YouTube Shorts Original Content Update
Channels that mostly repost other people's clips get less reach in the Shorts feed. Here is what YouTube said and what you can do.
Since 1 October 2026 YouTube's Shorts recommendations give more priority to original videos. Channels that mainly aggregate or re-upload other creators' clips without significant changes will likely get less distribution in the Shorts feed. The videos are not removed.
What YouTube announced
- YouTube Creator Liaison Rene Ritchie announced the change on 1 October 2026 in a Creator Insider video, together with a TeamYouTube post in the Help Community.
- It is a change to recommendations, not a ban. Reposted Shorts stay online but are shown to fewer people.
- YouTube gave no start date, no threshold and no dashboard that shows whether a channel's reach was reduced.
- If a channel moves toward original content, the recommendation system re-evaluates its reach.
What counts as original and what does not
| Counts as your own | Does not count |
|---|---|
| Your own commentary or analysis | A voiceover that only describes what is on screen |
| Storytelling and real editing choices | Minor technical edits such as a crop, a filter or a speed change |
| Educational value you add | Template-based bulk changes to many clips |
Want to show your audience someone else's video? YouTube points to the Posts tab of your channel, so viewers watch the original upload.
What about monetization?
The update is about reach. Monetization still follows YouTube's existing reused content policy: if you borrow content from someone else, you have to change it significantly to make it your own. A channel built mainly on other people's clips could already lose monetization before this update. See our explainer on the YouTube Partner Program changes.
Instagram did the same
Instagram stopped recommending accounts that mainly re-upload others' work, first for Reels in 2024 and in April for photos and carousels. Accounts become eligible again once most of their recent posts over 30 days are original.
How to make Shorts that clearly count as yours
- Film your own footage or cut Shorts from your own long videos with the video trimmer.
- Add your own voice and opinion, then put captions on it with the subtitle generator.
- Check the right format with the YouTube Shorts size guide.
Source: Search Engine Journal: YouTube prioritizes original Shorts, cuts reach for reposted clips. Checked 2026-10-13.
Source: Social Media Today: YouTube updates Shorts algorithm to put more focus on original content. Checked 2026-10-13.
FAQ
Will YouTube delete my reposted Shorts?
No. The update reduces how often re-uploaded Shorts are recommended. It does not remove them.
Does a voiceover make a clip original?
Not if it only describes what is happening on screen. YouTube wants your own commentary, analysis or storytelling.
Can I still cut Shorts from my own long videos?
YouTube did not address this directly. The update targets clips re-uploaded from other creators, so your own footage is not the focus.
When does the change start?
YouTube announced it on 1 October 2026 without a start date. Some coverage says it may already be live.
Does this affect monetization?
Not directly. Monetization still follows the reused content policy, which already requires significant changes to borrowed content.