YouTube is introducing new rules for content creators. On the one hand these rules will make it harder for channels, both big and small, to make money. But on the other hand they should help YouTube have a healthier, happier, and less controversial year than the company endured in 2017.

Last year was a strange one for YouTube. First, PewDiePie's antics prompted brands to pull their advertising. Then there were those bizarre videos aimed at children. And then Logan Paul decided that laughing at a dead body was somehow appropriate behavior. And YouTube is taking action.

YouTube Changes Things Up

In a post on the Creator Blog, YouTube explains that it's making changes to "prevent bad actors from harming the inspiring and original creators around the world who make their living on YouTube." The first change will make it harder for channels to join the YouTube Partner Program.

In April 2017, YouTube introduced a minimum threshold for YouTubers to join its Partner Program (and monetize videos). This leapt from zero to 10,000 lifetime views. Now, that threshold is being raised to 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watchtime within the past 12 months.

At the time that the original minimum was introduced we titled the article, "It’s Now Harder to Make Money Making YouTube Videos," and it's now even harder to make money making YouTube videos. YouTube claims most people won't be affected, but it's bound to sap morale for some.

The other change, which is going to hit the bigger, more established channels, is manual reviews. Essentially, YouTube will review all channels and videos that are part of the Google Preferred Program. This is designed to prevent another "Logan Paul sees dead people"-style incident.

The Good, the Bad, and the Logan Paul

Manually reviewing videos before promoting them seems like a sensible move. However, the new minimum thresholds for channels to become part of the YouTube Partner Program are a little harsh. And while we can all understand YouTube's motives, I can see smaller channels giving up.

Do you consider yourself an active YouTuber? Do you make daily vlogs? Or one-off videos designed to go viral? How will these new rules affect you personally? Do you think YouTube is doing the right thing to clean up the platform? Please let us know in the comments below!

Image Credit: Rego Korosi via Flickr