Something is happening right now on YouTube, and many creators are having their channels deleted, demonetized, or having their videos taken down, sometimes with a warning or a strike. In this article, I’ll be sharing how YouTube deleted my video and what I did to get the video reinstated to my channel.
How YouTube DELETED My Video
I uploaded a video titled “8 Best Side Hustle Apps I Found‘ with a subtitle like “(Earned Real Money on My Phone!)”. And within a few hours, I got that dreaded email, and the first paragraph was like:
Hi Reggie
It looks like “8 Best Side Hustle Apps I Found blah blah blah ” didn’t follow Community Guidelines. To help keep our community safe, we removed it from YouTube.
At first, I froze. My first reaction was: “Wait… harmful? Dangerous? My video was literally about legit apps I’ve personally used and I am still using them!”
And to make matters worse, in one of the paragraphs, they stated that the video fell under scams and exaggerated promises, which stung, because my content is all about teaching practical, real methods, and not some clickbait scams.
Why I Disagreed with the YouTube Decision
I found an error in YouTube’s decision because whenever I consider sharing a platform or app for making money online, I typically spend three weeks to a month researching and verifying whether they’re legitimate platforms that pay for your time and effort.
So when YouTube flagged that video, I was surprised, because I usually script my videos, submit them to people to help me analyse them, and even prompt the script to a powerful AI tool from Google.
Therefore, in case I make a statement that may be misunderstood as an exaggerated promise, I will be guided to make the necessary corrections, because, yes, I’m a human and I can sometimes make mistakes. However, I will be sharing with you the AI tool from Google in a moment.
Interesting Facts You Need To Know About YouTube
YouTube’s system doesn’t just rely on humans. Over 90% of channels and video removals are automated. That means AI scans your titles, descriptions, and sometimes even the way you phrase things inside the video.
So, if your title says something like, “Earn $5000 fast with this app,” and this is a common tactic some creators use in the make money online niche to get people to click on their video, such titles may seem enough to trigger a takedown. Even if your actual video doesn’t make wild promises.
And that’s precisely what happened with me. My video was categorised as “get rich quick” simply because of how it was interpreted.
How I Got My Video Reinstated on My Channel
After a few minutes of the takedown, instead of panicking, I carefully reviewed the Community Guidelines to ensure I wasn’t truly in violation. And honestly? I wasn’t. So I filed an appeal. In my appeal, I explained that:
- My video is based on personal experience.
- I never guaranteed viewers would make money easily, which I usually do in most of my videos, and again
- The apps I shared in the video are legitimate and can be found on the Google Play Store.
- I further added that my content was intended for educational purposes, not to make deceptive promises.
After review, which took around 20 to 30 minutes, YouTube sent a message saying that my video is back on YouTube.
Big Takeaway For Creators on YouTube
Considering how YouTube deleted my video, it is vital to always have its policy in mind, and I’m referring to creators in the finance or make money online niche:
1. Be cautious with the titles & thumbnails you post on this platform, and what I mean is to avoid phrases like “make $100 a day” or “guaranteed money.” Instead, consider using words like “apps that can help you earn” or “my experience using XYZ app.”
2. Always give disclaimers, for example, None of these apps are going to make you rich or replace your full-time job. But if you use them consistently, they can definitely add some real cash to your pocket. Right?
Additionally, please inform your viewers that results may vary and that your content is intended for educational purposes only.
How I Script To Avoid YouTube Policy Violations
I usually script and submit my content to an AI tool from Google, which helps me remove any potential violations from my script, allowing me to maintain an authentic, direct, and helpful style.
And that AI tool is, in fact, Gemini. So after researching and scripting, I usually prompt Gemini to analyse and let me know if any of my submissions may cause a policy violation, and Gemini usually does a pretty decent job by helping me highlight
- Any Potential Policy Violations and Concerns
- Misleading or Exaggerated Claims
- And any other Policy Violations I may not be aware of.
And by doing so, I will ensure that I make all the necessary corrections before I click ‘Start Recording‘.
However, please note that this is a personal strategy I have been using, as I am aware that Gemini is a Google product, similar to YouTube, and there should be a connection to understand any Google product policy violation better.
And even with all the support from Gemini in connection with any policy violation, ensure that you complete all your verification checks before creating and uploading any content on YouTube.
Once you are confident with your content, you can appeal when YouTube deletes a video or your entire channel, because sometimes you don’t just have to accept takedowns, especially if you know your video follows the rules. Sometimes, YouTube’s system makes mistakes.
However, it is essential to Focus on value because if your content truly helps and teaches, that’s your most vigorous defence.
My experience: After YouTube restored the video
YouTube isn’t perfect, but it gives us a chance to explain ourselves. And if you handle it the right way, you can survive strikes, warnings, and even reinstatements.
So if you’re a creator in the finance or “make money online” niche, play it smart. Don’t oversell. Be transparent. And always remember: your credibility matters more than any flashy promise.
Final Thought
If you found this article helpful, stick around because I’ll keep sharing what works (and what doesn’t) in the online money-making space so you don’t repeat my mistakes. This way, your video:
- Starts with a powerful hook (just like you wanted).
- Use your real story to make it unique.
- Educates other creators in a natural, storytelling way.
- Avoids hype but keeps it engaging.
