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Anybody who runs any level of successful YouTube channel knows, deep down, that they always run the risk of being deplatformed, sometimes through no fault of their own. Three strikes to any channel automatically remove it from Google’s video-on-demand platform no ifs, no buts, no appeals.
That would be fine, in theory, if the world was not full of copyright trolls and general bad actors looking to create headaches for content creators – some of whom deserve it, many of which don’t.
Popular retro gaming channel RoseTintedSprectrum vanished over the weekend, having been terminated by Google’s YouTube for “spam/deceptive practice/abuse” something which the channel’s creator strongly denies has been broken.
Hey @TeamYouTube – you've terminated my channel for "spam/deceptive practise/abuse" policies that I haven't violated. I've appealed this, and your automated system has kept it terminated.
Can I have a human look at this please? https://t.co/aK0Al1LwNM
— Thanks for all the fish (@SpectrumTinted) November 10, 2024
Posting on X the @TintedSpectrum account said: , “Hey @TeamYouTube – you’ve terminated my channel for “spam/deceptive practice/abuse” policies that I haven’t violated. I’ve appealed this, and your automated system has kept it terminated.
Can I have a human look at this, please?”
The unfortunate thing is that the TeamYouTube account appears to mainly be run by a chatbot and responds with, “It looks like you’ve already appealed & received an email outlining the final decision. We know it wasn’t the outcome you were hoping for, but there’s nothing more we can do on our end as these decisions are made very carefully, appreciate your understanding” – an unhelpful bot response at best
TintedSpectrum accused YouTube of not, in fact, giving any evidence of violations, “You haven’t provided any information at all – because I have NOT broken the guidelines you’re pointing to. Please can I speak to a human instead of an automated response?”
The channel, which had nearly 16k followers describes itself as, “A channel dedicated to the weird and wonderful world of retro gaming and indie gaming.
Hey @TeamYouTube , your automated system banned this channel for absolutely no reason. Appealed and denied, for no reason. This is completely unacceptable, and a slap in the face of all creators. Claiming this is irreversible is deeply concerning too, and simply cannot be true. https://t.co/N0LJ4MxEuO
— DidYouKnowGaming (@didyouknowgamin) November 10, 2024
This highlights the frustratingly fragile circle of life content creators, many of whom may rely on a platform for their income, exist within. With seemingly no discourse available, years of hard work can vanish overnight, accused of unexplained, “spam/deceptive practice/abuse”.
Bear in mind YouTube hosts thousands of videos dedicated to Flat Earthers – a quick search shows that some of the more popular ones have over 35 million views.
Many popular Retro gaming channels have come out in support of RoseTInted Spectrum with RMC, PixelCherryNinja, and Kim Justice all attempting to highlight the issue to YouTube’s automated system. So far without any luck.
Neil at RMC said, “It’s kind of terrifying that TeamYouTube can terminate a channel with no warning, no explanation, and no human contact. I hope this gets resolved.”
Many of your favorite gaming websites have been hit by ranking issues on Google of late and industry layoffs have been rife as a result of underperforming pages bringing in less ad revenue forcing companies to slash their staff.
Many YouTube channels however are run by individuals who do it as a side hustle or hobby and find it then sometimes turns into a big deal, give up their jobs, and rely on income from video views having forged a new career. To then have your channel vanish in thin air without full reasoning and explanation can therefore be frustrating at best, and devastating at worst.
Readwrite has reached out to YouTube for comment.
