YouTube announced Second Chances, a pilot that lets some terminated creators request a new channel after one year. The policy change was detailed in an official blog post, and the option will surface in YouTube Studio as the pilot rolls out in the coming weeks.
Key Details
YouTube describes this as a fresh start, not a restoration of a terminated channel. Creators can re-upload videos that comply with the current Community Guidelines. Monetization remains subject to the standard YouTube Partner Program review.
- Eligibility begins one year after channel termination.
- Requests appear in YouTube Studio on desktop when signed in with the terminated account’s credentials.
- Appeals remain available during the first year after termination. Successful appeals restore the original channel, content, and subscribers.
- YouTube will review requests based on the severity and persistence of past violations.
- On-platform or off-platform harm may disqualify a request. Child safety concerns are a cited example.
- Channels terminated for copyright infringement are excluded from the pilot.
- Creators who violated the Creator Responsibility policy are excluded from the pilot.
- Creators who deleted their YouTube channel or Google account are excluded.
- Rollout will occur over the coming weeks and months.
- Approved creators must follow all current YouTube terms and policies on the new channel.
Approved requests create a new channel that is not linked to past strikes or penalties. Monetization eligibility follows the same thresholds applied to any new channel.
Background
YouTube terminates channels for severe or repeated violations of its Community Guidelines and related policies covering areas like safety, harmful content, spam, and deceptive practices. Copyright violations can also lead to termination.
The Creator Responsibility policy addresses serious behavior that harms users or the YouTube community and can apply to off-platform conduct. Violations of this policy can result in termination.
Appeals of terminations are evaluated using policies in force at the time of appeal. The Second Chances pilot operates separately from the appeals process. Approved participants start over with a new channel and must meet current requirements.
YouTube’s policy framework includes Community Guidelines, monetization policies, and copyright rules. Violations can trigger strikes, feature restrictions, or account removal.
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