YouTube is updating its Shorts recommendation system to increase the visibility of original content and reduce the reach of channels that re-upload other creators’ videos. The company said the change aims to improve the viewer experience and give original creators more opportunity to grow and succeed.
Channels that mainly aggregate or republish content without adding significant value will likely receive less distribution in the Shorts feed. YouTube said reused clips need meaningful additions—such as unique commentary, substantive edits or storytelling—to qualify as original; minor technical changes alone are not enough.
The move aligns YouTube with similar policies Meta has implemented for Instagram Reels and Facebook.