YouTube's Terms: Take It or Leave It

YouTube holds the keys. They can change the rules whenever they want, and you either accept the new terms or stop using the service. Here's what you're actually agreeing to.

YouTube is a video platform owned by Google where users upload, watch, and share content.

🔴 YouTube can rewrite the rules anytime. The service terms aren't fixed. They can modify them periodically, and you must accept the changes or lose access. No negotiation.

🔴 Parents own the liability for kids under 18. If a child under 18 uses YouTube, you're legally responsible for their activity. Parental permission is required. YouTube isn't the responsible party—you are.

🟡 YouTube doesn't have to explain why it removes your content. They have no obligation to host or publish anything you upload. They can reject it, delete it, or demonetize it without giving you a reason.

🟡 Your uploads are processed under separate data rules. Audio and video you submit gets handled under YouTube Data Processing Terms, not the main agreement. There's a personal use exception, but the processing happens either way.

🟢 Age gating is clear. The service is available to anyone 14 and up with parental consent for younger kids. YouTube Kids exists for an even younger audience.

C-grade safety. They're transparent about some things and opaque about others. The unilateral power to change terms and remove content without explanation is what keeps this from being higher.

This breakdown is based on YouTube's publicly available Terms of Service and/or Privacy Policy. It may contain mistakes. Spot one? Let us know.