Stop doing this, or your YouTube channel won’t be monetized! Many creators in Papua New Guinea and around the world make the mistake of uploading videos that are copied from other channels, TV shows, or online sources without adding any original value. YouTube’s Partner Program requires your content to be unique, original, and engaging. Simply reposting someone else’s work or using full clips without commentary, analysis, or creative edits is considered “reused content,” which will prevent your channel from being approved for monetization. To protect your channel and start earning, focus on creating your own videos, adding your voice, graphics, or insights, and always make sure you have the right to use any third-party material.
1. Understand What Counts as Reused Content
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Reused content is any video that isn’t originally created by you or doesn’t add significant value.
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Examples: full clips from TV, other YouTube videos, music videos, or news segments.
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Tip: Watch YouTube’s “reused content” guidelines to clearly understand limits.
2. Always Add Original Value
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Simply reposting is not enough. You must transform or enhance the content.
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Examples of value addition:
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Commentary or reaction videos explaining the content.
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Tutorials or breakdowns using clips as references.
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Mashups, compilations, or summaries with your voiceover and insights.
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Step: Take the original clip → Add at least 20–50% new content → Make it educational, entertaining, or informative.
3. Obtain Permission or Licenses
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If you want to use someone else’s content directly, you must have written permission from the owner.
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Use Creative Commons licensed videos that allow commercial use, but check the license carefully.
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Step: Contact the content owner → Get permission → Keep records → Upload with proper attribution.
4. Use Public Domain or Royalty-Free Content
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Videos, music, or images in the public domain or royalty-free libraries are safe for monetization.
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Examples: Pixabay, Pexels, Free Music Archive.
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Step: Download licensed content → Add your voiceover, graphics, or edits → Upload as your own work.
5. Create Original Content Inspired by Others
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Instead of directly copying, use ideas as inspiration.
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Examples:
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A news story from PNG newspapers → Create your own video report.
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A trending challenge → Film your own version.
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Step: Research → Script your own video → Film and edit → Add your branding.
6. Add Commentary, Education, or Analysis
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YouTube rewards channels that educate, entertain, or inform.
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Transform reused content into:
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Educational lessons
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Reviews or critiques
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Cultural commentary (especially relevant for PNG topics)
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Step: Record your commentary → Overlay clips → Add subtitles/graphics → Upload.
7. Avoid Overusing Short Clips
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Using many small clips from other creators without adding value is still risky.
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Step: Limit external clips to 10–20% of total video runtime → Ensure most content is original.
8. Keep Proof of Original Work
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YouTube may request proof of content ownership or transformation.
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Maintain:
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Scripts
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Editing project files
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Permissions/licenses
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Step: Organize files → Keep for at least 12 months → Upload only after proof is ready.
9. Build a Consistent Original Channel Identity
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YouTube looks at the channel as a whole, not just single videos.
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Focus on:
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Your own PNG news, culture, music, or educational content
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Unique branding (logos, thumbnails, intros)
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Step: Post at least 20–30 videos of original content → Apply for monetization.
10. Monitor YouTube Analytics and Policies
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Watch how reused content performs. Channels with high duplicate content are flagged.
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Regularly check YouTube updates for monetization rules.
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Step: Use YouTube Studio → Track watch time, views, engagement → Adjust content strategy → Remove or replace reused videos if needed.
✅ Key Takeaways for PNG Creators:
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Don’t just copy, transform or comment.
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Use public domain or licensed content safely.
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Focus on original PNG stories, culture, and perspectives—YouTube rewards unique voices.