & Sexual Content Policy: termination for repeated violations, severe abuse or a channel dedicated to a violation
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation, and may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. We may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future. Learn more about [channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Pornography may lead to channel termination
If a channel's content contains pornography, YouTube says it may terminate the channel. The wording is "may", so termination is discretionary.
Supporting quotations
If your content contains pornography, we may terminate your channel.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Unsuitable-but-allowed thumbnails: video may be age-restricted or thumbnail removed, with no strike
Sometimes a thumbnail may not be appropriate for all audiences but does not violate the Community Guidelines. In that case YouTube may age-restrict the video or may remove the thumbnail, but it does not issue a strike. If a thumbnail is removed, YouTube lets the creator know, and the creator can upload another thumbnail.
Supporting quotations
Sometimes, a thumbnail may not be appropriate for all audiences, but it doesn’t violate our Community Guidelines. When that happens, we may age-restrict the video, or we may remove the thumbnail, but we don’t issue a strike on your channel. If we remove a thumbnail, we let you know, and you can upload another thumbnail.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Thumbnail pornography may end the channel; other violations remove the thumbnail and may bring a strike
If a thumbnail contains pornography, YouTube may terminate the channel. If the thumbnail violates other policies, YouTube removes the thumbnail and may issue a strike against the account.
Supporting quotations
If your thumbnail contains pornography, we may terminate your channel. If your thumbnail violates other policies, we remove the thumbnail and may issue a strike against your account.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Thumbnails: first violation likely a warning; a training can let it expire after 90 days
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel and can take a policy training so the warning expires after 90 days. If one of the creator's thumbnails violates the same policy within the 90-day window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. A violation of a different policy after the training brings another warning.
Supporting quotations
If it's the first time you’ve posted content that violates our Community Guidelines, you'll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. However, if one of your thumbnails violates the same policy within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Likely" a warning; not guaranteed.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Thumbnails: three strikes in 90 days or a channel dedicated to violative content may be terminated
If a channel gets three strikes in 90 days or is dedicated to violative content, it may be terminated. The page points to the strikes system for detail.
Supporting quotations
If you get three strikes in 90 days or your channel is dedicated to violative content, your channel may be terminated. Learn more about our [strikes system](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Thumbnails: termination for repeated violations, severe abuse or a channel dedicated to a violation
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation, and may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. We may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future. Learn more about [channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Content with dangerous acts that adults or minors could imitate may be age-restricted
YouTube may add an age restriction to content that includes harmful or dangerous acts that adults or minors could imitate, such as content with adults participating in dangerous activities that adults or minors could easily imitate. The page notes that simply saying "Don't try this at home" may not result in an exception.
Supporting quotations
Age-restricted content
We may add an age restriction to content that includes any of the following.
Harmful or dangerous acts that adults or minors could imitate: Content containing adults participating in dangerous activities that adults or minors could easily imitate.
Note: Simply saying, “Don’t try this at home” may not result in an exception. Learn more about [age restricted Harmful or Dangerous content](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2801964#age_restricted_removal).
Qualifications & exceptions
"May" add an age restriction; a disclaimer alone may not avoid it.
Not stated here
The linked section on age-restricted Harmful or Dangerous content is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Adult-themed family-looking content and sexually explicit language may be age-restricted
YouTube may add an age restriction to content meant for adult audiences that could easily be confused with family content, including cartoons that contain adult themes such as violence, sex or death. Creators are reminded they can age-restrict content on upload if it is intended for mature audiences. Content using sexually explicit language or excessive profanity may lead to age restriction, because some language is not appropriate for younger audiences.
Supporting quotations
Adult themes in family content: Content meant for adult audiences but could easily be confused with family content. This includes cartoons that contain adult themes such as violence, sex, or death. Remember you can age restrict your content upon upload if it’s intended for [mature audiences](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2950063).
Vulgar language: Some language is not appropriate for younger audiences. Content using sexually explicit language or excessive profanity may lead to age restriction.
Not stated here
The linked mature audiences page is a separate page not supplied here.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Content featuring minors, even if allowed, may have features disabled on the channel and content
To protect minors, content that does not violate the policies but depicts children or is uploaded by minors may have some features disabled at both the channel and content level. The features named are comments, live chat, live streaming, video recommendations, posts, Shorts video remixing, and views from signed-out users. The wording is "may", so which features are disabled is decided by YouTube.
Supporting quotations
Content featuring minors
To protect minors on YouTube, content that doesn’t violate our policies but depicts children or is uploaded by minors may have some features disabled at both the channel and content level. These features may include:
Comments
Live chat
Live streaming
Video recommendations (how and when your video is recommended)
Posts
Shorts Video remixing
Views from signed-out users
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Stricter display standards may apply to minors' channels
YouTube may also apply stricter display standards to comments, posts and live chat messages on channels owned by minors or associated with content depicting or uploaded by minors.
Supporting quotations
Note:
We may also apply stricter display standards to comments, posts, and live chat messages on channels owned by minors or associated with content depicting or uploaded by minors.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Live streams with unaccompanied minors under 16 may be removed or lose live chat
Live streams with minors under 16 who are not visibly accompanied by an adult may be removed or have their live chat disabled. Channels not in compliance with this policy may temporarily or permanently lose their ability to live stream or access to other features.
Supporting quotations
Live streams with minors under 16 who are not visibly accompanied by an adult may be removed or have their live chat disabled. Channels not in compliance with this policy may temporarily or permanently lose their ability to live stream or access to other features.
Qualifications & exceptions
Applies to minors under 16 not visibly accompanied by an adult.
Loss of features may be temporary or permanent.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Child safety policy: violating content is removed with an email; unverified links may be removed
If content violates the child safety policy, YouTube says it will remove the content and send an email to let the creator know. If YouTube cannot verify that a posted link is safe, it may remove the link. Violative URLs posted within the video or in its metadata may result in the video being removed.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we will remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If we can’t verify that a link you post is safe, we may remove the link. Note that violative URLs posted within the video itself or in the video’s metadata may result in the video being removed.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Child safety policy: first violation likely a warning; a training can let it expire after 90 days
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel. They can take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days, and the 90 days start when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. If the same policy is violated within the window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. A violation of a different policy after the training brings another warning.
Supporting quotations
If this is your first time violating our Community Guidelines, you'll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. The 90 day period starts from when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. However, if the same policy is violated within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Likely" a warning for a first violation; not guaranteed.
The 90 days run from training completion.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Child safety policy: three strikes within 90 days may end in termination
If a channel gets 3 strikes within 90 days, it may be terminated. The page points to a strikes system page for detail.
Supporting quotations
If you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel may be terminated. Learn more about [our strikes system](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Child safety policy: termination for repeated violations, severe abuse or a channel dedicated to a violation
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation, and may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. We may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future. Learn more about [channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Not following these guidelines may lead to a strike, removal or other restrictions
Creators are asked to follow the guidelines below when making content about suicide, self-harm or eating disorders, to protect and support viewers and other users. Not following them may result in a strike, removal of the content, or other restrictions to protect users. The outcomes are "may", so they are discretionary.
Supporting quotations
To protect and support your viewers and other users, please follow the Community Guidelines below when creating content related to suicide, self-harm, or eating disorders. Not following these Community Guidelines may result in a strike, removal of your content, or other restrictions to protect users. [Learn more](https://support.google.com/youtube/topic/9387060).
Not stated here
The linked page with more information is a separate page not supplied here.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Suicide, self-harm and eating disorders policy: content removed with an email; unverified links may be removed
If content violates the suicide, self-harm and eating disorders policy, YouTube says it will remove the content and send an email to let the creator know. If YouTube cannot verify that a posted link is safe, it may remove the link. Violative URLs posted within the video or in its metadata may result in the video being removed.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we will remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If we can’t verify that a link you post is safe, we may remove the link. Note that violative URLs posted within the video itself or in the video’s metadata may result in the video being removed.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Suicide, self-harm and eating disorders policy: first violation likely a warning; training can expire it after 90 days
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel. They can take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days, and the 90 days start when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. If the same policy is violated within the window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. A violation of a different policy after the training brings another warning.
Supporting quotations
If this is your first time violating our Community Guidelines, you'll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. The 90 day period starts from when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. However, if the same policy is violated within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Likely" a warning for a first violation; not guaranteed.
The 90 days run from training completion.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Suicide, self-harm and eating disorders policy: three strikes within 90 days may end in termination
If a channel gets 3 strikes within 90 days, it may be terminated. The page points to a strikes system page for detail.
Supporting quotations
If you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel may be terminated. Learn more about [our strikes system](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Suicide, self-harm and eating disorders policy: termination for repeated or severe violations, or a channel built on one
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation, and may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. We may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future. Learn more about [channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Live streaming access may be limited if a creator suggests they will stream violating content
YouTube may limit a creator's access to live streaming if the creator suggests that they will live stream content that will violate the Community Guidelines. A separate page about restrictions on live streaming is linked.
Supporting quotations
Finally we may also limit your access to live streaming if you suggest that you’ll live stream content that will violate our Community Guidelines.
Not stated here
The linked restrictions on live streaming page is a separate page not supplied here.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Explicit language can lead to age restriction, removal or a strike, judged on listed factors
Explicit content that violates the policy could result in age restriction, content removal or a strike. YouTube may consider listed factors in deciding which: use of sexually explicit language or narratives; use of excessive profanity; use of heavy profanity or sexually suggestive terms in the title, thumbnail or associated metadata; and use of excessive sexual sounds. The page says the list is not complete.
Supporting quotations
If you're posting content
Explicit content that violates this policy could result in [age restriction](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802167), content removal, or a [strike](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032). We may consider the following factors when deciding whether to age-restrict, remove content, or issue a strike.
Use of sexually explicit language or narratives
Use of excessive profanity in the content
Use of heavy profanity or sexually suggestive terms in the content’s title, thumbnail, or associated metadata
Use of excessive sexual sounds
Note: The above list isn’t complete.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Could result" and "may consider": discretionary.
Not stated here
The linked age restriction and strike pages are separate pages not supplied here.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Vulgar language policy: violating content is removed with an email; unverified links may be removed
If content violates the vulgar language policy, YouTube says it will remove the content and send an email to let the creator know. If YouTube cannot verify that a posted link is safe, it may remove the link. Violative URLs posted within the video or in its metadata may result in the video being removed.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we will remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If we can’t verify that a link you post is safe, we may remove the link. Note that violative URLs posted within the video itself or in the video’s metadata may result in the video being removed.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Vulgar language policy: first violation likely a warning; a training can let it expire after 90 days
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel. They can take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days, and the 90 days start when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. If the same policy is violated within the window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. A violation of a different policy after the training brings another warning.
Supporting quotations
If this is your first time violating our Community Guidelines, you'll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. The 90 day period starts from when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. However, if the same policy is violated within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Likely" a warning for a first violation; not guaranteed.
The 90 days run from training completion.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Vulgar language policy: three strikes within 90 days may end in termination
If a channel gets 3 strikes within 90 days, it may be terminated. The page points to a strikes system page for detail.
Supporting quotations
If you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel may be terminated. Learn more about [our strikes system](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Vulgar language policy: termination for repeated violations, severe abuse or a channel dedicated to a violation
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation, and may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. We may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future. Learn more about [channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Adult prank content may be age-restricted; educational or documentary context may be approved
YouTube may age-restrict prank content that involves adults and does not violate its policies. It may also approve content that has educational or documentary context.
Supporting quotations
Note: We may age-restrict prank content that involves adults and that doesn't violate our policies. We may also approve content that has educational or documentary context.
Qualifications & exceptions
Both outcomes are "may": discretionary.
Account & Service Control · Context
Content that does not violate the policy may still be unsuitable for viewers under 18
Sometimes content does not violate the policies but may not be appropriate for viewers under 18. The page says the list of criteria that follows is not complete.
Supporting quotations
Note: The list below isn't complete.
Sometimes content doesn't violate our policies, but it may not be appropriate for viewers under 18.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
A dangerous act may be age-restricted rather than removed if listed criteria are met
YouTube may restrict rather than remove content showing a dangerous act if it meets one or more listed criteria. The first is educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, such as information about the risks of the act, explanation of injuries that can result, a creator's own experience of being injured, or the precautions or training required to do the act safely; saying "Don't try this at home" is not sufficient context. The second is that the act shown does not risk serious injury. The third is that the content does not promote the act, where promotion includes any encouragement or praise of the act or instructions on how to complete it.
Supporting quotations
We may restrict rather than remove if content showing a dangerous act meets one or more of the following criteria:
There is educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context, such as providing information about the risks of the act. For example, this could include context explaining the types of injuries that can happen as a result of doing the dangerous act, or describing your own experience being injured as a result of the dangerous act. It could also include context explaining the types of precautions or training required to do the act safely and prevent injury. Saying, “Don’t try this at home” is not sufficient context.
The act shown does not risk serious injury.
The content does not promote the act shown. Promotion includes any form of encouragement or praise of the act, or providing instructions on how to complete the act.
Qualifications & exceptions
"May" restrict rather than remove; any one or more listed criteria.
A "Don't try this at home" statement alone is not enough.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Harmful or dangerous content policy: content removed with an email; unverified links may be removed
If content violates the harmful or dangerous content policy, YouTube says it will remove the content and send an email to let the creator know. If YouTube cannot verify that a posted link is safe, it may remove the link. Violative URLs posted within the video or in its metadata may result in the video being removed.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we will remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If we can’t verify that a link you post is safe, we may remove the link. Note that violative URLs posted within the video itself or in the video’s metadata may result in the video being removed.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Harmful or dangerous content policy: first violation likely a warning; training can expire it after 90 days
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel. They can take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days, and the 90 days start when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. If the same policy is violated within the window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. A violation of a different policy after the training brings another warning.
Supporting quotations
If this is your first time violating our Community Guidelines, you'll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. The 90 day period starts from when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. However, if the same policy is violated within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Likely" a warning for a first violation; not guaranteed.
The 90 days run from training completion.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Harmful or dangerous content policy: three strikes within 90 days may end in termination
If a channel gets 3 strikes within 90 days, it may be terminated. The page points to a strikes system page for detail.
Supporting quotations
If you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel may be terminated. Learn more about [our strikes system](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Harmful or dangerous content policy: termination for repeated or severe violations, or a channel built on one
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation, and may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. We may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future. Learn more about [channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Official third-party ratings may be considered; age-restricted content is hidden from under-18s and signed-out users
For educational, documentary, scientific or artistic content that has adult material or graphic violence, YouTube may take official third-party industry ratings into account in deciding whether the content may remain. Content that follows the policies but is not appropriate for all audiences is age-restricted, and age-restricted content is not viewable by anyone under 18 or signed out.
Supporting quotations
For educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic content that has adult material or graphic violence, we may take into account official third-party industry ratings to decide whether the content may remain on YouTube. Content that follows our policies but isn’t appropriate for all audiences is [age-restricted](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802167). Age-restricted content isn’t viewable to anyone who’s under 18 years of age or signed out.
Not stated here
The linked age-restriction page is a separate page not supplied here.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Violent or graphic content may be age-restricted instead of removed when it has enough context
YouTube may apply an age restriction rather than remove violent or graphic content if the content provides enough context to understand it. The page's example is that content showing victims' injuries in a road accident may be removed, but the same content may be age-restricted if presented with news coverage that explains the situation. For educational use of violent or graphic content, the context must appear in the images or audio of the video itself.
Supporting quotations
We may apply an age-restriction rather than remove violent or graphic content if that content provides enough context to understand it. For example, content showing victims’ injuries in a road accident may be removed, but we may age-restrict that same content if presented with news coverage that explains the situation and context. For educational use of violent or graphic content, this context must appear in the images or audio of the video itself. You can learn more about the [importance of context here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162).
Qualifications & exceptions
"May" age-restrict: discretionary.
For educational use, the context must be in the images or audio.
Not stated here
The linked page on the importance of context is a separate page not supplied here.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Dramatized violence may be age-restricted; real human actors are treated differently from animation and games
YouTube may age-restrict dramatized violence when it contains graphic scenes, such as mass violence against non-combatants or people being tortured, dismembered or decapitated. It may also age-restrict content that focuses on human corpses with severe injuries or violent deaths that show blood. It distinguishes dramatized violence with real human actors from animations or video games: real-actor content may be more likely to face age restrictions, especially if particularly graphic or realistic. Generally, YouTube does not remove dramatized violence when the content or metadata shows it is fictional, or it is apparent from the content, such as animation or video games.
Supporting quotations
We may age-restrict dramatized violence when it contains graphic scenes, such as mass violence against non-combatants or people being tortured, dismembered, or decapitated. We may also age-restrict content that focuses on human corpses with these severe injuries or violent deaths of a person that show blood. We make a distinction between dramatized violence featuring real human actors and content featuring animations or video games. Dramatized violence featuring real human actors may be more likely to face age-restrictions, especially if the content is particularly graphic or realistic. Generally, we do not remove dramatized violence when the content or metadata lets us know that the content is fictional, or when it’s apparent from the content itself, such as with animated content or video games.
Qualifications & exceptions
"May" and "generally": discretionary and not absolute.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Violent or graphic content policy: content removed with an email; unverified links may be removed
If content violates the violent or graphic content policy, YouTube says it will remove the content and send an email to let the creator know. If YouTube cannot verify that a posted link is safe, it may remove the link. Violative URLs posted within the video or in its metadata may result in the video being removed.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we will remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If we can’t verify that a link you post is safe, we may remove the link. Note that violative URLs posted within the video itself or in the video’s metadata may result in the video being removed.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Violent or graphic content policy: first violation likely a warning; training can expire it after 90 days
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel. They can take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days, and the 90 days start when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. If the same policy is violated within the window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. A violation of a different policy after the training brings another warning.
Supporting quotations
If this is your first time violating our Community Guidelines, you'll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. The 90 day period starts from when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. However, if the same policy is violated within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Likely" a warning for a first violation; not guaranteed.
The 90 days run from training completion.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Violent or graphic content policy: three strikes within 90 days may end in termination
If a channel gets 3 strikes within 90 days, it may be terminated. The page points to a strikes system page for detail.
Supporting quotations
If you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel may be terminated. Learn more about [our strikes system](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Violent or graphic content policy: termination for repeated or severe violations, or a channel built on one
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation, and may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. We may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future. Learn more about [channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Channels reasonably believed to belong to designated terrorist organizations are terminated
YouTube says it relies on many factors, including government and international organization designations, to determine what constitutes criminal or terrorist organizations. For example, it terminates any channel where it has reasonable belief that the account holder is a member of a designated terrorist organization, such as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (U.S.), or an organization identified by the United Nations.
Supporting quotations
YouTube relies on many factors, including government and international organization designations, to determine what constitutes criminal or terrorist organizations. For example, we terminate any channel where we have reasonable belief that the account holder is a member of a designated terrorist organization, such as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (U.S.), or organization identified by the United Nations.
Qualifications & exceptions
The standard is YouTube's "reasonable belief" of membership.
The factors are not limited to designations.
Not stated here
The passage does not say how YouTube determines membership or reviews such terminations.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Violent extremist policy: violating content is removed with an email; unverified links may be removed
If content violates this policy, YouTube says it will remove the content and send an email. If YouTube cannot verify that a posted link is safe, it may remove the link. Violative URLs posted within the video or in its metadata may result in the video being removed.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we'll remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If we can’t verify that a link you post is safe, we may remove the link. Note that violative URLs posted within the video itself or in the video’s metadata may result in the video being removed.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Violent extremist policy: first violation likely a warning; training can expire it after 90 days
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel. They can take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days, and the 90 days start when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. If the same policy is violated within the window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. A violation of a different policy after the training brings another warning.
Supporting quotations
If this is your first time violating our Community Guidelines, you'll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. The 90 day period starts from when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. However, if the same policy is violated within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Likely" a warning for a first violation; not guaranteed.
The 90 days run from training completion.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Violent extremist policy: three strikes within 90 days may end in termination
If a channel gets 3 strikes within 90 days, it may be terminated. The page points to a strikes system page for detail.
Supporting quotations
If you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel may be terminated. You can learn more about our strikes system [here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Violent extremist policy: termination for repeated or severe violations, or a channel built on one
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation, and may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. We may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future. Learn more about [channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
In some rare cases content may be removed or penalties issued for repeated abuse, harm risks or hostility for profit
In some rare cases YouTube may remove content or issue other penalties when a creator repeatedly encourages abusive audience behavior; repeatedly targets, insults and abuses a group based on protected group status across multiple uploads; exposes a group with protected group status to risks of physical harm based on the local social or political context; or creates content that harms the YouTube ecosystem by persistently inciting hostility against a group with protected group status for personal financial gain.
Supporting quotations
Monetization and other penalties
In some rare cases, we may remove content or issue other penalties when a creator:
Repeatedly encourages abusive audience behavior.
Repeatedly targets, insults, and abuses a group based on protected group status across multiple uploads.
Exposes a group with protected group status to risks of physical harm based on the local social or political context.
Creates content that harms the YouTube ecosystem by persistently inciting hostility against a group with protected group status for personal financial gain.
Qualifications & exceptions
Described as "some rare cases" and "may": discretionary.
Not stated here
The passage does not say what the "other penalties" are.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Hate speech policy: content removed with an email; unverified links may be removed
If content violates the hate speech policy, YouTube says it will remove the content and send an email to let the creator know. If YouTube cannot verify that a posted link is safe, it may remove the link. Violative URLs posted within the video or in its metadata may result in the video being removed.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we will remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If we can’t verify that a link you post is safe, we may remove the link. Note that violative URLs posted within the video itself or in the video’s metadata may result in the video being removed.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Hate speech policy: first violation likely a warning; training can expire it after 90 days
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel. They can take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days, and the 90 days start when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. If the same policy is violated within the window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. A violation of a different policy after the training brings another warning.
Supporting quotations
If this is your first time violating our Community Guidelines, you'll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. The 90 day period starts from when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. However, if the same policy is violated within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Likely" a warning for a first violation; not guaranteed.
The 90 days run from training completion.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Hate speech policy: three strikes within 90 days may end in termination
If a channel gets 3 strikes within 90 days, it may be terminated. The page points to a strikes system page for detail.
Supporting quotations
If you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel may be terminated. Learn more about [our strikes system](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Hate speech policy: termination for repeated or severe violations, or a channel built on one
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation, and may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. We may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future. Learn more about [channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
In some rare cases content may be removed or penalties issued for repeated abuse, harm risks or profiting from hostility
In some rare cases YouTube may remove content or issue other penalties when a creator repeatedly encourages abusive audience behavior; repeatedly targets, insults and abuses an identifiable individual based on intrinsic attributes across several uploads; exposes an individual to risks of physical harm based on the local social or political context; or creates content that harms the YouTube community by persistently inciting hostility between creators for personal financial gain.
Supporting quotations
Monetization and other penalties
In some rare cases, we may remove content or issue other penalties when a creator:
Repeatedly encourages abusive audience behavior.
Repeatedly targets, insults and abuses an identifiable individual based on their intrinsic attributes across several uploads.
Exposes an individual to risks of physical harm based on the local social or political context.
Creates content that harms the YouTube community by persistently inciting hostility between creators for personal financial gain.
Qualifications & exceptions
Described as "some rare cases" and "may": discretionary.
Not stated here
The passage does not say what the "other penalties" are.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Harassment policy: content removed with an email; unverified links may be removed
If content violates the harassment policy, YouTube says it will remove the content and send an email to let the creator know. If YouTube cannot verify that a posted link is safe, it may remove the link. Violative URLs posted within the video or in its metadata may result in the video being removed.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we will remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If we can’t verify that a link you post is safe, we may remove the link. Note that violative URLs posted within the video itself or in the video’s metadata may result in the video being removed.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Harassment policy: first violation likely a warning; training can expire it after 90 days
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel. They can take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days, and the 90 days start when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. If the same policy is violated within the window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. A violation of a different policy after the training brings another warning.
Supporting quotations
If this is your first time violating our Community Guidelines, you'll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. The 90 day period starts from when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. However, if the same policy is violated within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Likely" a warning for a first violation; not guaranteed.
The 90 days run from training completion.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Harassment policy: three strikes within 90 days may end in termination
If a channel gets 3 strikes within 90 days, it may be terminated. The page points to a strikes system page for detail.
Supporting quotations
If you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel may be terminated. Learn more about [our strikes system](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Harassment policy: termination for repeated or severe violations, or a channel built on one
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation, and may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. We may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future. Learn more about [channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Real use of certain firearms may be age-restricted; EDSA exceptions may apply in some cases
Sometimes content does not violate the policies but may not be appropriate for viewers under 18. YouTube age-restricts content showing the use of certain firearms and accessories, and the page notes this restriction applies to real use of firearms only. In some cases YouTube may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest.
Supporting quotations
Sometimes content doesn't violate our policies, but it may not be appropriate for viewers under 18. YouTube age restricts content showing the use of certain firearms and accessories also noted below (note: this restriction applies to real use of firearms only; details are below). In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with [educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest.
Qualifications & exceptions
The age restriction applies to real firearm use only.
Exceptions are discretionary and "in some cases".
Not stated here
The linked EDSA evaluation page is a separate page not supplied here.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Content showing use of homemade or automatic firearms and certain accessories may be age-restricted
Content that does not violate the policies but may not be appropriate for viewers under 18 includes content showing use of a homemade firearm (such as a 3D printed gun), an automatic firearm, or accessories that enable simulated automatic fire, accessories that convert a firearm to automatic fire, high capacity magazines or homemade silencers or suppressors. Non-exhaustive examples are firing a 3D printed firearm, firing a fully automatic rifle, and firing a firearm with a high capacity magazine. The guidelines apply to real use of firearms and may not apply, for example, to use of firearms in artistic content such as a film.
Supporting quotations
Sometimes content doesn't violate our policies, but it may not be appropriate for viewers under 18.
Content showing use of a homemade firearm (e.g. 3D printed gun), an automatic firearm, or any of the below accessories:
Accessories that enable a firearm to simulate automatic fire
Accessories that convert a firearm to automatic fire, such as: bump stocks, gatling triggers, drop-in auto sears, or conversion kits
High capacity magazines
Homemade silencers/suppressors
Examples (non-exhaustive):
Firing a 3D printed firearm
Firing a fully automatic rifle
Firing a firearm with a high capacity magazine
These guidelines apply to real use of firearms and may not apply, for example, to use of firearms in artistic content such as a film.
Qualifications & exceptions
Applies to real use of firearms; "may not apply" to artistic content such as a film.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Firearms policy: content removed with an email; unverified links may be removed
If content violates the firearms policy, YouTube says it will remove the content and send an email to let the creator know. If YouTube cannot verify that a posted link is safe, it may remove the link. Violative URLs posted within the video or in its metadata may result in the video being removed.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we will remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If we can’t verify that a link you post is safe, we may remove the link. Note that violative URLs posted within the video itself or in the video’s metadata may result in the video being removed.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Firearms policy: first violation likely a warning; training can expire it after 90 days
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel. They can take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days, and the 90 days start when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. If the same policy is violated within the window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. A violation of a different policy after the training brings another warning.
Supporting quotations
If this is your first time violating our Community Guidelines, you'll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. The 90 day period starts from when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. However, if the same policy is violated within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Likely" a warning for a first violation; not guaranteed.
The 90 days run from training completion.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Firearms policy: three strikes within 90 days may end in termination
If a channel gets 3 strikes within 90 days, it may be terminated. The page points to a strikes system page for detail.
Supporting quotations
If you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel may be terminated. Learn more about [our strikes system](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Firearms policy: termination for repeated or severe violations, or a channel built on one
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation, and may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. We may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future. Learn more about [channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Providing contact information for hard drugs, certain poisons or non-prescription pharmaceuticals may end the channel
If a creator provides links or contact information such as phone numbers or emails where hard drugs or certain poisonous substances can be purchased, or where pharmaceuticals can be purchased without a prescription, the channel may be terminated.
Supporting quotations
Note: If you're providing links or contact information such as phone numbers, emails, or other means of contact where hard drugs or certain poisonous substances can be purchased, or where pharmaceuticals can be purchased without a prescription, your channel may be terminated. See examples below.
Qualifications & exceptions
Termination is discretionary ("may be terminated").
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Contact details for hard drugs, poisons or non-prescription pharmaceuticals may lead to termination
If a creator provides links or contact information such as phone numbers or emails where hard drugs or poisonous substances can be purchased, or where pharmaceuticals can be purchased without a prescription, the channel may be terminated. YouTube says these are just some examples and tells creators not to post content that might violate the policy.
Supporting quotations
Note: If you're providing links or contact information such as phone numbers, emails, or other means of contact where hard drugs or poisonous substances can be purchased, or where pharmaceuticals can be purchased without a prescription, your channel may be terminated.
Please remember these are just some examples, and don't post content if you think it might violate this policy.
Qualifications & exceptions
Termination is discretionary ("may be terminated").
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Some regulated-goods content is age-restricted: cannabis dispensary promotion, e-liquid reviews, online gambling
Sometimes content does not violate the policies but may not be appropriate for viewers under 18. Examples of age-restricted content are content that promotes a cannabis dispensary, content that reviews brands of nicotine e-liquid, and content that facilitates access to, promotes or depicts online gambling and social or sweepstakes casinos, including content from certified sites.
Supporting quotations
Sometimes content doesn't violate our policies, but it may not be appropriate for viewers under 18.
Content that promotes a cannabis dispensary.
Content that reviews brands of nicotine e-liquid.
Content that facilitates access to, promotes, or depicts online gambling, and social/sweepstakes casinos, including content from certified sites.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Regulated goods policy: content removed with an email; unverified links may be removed
If content violates the regulated goods policy, YouTube says it will remove the content and send an email to let the creator know. If YouTube cannot verify that a posted link is safe, it may remove the link. Violative URLs posted within the video or in its metadata may result in the video being removed.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we will remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If we can’t verify that a link you post is safe, we may remove the link. Note that violative URLs posted within the video itself or in the video’s metadata may result in the video being removed.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Regulated goods policy: first violation likely a warning; training can expire it after 90 days
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel. They can take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days, and the 90 days start when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. If the same policy is violated within the window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. A violation of a different policy after the training brings another warning.
Supporting quotations
If this is your first time violating our Community Guidelines, you'll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. The 90 day period starts from when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. However, if the same policy is violated within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Likely" a warning for a first violation; not guaranteed.
The 90 days run from training completion.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Regulated goods policy: three strikes within 90 days may end in termination
If a channel gets 3 strikes within 90 days, it may be terminated. The page points to a strikes system page for detail.
Supporting quotations
If you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel may be terminated. Learn more about [our strikes system](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Regulated goods policy: termination for repeated or severe violations, or a channel built on one
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation, and may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. We may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future. Learn more about [channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Misinformation policies: content removed with an email; unverified links may be removed
If content violates the misinformation policies, YouTube says it will remove the content and send an email to let the creator know. If YouTube cannot verify that a posted link is safe, it may remove the link.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we’ll remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If we can’t verify that a link you post is safe, we may remove the link.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Misinformation policies: first violation likely a warning; training can expire it after 90 days
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel. They can take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days, and the 90 days start when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. If the same policy is violated within the window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. A violation of a different policy after the training brings another warning.
Supporting quotations
If this is your first time violating our Community Guidelines, you’ll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. The 90 day period starts from when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. However, if the same policy is violated within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Likely" a warning for a first violation; not guaranteed.
The 90 days run from training completion.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Misinformation policies: three strikes within 90 days may end in termination
If a channel gets 3 strikes within 90 days, it may be terminated. The page points to a strikes system page for detail.
Supporting quotations
If you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel may be terminated. You can learn more about [our strikes system here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Misinformation policies: termination for repeated or severe violations, or a channel built on one
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. You can learn more about [channel or account terminations here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Elections misinformation policies: content removed with an email; unverified links may be removed
If content violates the elections misinformation policies, YouTube says it will remove the content and send an email to let the creator know. If YouTube cannot verify that a posted link is safe, it may remove the link. Violative URLs posted within the video or in its metadata may result in the video being removed.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we will remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If we can’t verify that a link you post is safe, we may remove the link. Note that violative URLs posted within the video itself or in the video’s metadata may result in the video being removed.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Elections misinformation policies: first violation likely a warning; training can expire it after 90 days
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel. They can take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days, and the 90 days start when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. If the same policy is violated within the window, the warning may not expire and the channel may be given a strike. A violation of a different policy after the training brings another warning.
Supporting quotations
If this is your first time violating our Community Guidelines, you'll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. The 90 day period starts from when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. However, if the same policy is violated within that 90 day window, the warning may not expire and your channel may be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning.
Qualifications & exceptions
"Likely" a warning for a first violation; not guaranteed.
The 90 days run from training completion.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Elections misinformation policies: three strikes within 90 days may end in termination
If a channel gets 3 strikes within 90 days, it may be terminated. The page points to a strikes system page for detail.
Supporting quotations
If you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your channel may be terminated. Learn more about [our strikes system](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Elections misinformation policies: termination for repeated or severe violations, or a channel built on one
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation, and may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. We may prevent repeat offenders from taking policy trainings in the future. Learn more about [channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · User right or choice
Personal experiences with vaccination may be allowed, but patterns of promoting medical misinformation are still removed
YouTube says people should be able to share their own experiences, such as personal experiences with vaccinations, so it may make exceptions for content in which creators describe firsthand experiences from themselves or their family. It recognizes a difference between sharing personal experiences and promoting misinformation, and says it will still remove content or channels if they include other policy violations or demonstrate a pattern of promoting medical misinformation.
Supporting quotations
YouTube also believes people should be able to share their own experiences, including personal experiences with vaccinations, for example. This means we may make exceptions for content in which creators describe firsthand experiences from themselves or their family. At the same time, we recognize there is a difference between sharing personal experiences and promoting misinformation. To address this balance, we will still remove content or channels if they include other policy violations or demonstrate a pattern of promoting medical misinformation.
Qualifications & exceptions
The exception is discretionary ("may").
Content or channels showing a pattern of promoting misinformation, or other violations, are still removed.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Medical misinformation policy: content removed with an email; unverified links may be removed
If content violates the medical misinformation policy, YouTube says it will remove the content and send an email to let the creator know. If YouTube cannot verify that a posted link is safe, it may remove the link.
Supporting quotations
If your content violates this policy, we’ll remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If we can’t verify that a link you post is safe, we may remove the link.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Medical misinformation: first violation likely a warning; repeat of the same policy will bring a strike
For a first violation of the Community Guidelines, the creator will likely get a warning with no penalty to the channel and can take a policy training so the warning expires after 90 days, counted from when the training is completed. If the same policy is violated within that window, this page says the warning will not expire and the channel will be given a strike; a violation of a different policy after the training brings another warning. This wording says "will" where the other policy sections say the warning "may" not expire and the channel "may" be given a strike. The page points to the strikes system for detail.
Supporting quotations
If this is your first time violating our Community Guidelines, you'll likely get a warning with no penalty to your channel. You will have the option to take a policy training to allow the warning to expire after 90 days. The 90 day period starts from when the training is completed, not when the warning is issued. However, if the same policy is violated within that 90 day window, the warning will not expire and your channel will be given a strike. If you violate a different policy after completing the training, you will get another warning. You can learn more about [our strikes system here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802032).
Qualifications & exceptions
Uses "will" for the repeat-violation outcome, unlike the "may" wording in other policy sections.
"Likely" a warning for a first violation.
Not stated here
The linked strikes system page is a separate page not supplied here.
Medical misinformation policy: termination for repeated or severe violations, or a channel built on one
YouTube may terminate a channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. It may also terminate after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation.
Supporting quotations
We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation. You can learn more about [channel or account terminations here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168).
Qualifications & exceptions
All of these are "may" outcomes.
Not stated here
The Terms of Service and the linked page on channel or account terminations are separate documents not supplied in this passage.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Creator behavior on and off the platform can lead to penalties up to termination
If a YouTube creator's on-platform and/or off-platform behavior harms users, the community, employees or the ecosystem, YouTube may respond. It says the response depends on a number of factors, including but not limited to how egregious the actions are and whether there is a pattern of harmful behavior. The response ranges from suspending a creator's privileges to account termination. The page says to take these rules seriously.
Supporting quotations
Please take these rules seriously. If a YouTube creator’s on- and/or off-platform behavior harms our users, community, employees or ecosystem, we may respond based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the egregiousness of their actions and whether a pattern of harmful behavior exists. Our response will range from suspending a creator’s privileges to account termination.
Qualifications & exceptions
Applies to creators, and can reach behavior outside YouTube.
YouTube lists factors but says they are not limited to those named.
Not stated here
The page does not say which off-platform behavior counts or how the factors are weighed.