Times are going to be tough for Screen Culture and KH Studio: the two channels known for fake trailers are now banned from monetizing on YouTube. Google's video platform has decided to suspend all advertising on these channels following an investigation by the Deadline website.
Fake trailers, real monetization
Screen Culture creates trailers that combine existing images and generative AI for upcoming blockbusters (like Fantastic Four or Thunderbolts, and even GTA VI) or imaginary ones, like the plausible but never official Inside Out 3. KH Studio specializes in in imaginary versions of films and series, such as a James Bond with Henry Cavill in the title role, or a season of Squid Game featuring Leonardo di Caprio.
The production of these fake trailers can fool anyone. France 2 was fooled, by broadcasting in its news a few images of a fake trailer for Superman. Director James Gunn did not miss to signal his disgust with the thing with three vomit emojis. France 2 then apologies for the mistake…
These channels can no longer generate advertising revenue (although they can appeal the decision). According to YouTube's rules, if creators use content from other sources—which is the case here—"you have to significantly alter it to call it yours." Videos must not be duplicated or repetitive, and must not be created "for the sole purpose of generating views."
Additionally, YouTube's policy against misinformation prohibits content that is technically manipulated or altered in a way that misleads viewers. This is the case with these trailers, even though they are intended for entertainment. This decision still raises a number of disturbing questions for YouTube, as the videos produced by these two channels are regularly highlighted by the platform's algorithm.
Many fans are indeed looking for the slightest information about their favorite films and series, and this generates a lot of views. And Screen Culture, which has 1.4 billion views over the past two years, benefits from "verified" status, which gives it a semblance of authenticity.
The studios' position is also somewhat hypocritical. Very few of them are demanding the removal of videos that use logos and content for which these channels do not have the rights. And for good reason: they prefer to ask for their share of the monetization of these trailers!
This is the case of Warner Bros for fake trailers of Superman and House of the Dragon, or even Sony (Spider-Man) and Paramount (Gladiator II). Rather than issuing a warning for copyright infringement, these studios prefer to receive the advertising revenue generated by views... Which they won't be able to do anymore.
Source: Deadline
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