Janne Yli-Korhonen
2 Oct 2026 14:15
YouTube has announced that it is updating the recommendation system for its Shorts short-video service. With the update, algorithms will increasingly favor original content while simultaneously reducing the visibility of videos that have been copied or re-uploaded from other creators without adding their own value.
According to the company, the recommendation systems constantly process billions of different signals, including watch history, topics, and user engagement, to provide viewers with genuinely meaningful content.
According to YouTube, fine-tuning the recommendation algorithm improves the viewer experience and simultaneously ensures that creators publishing original content have the best opportunities to grow and succeed on the platform. The company notes that the change is also in line with its current rules and policies.
In practice, the change specifically targets channels whose operations are primarily based on re-publishing material from other creators or compiling videos without significant alterations.
YouTube warns that such accounts are likely to see a significant drop in the distribution and visibility of their videos in the Shorts feed.
If a creator uses clips from another creator in their videos, genuine added value must be brought in going forward. YouTube requires that the borrowed material be combined with the creator's own original commentary, unique editing, or personal storytelling.
The platform also makes it clear that small cosmetic tricks are no longer enough. YouTube emphasizes that mere minor technical modifications or the use of ready-made templates to change a video's appearance are not sufficient; creators must bring in their own voice, a clear perspective, or their own narration.