Hey creators, YouTube just dropped a game-changer for self-certified content! No more head-scratching over yellow icon appeals, timestamps are here to shed light on the issue.

What's the Deal?

You requested it, YouTube delivered! This new feature provides timestamps alongside yellow icon appeals for self-certified videos. Here's the breakdown:

• Self-Certification Matters: This feature is for desktop uploads that went through the Self-Certification process. Mobile uploads and non-self-certified videos are on the waitlist, but YouTube is working on including them soon.
• Appealing the Yellow Icon: If your self-certified video gets a yellow icon (limited or no ads), you can appeal and get a human review.
• Timestamps to the Rescue: Once the review is complete, Studio will show you timestamps within the video that pinpoint the exact content causing the ad restriction (think nudity, profanity, etc.).

Understanding the Why:

• Seeing is Believing: Timestamps will cover various scenarios, including:
  • Specific video segments with explicit content.
  • Thumbnails with inappropriate imagery.
  • Profanity in the video title.
• The Rarest of Cases: For extremely sensitive content present throughout the video (e.g., self-harm), you'll see a message indicating "throughout video" instead of timestamps.

‍Important Notes:

• Editing on Hold: Currently, you can't edit the flagged content and resubmit for another appeal. However, YouTube is exploring this option for the future.
• Patience is a Virtue: This feature is rolling out gradually, so you might not see it immediately in Studio.
• Discrepancies? Contact Support: If the timestamps seem off, reach out to YouTube support for verification.

‍What You Can Do Now:

• Future-Proof Your Uploads: While editing flagged content isn't possible yet, use the timestamps to understand YouTube's guidelines and adjust your content strategy for future uploads.
• Feedback is Key: Let YouTube know what you think about this new feature in the comments below. Your input is valuable for future improvements.

This update is fantastic news for creators! By providing timestamps, YouTube empowers you to optimize your content for monetization success. Stay tuned for further updates and the potential for future features like editing flagged content and resubmissions.