As the summer blockbuster and comic showcase season approaches, YouTube has decided to take stricter measures against channels profiting from fake trailers. The platform will not only remove the main accounts of these fraudulent channels from its Partner Program but will also go a step further by halting all ad revenue for associated alternative channels.
According to a report from Deadline, YouTube has recently suspended ad revenue for two alternative channels, Screen Trailers and Royal Trailer. These channels are operated by Screen Culture and KH Studio, both of which were sanctioned earlier this year.
YouTube has made it clear that these enforcement decisions apply to all channels that affected creators may own or operate. Screen Culture boasts 1.4 million subscribers, while its alternative channel, Screen Trailers, has about 33,000 followers. KH Studio has 724,000 subscribers, with its associated channel, Royal Trailer, having 153,000 followers.
These channels utilize AI technology to create Concept teaser, often mixing in AI-generated visuals that showcase the false movie details fans eagerly anticipate, such as blockbuster titles like Fantastic Four: The First Step and Superman.
YouTube's content policy stipulates that if creators use others' materials, they must significantly alter them to transform them into original works. Furthermore, content should not be duplicated or replicated, nor should it exist solely for the purpose of gaining views. More importantly, YouTube's misinformation policy prohibits manipulating or modifying content through technical means to mislead viewers.
The fake trailers produced by KH Studio are even more whimsical, featuring content that includes a James Bond film starring Henry Cavill and Margot Robbie, as well as a Squid Game quarter featuring Leonardo DiCaprio.
A recent investigation shows that Hollywood studios like Warner Bros. Discovery and Sony have profited from ad revenue generated through trailers from Screen Culture, rather than actively enforcing copyright protections. In response, the actors' union SAG-AFTRA has voiced its opposition, emphasizing that profiting from unauthorized, unapproved, and low-quality content harms human-centered intellectual property, fosters unhealthy competition, and encourages tech companies to sacrifice lasting human creativity for short-term gains.
This time, YouTube's actions are taking a strong stance against AI-generated fake content. However, many production studios have previously turned a blind eye to such channels, even sharing profits instead of actively protecting their rights. Furthermore, the banned channels often defend themselves by claiming they are merely creating Concept rather than official content. Yet, the way they present their material is highly misleading, making it difficult for viewers to discern what's real and what's not.
