YouTube says Shorts recommendations won’t surface unoriginal content

YouTube is making changes to its recommendations system for Shorts to prioritize original content and reduce the reach of unoriginal videos, according to recent reports. The move comes as Shorts are built on quick and attention-grabbing content, making it easy for channels to create short videos by taking portions from long-form videos and other established creators.

By adjusting its recommendation algorithms, YouTube aims to surface better recommendations for users, focusing on original content and discouraging content re-uploaded from other creators without adding anything new. Creators who upload content that blatantly steals from another channel may see a decrease in reach compared to before the change.

While there is some room for interpretation, YouTube's language suggests that Shorts containing no changes from another's work may be affected. The implementation of this change could lead to a greater emphasis on original content, rewarding creators who upload original Shorts. The exact rollout date for this update is not yet specified, but it may already be live on the platform.