YouTube is relocating AI disclosure labels to be more visible and rolling out automatic detection of AI-generated content

YouTube is moving AI labels from hidden description sections to prominent positions: directly below the video player for regular videos, and as an overlay for Shorts. The label displays 'AI' next to an information symbol.

YouTube is rolling out 'new internal signals' this month to automatically identify and label AI-generated videos. Creators must still manually disclose photorealistic AI use, but if they don't and YouTube's systems detect significant photorealistic AI use, the platform will apply a label automatically. Creators can dispute incorrect flags in YouTube Studio, though labels applied for YouTube's own AI tools (like Veo or Dream Screen) or content with C2PA metadata indicating full AI generation are permanent.

YouTube says the changes aim to provide context at a glance and will not impact monetization or recommendation algorithms. The platform states this is now 'the single label format for all photorealistic and meaningfully AI altered or generated content,' while unrealistic, animated, or slightly altered content will have disclosures in the expanded description.