James Charles, Life With MaK, and other creators slam new YouTube verification policy

20 September 2019, 14:21

By Nicky Idika

YouTube has changed its verification policy and creators on the platform are speaking out. This comes as fans raised alarm bells–fearing, incorrectly, that their favourite creators like Dan Howell, PewDiePie, and Jake Paul had already had their verification badges removed.

Update - September 21, 2019: YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki apologised on Friday 20, September after creators on the platform spoke out against announced changes to the site's verification policy.

Wojcicki said that the company "missed the mark" when it let creators know that some of its users could have their 'verified' checkmarks removed as early as next month. Wojcicki now says anyone who is currently verified will remain verified and the threshold for new verification will remain at 100,000 subscribers.

READ MORE: YouTube will no longer unverify top creators as CEO says sorry for "hurt and frustration" caused

Original story - September 20, 2019: Online creators are reacting to the news that YouTube's verification policy is about to change in a big way. James Charles, who has 16 million subscribers on YouTube, spoke out against the upcoming changes calling them "pointless" and further labelling them an overhaul that "not a single person asked for".

This week, YouTube announced that it will be changing the criteria for verification badges on the site. They explained that the change is to "help viewers distinguish the official channel of a creator, celebrity, or brand."

This means that the checkmark that appears beside well-known creators' names on the platform will no longer appear for many–even some with massive audiences.

Some YouTube creators have reported receiving emails informing them that their channel no longer meets the verification criteria–even if they have millions of followers on the platform.

Screenshots of YouTube's emails to these creators read:

"We're writing to let you know we're updating the eligibility criteria for channel verification. Unfortunately, with these changes, your channel no longer meets the criteria to be verified."

"The goal is to help channels avoid impersonation," the email continues. "And help viewers understand if the channel is the official presence of the creator, celebrity, or brand it represents. The verification badge does not represent endorsements or awards from YouTube".

While many believed that these changes were taking place this week or had already taken place, YouTube clarified that the verification badges had not been taken from anyone just yet.

Alarm bells went off for fans as it appeared that the channels of Dan Howell, Jake Paul, and even PewDiePie were no longer verified. However, PewDiePie and Dan Howell's verification badges are still displayed when accessing YoSome YouTube creators have reported receiving emails informing them that their channel no longer meets the verification criteria–even if they have millions of followers on the platform.
Screenshots of YouTube's emails to these creators read:
"We're writing to let you know we're updating the eligibility criteria for channel verification. Unfortunately, with these changes, your channel no longer meets the criteria to be verified."
"The goal is to help channels avoid impersonation," the email continues. "And help viewers understand if the channel is the official presence of the creator, celebrity, or brand it represents. The verification badge does not represent endorsements or awards from YouTube".
While many believed that these changes were taking place this week or had already taken place, YouTube clarified that the verification badges had not been taken from anyone just yet.
Alarm bells went off for fans as it appeared that the channels of Dan Howell, Jake Paul, and even PewDiePie were no longer verified. However, PewDiePie and Dan Howell's verification badges are still displayed when accessing YouTube on desktop devices. YouTube confirmed that "the checkmark has never appeared on YouTube mobile channel pages."
The New York Times reports that Jake Paul actually lost his verification when he changed his name on the platform as a joke. uTube on desktop devices. YouTube confirmed that "the checkmark has never appeared on YouTube mobile channel pages."

The New York Times reports that Jake Paul actually lost his verification when he changed his name on the platform as a joke.

READ MORE: Instagram are restricting posts that promote diet products and cosmetic surgery

Now creators are speaking out and asking questions about the upcoming changes to the YouTube verification criteria.

James Charles has called it "pointless" while viral teen meme queen, Life With MaK says it's "disappointing". Chris Klemens expressed frustration at the platform for making him "feel not good enough or welcomed". Meanwhile, Jacksepticeye called it a "slap in the face".

YouTube says that the changes will take effect in October and that creators will have the right of appeal in the process. The company also clarified that this will not impact YouTubers' ability to monetise their content.