A yellow video icon on YouTube signifies that the video has been flagged as not fully suitable for all advertisers. This means the video may have content that doesn't align with YouTube's advertiser-friendly content guidelines and is thus, ineligible for full monetization.
Understanding the Yellow Icon
The presence of a yellow icon, often a yellow dollar sign ($) with a line through it, indicates that a video is not generating the same level of revenue as a green icon video, which is considered fully advertiser-friendly.
Reasons for a Yellow Icon
According to YouTube's policies, a yellow icon is applied to videos with content that may be sensitive, controversial, or not suitable for all advertisers. These reasons may include:
- Copyright Claims: Most commonly, a yellow icon appears when a video has a copyright claim, meaning someone else claims ownership of some of its content.
- Inappropriate Content: Videos containing content that is deemed offensive, violent, harmful, or promoting illegal activities can receive the yellow icon.
- Sensitive Topics: Content discussing sensitive subjects, such as tragedies or controversial issues, may also result in a yellow icon.
Impact of a Yellow Icon
The primary impact of a yellow icon is reduced monetization. Here's how it affects video creators:
- Limited Ad Revenue: Videos with a yellow icon typically receive limited or no advertising, resulting in significantly reduced income for the content creator.
- Reduced Reach: With fewer advertisements being shown, there might be less visibility for the content in recommendations.
- Review Process: Creators can request a review of their content, but approval is not guaranteed.
How to Avoid a Yellow Icon
Creators can take steps to minimize the likelihood of receiving a yellow icon:
- Review Content Guidelines: Understand and adhere to YouTube's advertiser-friendly content guidelines.
- Use Original Content: Ensure all content is original and does not infringe on copyright.
- Edit Appropriately: If you have sensitive content, consider editing or providing context to make it less problematic.
- Avoid Controversial Topics: Steer clear of overly sensitive or controversial topics if monetization is a priority.
- Use YouTube's Tools: Utilize YouTube's built-in tools to check for copyright infringements before uploading.
In Summary
| Icon Color | Meaning | Monetization Status |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Fully advertiser-friendly content | Fully Monetized |
| Yellow | Content not fully suitable for all advertisers | Limited or No Monetization |
A yellow icon on YouTube videos indicates that the video's content has been flagged as not fully advertiser-friendly, often due to copyright claims or other content guideline issues, resulting in limited or no monetization. It's important for content creators to understand and follow YouTube's guidelines to avoid the yellow icon and maintain optimal monetization.
