YouTube Tests a 30-Day Grace Period Before Channel Termination, and a $20 Payout Threshold Instead of $100

YouTube is testing two things that matter to creators. One gives channels that would be terminated right away for spam violations 30 days to fix the problem. The other lowers the minimum payout from $100 to $20. Both are experiments that apply only to some channels for now.

1. A 30-day locked period before termination

• YouTube announced the test on its Help Community on October 29. Some channels that would be terminated immediately for certain spam policy violations are locked for 30 days instead of being removed right away. YouTube hasn't said which channels are eligible.
• While locked, the channel is hidden from public view, and you can't upload videos or post comments. You're notified by email and in YouTube Studio on desktop.
• You have three options during those 30 days.
  ① Fix or remove the videos YouTube flagged. YouTube reviews the changes before unlocking the channel.
  ② Remove all of your videos. The channel is unlocked immediately, and you keep your subscribers, channel handle and YouTube Partner Program (YPP) status.
  ③ Appeal if you think the decision is wrong.
• If option ① is rejected, you can still choose ② as long as you're within the 30 days. If you do nothing, or don't fix the violations within 30 days, the channel is permanently terminated.
• YouTube hasn't said when, or whether, it will expand the test to all channels.

2. Payout threshold test: $100 → $20

• In late October, YouTube started testing a lower minimum payout of $20 (or the local-currency equivalent) instead of $100 for a randomly selected group of creators in the U.S., India and Indonesia. It applies starting with October earnings.
• Creators in the test are notified and can see the updated payment activity in YouTube Studio on mobile. If you prefer a higher threshold, you can change it in AdSense for YouTube.
• Any balance under $20 at the end of the month rolls over to the next month.
• Small channels that have just started earning could get their first payment much sooner.

3. What creators should keep in mind

• YouTube's spam policy targets mass-produced, template-like videos, re-uploads of other videos with few changes, and misleading titles or thumbnails. AI-made videos can fall under it too if they look repetitive and low-effort.
• Check the email for the Google account that runs your channel regularly. The 30 days start counting as soon as you're notified.
• Before deleting videos, keep the original files on your PC so you can fix only the problem parts and upload them again.

Sources: Dexerto – YouTube tests letting creators delete videos to avoid permanent bans · Tubefilter – A 30-day fix-it period for some channels · Social Media Today – YouTube tests a $20 payment threshold