YouTube creators who uploaded breastfeeding videos could not monetize their content — until now. The video-sharing platform is easing restrictions on who is qualified to earn money from its YouTube Partner Program.
As TechCrunch reported, YouTube updated its policy to allow users to collect income from videos that feature breastfeeding. However, there are conditions.
Which breastfeeding videos can be monetized on YouTube?
If a creator wants their breastfeeding videos to be monetized, it must meet the following requirements:
A child must be present
Creators' nipples can be uncovered or visible — as long as they are breastfeeding or demonstrating breast pump usage
The content must include contextual reference to breastfeeding, such as a child about to breastfeed or active lactation
In other words, creators may show their areolas, but YouTube will only allow monetization if there's a baby in the scene and there's relevancy to the topic of breastfeeding.
Why did YouTube have a change of heart?
YouTube listened to input from users who have expressed that breastfeeding videos are useful for parents seeking guidance on how to navigate the early days of childrearing.
“We heard feedback that for many parents, videos about breastfeeding are a helpful resource as they navigate this stage of parenthood," a YouTube spokesperson told TechCrunch. "We hope these changes can give all creators more space to share this type of content with eligibility for ad revenue."
With YouTube loosening its reigns on breastfeeding content, we should see more creators rolling out educational content to give new parents the tools they need to tackle parenthood.