According to an announcement from the YouTube team on December 16, the video-sharing platform would allow creators to choose whether third-party companies can use their content for AI training. The social media platform further confirmed that the new update was part of YouTube’s plan to give creators more control over how third-party companies can use their content.
The YouTube team explained that the platform’s default settings will have the update off, indicating that a creator does not wish for third-party companies to use their content. The platform added that the decision to turn the update on would allow YouTube to share eligible creator videos with chosen third-party companies. Eligible creators include those using YouTube Studio and the YouTube Studio Content Manager.
Another statement from YouTube highlighted that creators could choose from a list of companies with whom they could share their content. Some of the companies reportedly on the list include Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Nvidia, Apple, AI21 Labs, OpenAI, Cohere, IBM, ByteDance, and more. YouTude added that if a creator selects ‘All third-party companies,’ any company, including unlisted companies, might leverage their content.
The platform reportedly chose the 18 companies listed in the AI training update due to their progression in building generative AI models. They also reportedly chose the companies with the highest potential to collaborate with creators. YouTube confirmed that other companies building AI models that wish to work with creators can apply for the program.
YouTube takes the current steps after creators’ complaints
The CEO of AI video company Viggle admitted they train on YouTube videos. The company tried to walk it back, but admitted it when told it had been on the record.
AI companies will hope they can normalize training on copyrighted work without permission: when it's clear they're… pic.twitter.com/RZMc9NxFHt
— Ed Newton-Rex (@ednewtonrex) August 26, 2024
The YouTube update comes after multiple users complained about big companies like Apple, OpenAI, and Nvidia using their videos to train AI without creators’ consent.
A reported interview this year with the CEO of Viggle Hang Chu revealed that the company had been using publicly available videos to train its AI model. Another interview with the OpenAI CTO Mira Murati in the Wall Street Journal revealed that the AI company used publicly available content to train the Sora AI model.
Google and YouTube have also been subject to similar accusations. Several users highlighted that the companies used their content without consent or compensation. The video-sharing platform assured users in September that it would address the issue.
The platform announced the launch of AI detection tools to protect all creators. Content ID is an identification program that will allow partners to detect and manage AI content on the platform that uses their voices. The second tool will allow different parties to identify content on YouTube that uses their faces.
The video streaming platform also promised to uphold its privacy terms, prohibiting the unauthorized access and use of creator content on the platform. The video-sharing service further assured users that it would continue investing in services that detect and prevent illegal access to creators’ content.
YouTube opens creator access to the AI era
The YouTube team revealed in the recent update that the steps it is taking are a way to open up creators to the AI era. The video-sharing platform insisted that the update was a way of helping creators understand the value of their content in AI development. YouTube also assured that it would use its users’ feedback to expand features that enable more collaborations between creators and AI companies.
YouTube and Google have notably informed users of their use of creator content to improve products, services, and experiences on the platforms, including AI applications. The video-sharing platform insisted that it uses all content according to updated terms that creators agree to. An example of tools to improve user experience through AI includes the experimental Dream Screen for YouTube Shorts.
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