Companies Are Hijacking YOUR Videos! | YouTube Advertising Views FIX

[@NickNimmin]

AI is changing the game for content creators. Check out my playlist of AI tools for creators here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/sITFmmCBncd-q7c

[@NickNimmin]

Here are the main issues with this: 1. IF the ads running to your videos are being put in front of the wrong type of viewer that won’t respond well to your content. 2. Your content is being used as an ad without your permission and without you being compensated as the creator.

[@nighthawkpredatorwotblitzclanr]

YT doesn't care about that. They are all about making $$. Just saying.

[@tigranh47]

What if there is no such checkbox for my channel?

[@EckieOutdoor]

@@tigranh47 If you don't have an Ads-account linked to your channel, that option is not available, I could be wrong but I don't have Ads-account and don't see that checkbox either.

[@RealQuietOne]

​@@tigranh47There should be the option if you use the desktop version of KZbin Studio.

[@KiDmO365]

My second channel is getting hit with this but I do not have this button yet. Am I SOL til it shows up? I am assuming it unlocks with subs.

[@TinkerManMick]

I contacted youtube support about this, told them it was not right, and they told me ot was completely normal.. Thanks so much for making this video Nick!

[@henrya8965]

Thank you for this! I actually saw advertising in the traffic source for one of my videos!

[@NickNimmin]

and thank you for the Super Thanks! 👊 🤓

[@ZdenkaDarula]

I actually missed this setting. Thank you so much for this video. I am very happy this popped up on my feed. I had this problem many times.... The majority of companies will try whatever even what you didn't agree on in the contract in the first place.

[@CollinMichael]

Thanks for showing this! Been noticing ads as a traffic source and now I have a way to stop it.

[@CelticEarth]

Super important point that wasn't made in the video: the setting to change this is only available to those who are in the KZbin partner program. It will NOT show up for you if you aren't in the YPP.

[@NickNimmin]

Correct.

[@mySeaPrince_]

That's why... I can't find it 🤯 What about this Invalid Traffic thing that is happening and YT taking people's money.

[@NickNimmin]

They are not taking money, if a view doesn't have an ad, neither the creator nor KZbin get paid. The invalid traffic is 100% a big issue that creators are dealing with right now without a concrete solution.

[@mySeaPrince_]

@@NickNimmin Could you do a video.. There's a suggestion that the Invalid Traffic thing is related to Policy Changes like the new KZbin Affiliate Programme... only in USA? Or more to the effect.. YT want people to stay on the platform... ...and don't want external links or anything done or said that guides them off YT. Seems all Social Media is getting "Corporate" and Narcissistic. another YT Policy Change... There's what's going on with the medical/health channel's... see Dr Eric Berg's latest video.. the thumbnail is him and tape on his mouth. As you know I've been learning about YT for several years... I've repeatedly seen established channel's get accused of something and demonetised without YT actually saying exactly what and where on a video they have done wrong.. AI replies to complaints even for really big creators. Then it getting "resolved"... But.. as far as I understand the Creator doesn't receive lost revenue even though advertising was on their videos. Which smells! I will set up at least one YT channel but it won't be the only platform... Everything I have filmed is not platform specific. Big problem I have is mobile phone upload speeds.. where I live is bad but not much better in town even at a café.. ps... I film at 1080 64gb = 2hrs~ Just bought yet another harddrive.. That's where costs addup ... There is one thing that has been really worth while.. finding some decent people around the world... 😻

[@yarrokon]

Thank you, I didn't see this setting and was wondering what was up!

[@decodingyt]

I was getting huge amounts of views from this, yet there was no clear information regarding this on Google/KZbin. Thankyou so much for sharing this Nick! It's really helpful ❤️✌️

[@NickNimmin]

👊🤓

[@Edward_Black_Rose_Geometry]

I noticed this yesterday and visited your channel to look for something about it. I almost wrote a comment under one of your videos but deleted it thinking you wouldn't read it. But you somehow read my mind and uploaded a video about this problem, thank you!

[@mySeaPrince_]

Original Content Only declaration on upload... YT must stop all the content theft.. YT are quick to punish use of copyright music.. But not our content... There's many channels blatantly copying from other platforms & making money on YT.

[@JMGENTERPRISES]

So far you the only video showing a possible resolution! I had a steep decline in revenue on September 10th. I did notice a spike in views from a particular video of mine. When checking where the views are coming from, I saw close to 8,000 views from "KZbin Advertising." I just now checked the box you mentioned and will post an update if and when my revenue returns! Thanks again for providing some light at the end of the tunnel 🙂

[@ElectroBlastLuigi]

Thank you so much Nick! I've noticed a few of my gaming videos are getting small amount of views from "KZbin advertising" in the past few months and I wasn't sure if it's someone selling my videos or something since I've seen other people's videos and even their artwork getting promoted as ads on KZbin when searching for videos. For some reason, this is happening even though I never linked a Google Ads account to my KZbin channel. I also got a direct message from someone on Twitter trying to promote themselves to advertise my content so it gave me an idea that they're probably one of the suspects (I never responded). If this practice is as scummy as it sounds, I'm glad you put this video out there for us. Hopefully we figure out why/how this is happening soon, if we don't know the answer to this.

[@wenatplay]

Scary frustrating stuff 😡😖Thanks for making us aware and also how to fix it!

[@JenniferMarieVO]

WOW. Thank you so much for this video. I had no idea that this was even a thing people could do. I just checked my analytics, and on July 6, 2023, I had 3,500 views from KZbin Advertising. Less than a month later, my channel was hit with "invalid traffic", causing an 80-90% revenue reduction. This invalid traffic issue has since come and gone three times on my channel. (I'm in the trenches now). Can't help but wonder if it is related to that July 6, 2023 incident. What a disaster.

[@NickNimmin]

100% agree

[@AndrewK]

GREAT UPDATE NICK! I can now stop a certain company using my content as an ad -.-

[@Erwin.Wijayanto]

"I've been facing this issue, and this video couldn't have come at a better time. Your tips are practical and easy to follow. Thank you! Thanks, Nick!

[@pipecleanercraftsb]

Nick, I did get about 1.6K of these views just yesterday, but I don't understand it (it's my English). How were they able to use our videos in the first place? And why don't we get money for it? Or do we?... Thank you! Also, what are these "linked" accounts?

[@NickNimmin]

Interesting. To my understanding it’s not harmful but it’s shady since creators don’t get compensated for it being used that way.

[@pipecleanercraftsb]

@@NickNimmin "sampling" shorts is also shady, so many of my shorts get reuploaded and i can't even claim them...

[@Laiqul]

@@pipecleanercraftsb watermark it

[@NickNimmin]

If they are using the Remix feature, its because that's partn of the KZbin Shorts ecosystem and is allowed. If they are re-uploading, then that's not, and you can issue a takedown on those. Creators currently cannot claim ad revenue on Shorts or longs, so a Takedown is the only other avenue.

[@themmaspokesman]

@@pipecleanercraftsb you can prevent them remixing your content by choosing the option not too.

[@CollinAbroadcast]

Good looking out! I wonder what the purpose of using other people's videos as advertising

[@TrixReact]

Potentially to reduce reach on someone’s videos. As I believe I am witnessing with my channel

[@SarahMJordan]

Thanks Nick. Glad you always have our backs

[@JonnyShapland]

Thanks very much for this! I just noticed a company had started doing this and was panicking thinking it was going to ruin my channel and I had no control… 😅 This video saved the day!

[@HowToBuildYourOwnHome]

Thank you Nick! I just fixed our channel. It’s interesting how people can use our content for ads. We had people doing this. There is so much to learn. This quick tip was fabulous.

[@RocketQueen71]

😎👍 Thanks,Nick for the 4-1-1 !!!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Hey. It would be useful to know what the full details are to this. On one side, you are getting more views which is welcome and may introduce people to your channel. But what does this look like on the other side? Are you really being taken advantage of? More info is needed to know if this is actually something that should be turned off.

[@NickNimmin]

If a someone is using your videos for advertising they are avoiding compensating someone for making the content, which is taking advantage of you as a creator IMO. That’s the issue.

[@lifeofaseven]

Yes. Thank you, great question.

[@lifeofaseven]

​@@NickNimmin plus I'm just thinking, people already get annoyed enough with the ads we place on our own content, for that we have linked to an AdSense account and we allow Google/ KZbin to place there... We already have enough ads on there as it is, and so with these other advertisers just putting their ads on their, without compensating us and being linked to an account... This just adds extra stuff for our viewers to be annoyed about right? Couldn't it be considered like twice the ads but we're only getting paid for a portion of it??

[@lifeofaseven]

​@@NickNimmin I see people okay with this, because they're getting reach and they think it's more views, and it very well could be but... I'm leaning towards no, because of the aggravation Factor for viewers, and in the long run we might not get as many views or even lose viewers... And if I'm going to have my viewers annoyed by advertisement, then I certainly want to be getting paid for allowing those ads on my content.. So in the long run those views likely aren't worth it... Am I kind of maybe on the right track? Thank you Nick.

[@TheAwesomeFossum]

Nick! We need more videos covering this niche within this niche! "Quality of Life" fixes or tips like this! Please do more. This is PERFECT!

[@NickNimmin]

🤓 ✋

[@TheAwesomeFossum]

@@NickNimmin another good idea: start a mini segment covering what sites to use to help market people with specific skillsets to others, like lets say someone was really good with photoshop making thumbnails for youtube videos, where should that person go to market themselves the most effective & easiest way they can for side gigs. All relating back to skills creators learned as they grow. Fiverr can’t be the only option surely. Idk!

[@JustinTechTips]

The KZbin algorithm is very intelligent. There is basically a different algorithm for every traffic type. I highly doubt your video will tank if "the wrong people" click off your video used as an ad. For one the reason KZbin is putting it in front of them is because their history suggests they might be interested in it (just like KZbin Recommendations) and two if you get low watch time within the category of "KZbin Advertising" that only hurts you in that category. If you dominate in Search or the Home Screen, I don't see how the KZbin Advertising category can hurt you in any way.

[@owenvideo1]

WHOA!! Amazing heads up brother. Great video, thank you

[@NickNimmin]

My man!!!

[@TheGamingShelf]

I didn’t even know you could do this! Thanks for the tip Nick. Fixed 👌

[@NickNimmin]

👊 🤓

[@infin8reactions]

Thanks for this info nick! You're my favourite educational channel when it comes to KZbin 😁👌

[@NickNimmin]

👊 🤓

[@Eric.Estrada]

I went from 7 straight 1 of 10s to 5 straight 10 of 10s. Couldn’t figure out why. Noticed a random spike of over 1k views on my channel trailer and discovered it was all in Brazil. Kept digging. Saw it was YT advertising. Now all the content suggesting my videos have nothing to do with my channel topic.

[@IBSaurabh]

Same issue

[@Eric.Estrada]

THANK YOU!!! Someone is trying to sabotage my channel by running ads on irrelevant audiences throwing the content suggesting my videos for a loop.

[@playingthemomgame]

This JUST happened to me and I had a really hard time finding out what was going on. This is the video I was looking for 2 weeks ago! 😆 Great video right to the point!!

[@RoadReality]

Your timing couldn't be better! I was researching this exact thing earlier this week because I saw it as a source of views, and some of the guys on Reddit said it was KZbin putting your video on their home page or something... but this makes more sense. [I figured the YT home page would just be a Browse source, can you clarify?] Thanks, Nick!

[@NickNimmin]

Yes, KZbin home is part of browse. If you type “KZbin traffic sources Google help pages” into Google they give explanations of all of the different traffic sources.

[@RoadReality]

@@NickNimmin Thanks, Nick! :D You're awesome!

[@KCHUSTLR]

Simple sweet to the point, subscribed , started my channel 6 months ago, your info is very helpful 👍

[@Jworkoutstv]

Thanks man I was seeing this alot and getting frustrated but now i fixed it

[@TayajohMusic]

Thank you so much for this information! I just found out I had some videos used in advertising. I wanted people to use my content so this was exciting news for me!😃

[@DoctorFashion]

This happened to me on a video that was released over a month ago. I actually have seen higher watchtime hours, views, and new subscribers since this has happened to my video. No complaints here..

[@ErikKSwanson]

Do you have any idea how long it takes for the check box to stop allowing my videos to be used as ads? I did it Friday, but I’m still seeing “KZbin Advertising” as a traffic source this morning. I posted a YT Short yesterday and within the first 30 minutes started getting “KZbin Advertising” traffic. This is most definitely effecting my video performance - average view duration for “advertising” views is 1/4 the overall view duration… plus I imagine that my “swiped away” stat is being influenced by this as well. I contacted YT help, but they’re not actually helpful and told me I need to contact google ads. A quick search on Reddit, and a few YT videos indicate that this is a known exploit that nefarious people use to sabotage other’s channels. Considering the email threats I got last year from handing out some copyright strikes, I don’t think it’s a stretch to think someone is intentionally trying to yank my videos as soon as they’re posted.

[@NickNimmin]

I would expect there to be some residual views from that traffic source if say a campaign was already underway. Its possible that the block works for future campaigns when someone attempts to add your video URL to their campaign.

[@ErikKSwanson]

@@NickNimmin thanks. I’ll keep an eye on it, and hope it resolves itself soon.

[@VillageINSIDER92]

@@ErikKSwanson whats update? When your video stop by check ✅ in settings, after which time it fixed ?

[@TheAlexErnstShow]

Any update? Dealing with this now

[@not_David]

I had this happen to me today. I did what was suggested in the video but I've still been getting a couple of views still coming in (it wasn't a lot to begin with I just don't like the idea of someone being able to do this). Hopefully it just takes a bit to kick in and by tomorrow it won't be a problem? The only other thing I can think of is that I don't have an ad account linked like is shown in the video.

[@bdriversims8230]

Thanks, Nick. You're always looking out for us.

[@NickNimmin]

👊 🤓

[@ElementalSoundWorks]

Wow, I was completely unaware of this! Not sure if it is related, but I was having great, consistent views for days on end. Then after getting the Advertising views (September 6th), my views went down (not a lot but a good bit after being so consistent). I am aware this can happen anyway so could just be a coincidence though. Thanks for the heads up! I can't say I'm not curious to see how my one of my videos was used as an ad in the first place lol.

[@EsotericGateway]

Omg literally me. I recall seeing somewhere that external ads do affect the natural algorithm of one’s channel. I’m experiencing this now and it seems to be on going problem with my views 😤

[@ninasnutritionandwellnessvideo]

I followed your steps and there is no "KZbin advertising" button under "Traffic Sources," nor is their "only let linked accounts," an option. Maybe it's because I don't have the 4000 views yet?

[@AmericanExplorer]

I don't think that's it. Someone else that is monetized didn't have either. I'm also monetized and it's not there for me.

[@NickNimmin]

You will need to be in the KZbin Partner Program.

[@RustyGraffitiReviews]

Good looking out Nick! 👊🏽

[@HoosierGarage]

Odd, I don't have the "KZbin Advertising" option under that thread of items..(I am monetized, etc) What's missing?

[@AmericanExplorer]

Same here. I'm monetized too, and I have 2.2K subs. I hope Nick sees your question.

[@NickNimmin]

It means that so far, you hav not had anyone use your videos as ads - that's a good thing.

[@HoosierGarage]

@@NickNimmin ok great. Thanks Nick

[@thecraftypuertorican]

I checked the traffic list, but KZbin advertising is not included. Why is that? My channel is monetized.

[@NickNimmin]

It simply means that none of your content has been used in that way, which is great.

[@hosteltravels]

Shout Out 2 You Nick from Chiang Mai, Thailand.... You inspire me, help me, and your videos are just plain cool. Thank you for this video and for the music that you provide for us growing content creators. You're a very talented man and I'm so grateful I found your channel. Be Well my Friend!

[@NickNimmin]

I appreciate that! 👊🤓

[@PooDotStinkPants]

Thanks for this, we were surprised to find a couple.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

This just happened to me and then your video popped up. Thanks Nick!

[@NickNimmin]

Timing!

[@AlyenasKitchen]

Thank you so much for helping me understanding this! I was seeing youtube advertising in my analytics and had no idea why. I checked the box and hopefully, it is fixed. 😊🌺🌷

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thanks for this. I have been noticing KZbin advertising as a traffic source on several of my videos lately. Does having this as a traffic source negatively effect my organic reach? It would certainly explain why some of my videos have been under performing lately, even though they have decent CTR and average vew duration, etc It's also really strange, because some of the videos being used for advertising are about homeless people... what the hell are they advertising?!

[@NickNimmin]

No it shouldn’t have an impact on reach. This is more about making sure companies are not using your stuff without compensation.

[@ErikKSwanson]

@@NickNimmin Thanks for the response. I certainly don't want people using my stuff without my permission., I'm not trying to get too tin foil hat on ya, but stick with me on this... if KZbin sees that someone is willing to pay for views on a particular video, then why would they give that video more impressions for free? I understand that YT wants to keep the viewer happy, but it's win/win for them. They can get paid to show a video as an advertisement, and still try to place it in front of the audience they think will enjoy it most. All the while KZbin is making money from the video, instead of having to split ad revenue from that same video. There is also the issue of the viewers coming from ads not watching the whole video and engaging with it, which will probably hurt the overall impressions the video gets. The spiffing brit did a video a while back demonstrating how ads could be exploited to take down a videos performance. The first time I ever noticed the YT advertising traffic source was also right when the associated video went from hundreds of views/day to single digit views/day. This might be a coincidence, but it seemed strange to have both things happen pretty much at the same time. When I contacted KZbin help last year about it, they told me there was nothing I could do to stop someone else from advertising my video.

[@lifeofaseven]

​@@NickNimminoh okay thank you so much for this answer, Because I was wondering myself, is this a bad thing, should I check that box, I mean I don't mind getting reach, for sure, if I'm not going to be negatively impacted in any way... One person complained that they got some invalid watch time views, But that makes sense we don't want our content being used without being compensated.. I'm not really sure whether to leave it on or turn it off, I of course want to be compensated, but I don't want it to drastically affect anything on my page,.. As far as views I was getting or anything like that..

[@BrandonTalbot]

I don't even have "KZbin Advertising" as an option in the advanced mode.

[@NickNimmin]

That's a good thing.

[@lifeofaseven]

I checked my analytics and traffic sources, and I saw where you answered another person, if it doesn't show up under sources, then it hasn't happened to us, And it wasn't on my list of traffic sources, so I'm thankful, because I was kind of worried and confused, I have unchecked that box going forward,. Thank you so much.

[@JaDeLRocks]

Thanks Nick… you always have our backs ♥️🤗☕️

[@NickNimmin]

👊 🤓

[@Farawaynow]

Thank you, I was surprised to see I had view from ads.

[@inzu_shorts]

How to use remix green screen features in India ?

[@NickNimmin]

Does being in India make a difference?

[@CDReimer]

I've seen "KZbin Advertising" in the live view after posting a video. I don't see it in the analytics report.

[@AnaReczynski]

What about if you promoted your channel with youtube? Does this still change that number?

[@NickNimmin]

Yes, then its you who are promoting your own content and showing up as KZbin Advertising.

[@AnaReczynski]

@@NickNimmin do you recommend promoting a channel through youtube? Specifically a beauty channel? Thank you so much for your time!

[@NickNimmin]

No. I'd never use this to "grow" a channel. These ad campaigns are better suited for promoting a product or service - tailored video ads to a specific call to action to buy or find out more.

[@JoeCannon1]

What if you DON'T see "youtube advertising" but do see "other youtube features?"

[@NickNimmin]

Those are features that do not have their own individual category. No issues there.

[@ContempoCoding]

Thanks, Nick! It was only 1, but still 1 too many!

[@Pizza_Soda]

Nick, your camera is incredible

[@NickNimmin]

Thanks. It's a Sony A7Siii with a 24mm 1.4 GMaster lens.

[@Pizza_Soda]

@@NickNimmin Oh okay. Thanks

[@FoodFunDiary]

Mighty thanks for this useful guide💜💜

[@JumpyJolt]

Thank you Nick for explaining! I am a small channel and I started seeing a tiny amount of traffic coming from ads? What? I was clueless. Good video. You always cover the "unknown" of the YT abyss. This place can be scary of us little channels. 🤣

[@NickNimmin]

🤓 ✋

[@DIYAudioGuy]

What if I want a brand to do this? What instructions do I need to give them so that they can do this?

[@NickNimmin]

You would need to either uncheck the box (which would let it be available to any advertiser to use) or whitelist their specific GoogleAds ID in your Settings -> Channel -> Advanced Settings -> Google Ads account linking.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

@@NickNimmin Yes, but if how would a brand find the video and run it as an ad? I have a few companies that I have worked with and I don't mind when they run a video as an ad. It makes me money and they get their brand in front of their target audience.

[@NickNimmin]

If you're working with a brand, you would just need to provide them the URL - that's all they need.

[@tinmaan]

Thank you Nick!! that is amazing information!! Just made the change. Thanks for all you do!👊

[@doodlesdream]

I set this option but still my traffic are come from KZbin advertising. 😅 Why?

[@NickNimmin]

If you're seeing it in realtime views as a traffic source, you may find that they disappear once views have been validated.

[@HowBigistheMap]

Hi Nick. I hope you can help me. I uploaded a video 2 weeks ago. It just reached 175,000 views. Today KZbin suddenly made it age-restricted. There isn't violence in the video. Is there a way to contact them?

[@NickNimmin]

When they age restrict videos, it means they are no longer viewable by viewers under 18, or people signed out of KZbin. Its fully viewable by anyone over 18 who are logged into KZbin. All the details on what types of things could get a video age restricted can be found here - support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802167 This is how you go about appealing an age restricted video - support.google.com/youtube/answer/1153367

[@HowBigistheMap]

​@@NickNimmin Thanks for your reaction. I already did that, but maybe you knew another way to contact them.

[@NickNimmin]

The only other way if you want to ask questions is the Creator Support link at the top of your Studio dashboard.

[@HowBigistheMap]

@@NickNimmin Thanks for answering again. You're the best. Thanks for the tip, I''m going to try that.

[@ScottysAnimals]

I know this video is only 2 hours old but for some reason I don't see KZbin advertising as a traffic source

[@NickNimmin]

That's a good thing!

[@PlanetImo]

Ah yeah - that's happened to me a couple of times. I have NO IDEA what they were using my random daily life vlogs to advertise. I had a spike in views and gained some subs from the extra traffic, but obviously no revenue from advertising, because apparently my vlogs WERE the advertisements. No idea what for though!

[@WendyDewarHughes]

Thanks again for more great info.

[@_Jesuschristcares]

I love the way you use visuals and examples to help explain complex concepts, it makes it much easier to understand ❤😊✅

[@NickNimmin]

🤓 ✋

[@coastaldiva]

So I don’t understand this is some thing that KZbin allows, and it could hurt a persons channel?

[@NickNimmin]

No. This is more about people using content as ads without compensating the creator.

[@coastaldiva]

@@NickNimmin oh ok. I’ve seen KZbin advertising on my analytics before but when I go to click that tab you mentioned, I don’t have that option so maybe it’s because I don’t have linked accounts yet?

[@NickNimmin]

Porbably because you need to be in the KZbin Partner Program and have a linked Google Ads account.

[@coastaldiva]

@@NickNimmin thanks! Yes it occurred to me i was worrying about something that i dont even have yet 😆 😅

[@RealQuietOne]

Thank you, sir. I never understood this, since I don't advertise my channel. I did as you suggested. I only had 54 views but at least I now know the reason why. Once again, thank you so much!

[@BeComingNyrell]

: you know how when you upload a video you’re given two options: allow video remixing or allow audio remixing only. When other creators use your content in their videos do you get a percentage of the earnings since it’s your original content?

[@NickNimmin]

Right now, no. That is something they have hinted at for the future. There is a built in link back to your content though.

[@BeComingNyrell]

@NickNimmin ohhh okay! Thank you... I didn't know it was a link back to the original content. Guess I missed a few updates😊

[@IBSaurabh]

Hi Nick, from Past couple of weeks views on both my longform as well shorts videos have dropped significantly. I didn't know what was happening, my analytics were far different from what they used to AVD CTR everything, and i kept wondering if YT is somehow showing my videos to the wrong audiences. Same videos were performing far better on FB & instagram, where i have significantly less followers. After watching your video, i found out i was getting views from YT advertising. Could that be reason why my views disappeared all of a sudden? I have so many haters lol could be that someone was showing my videos to the wrong type of audiences on purpose.

[@NickNimmin]

Likely not, unless there is some scale to the Advertising views or you've been using the Promotion tab to promote content.

[@tipskontenkreator]

Hey Nick, I collaborated with a video editor company and the video we made went viral. It got almost 800k views and added 798 new subs to my channel. However, I was disappointed to find out that 92% of the views came from KZbin advertising. I don’t know how this affects my channel in the long run. The video only earned 5 cents per thousand views, and my next upload performed worse than usual.

[@NickNimmin]

That’s unfortunate but they did sub which is a win. The next step is learning how to get them to respond again when KZbin shows them more of your content. This will come down to topic choice, title, thumb and of course how the people who click respond to the video.

[@tipskontenkreator]

I agree that it’s a win-win situation. I didn’t expect that either. They should have informed me beforehand about this change. Thank you for your reply. I learned a lot from you since the beginning.@@NickNimmin

[@peachxtaehyung]

Wow only 9 cents per thousand? May I ask your normal?

[@tipskontenkreator]

@@peachxtaehyung 2usd

[@peachxtaehyung]

@@tipskontenkreator wow thats a huge drop. I'm so sorry

[@vincentbos]

@NickNimmin I’m so grateful to see this video, but the problem doesn’t stop when you click the option you suggest. I clicked this days ago and yet this very hour I’m still getting views from KZbin Ads! I contacted KZbin and Google ads…. Both were very unhelpful and offered no help or solution. This is a big problem and I would really hope you could discuss this again. What is the benefit to someone doing this to our channels?

[@NickNimmin]

The operating theory is that some ad campaigns that were already running have to play out and that the setting will work to block your videos from being picked up on new campaigns. There are multiple reasons that could be happening: - Companies of products or services you might be talking about in a video might want to drive traffic thinking it would bring more awareness to their product or service. - Someone may set-up a campaign with the wrong video URL. - On, hopefully, rare occasions, a view botting service, malicious actor, etc. might want to drive traffic to your video(s) to trigger "unusual" activity on your video or channel.

[@vincentbos]

@@NickNimmin thank you very much for your response. You are a lot more helpful than KZbin or Google Ads in explaining this. In fact, you are the only person explaining this. I think the community would love it if you continued to discuss this topic in future videos, because people are confused and concerned and have no one to turn to. Thank you again :)

[@NickNimmin]

Just out of interest, what date did you apply the check to the setting, and what dates can you see that YT Advertising traffic source happening?

[@vincentbos]

@@NickNimmin thank you. I noticed the advertising views 4 days ago and then saw your video (and checked the setting). So the views were already happening before I changed the setting. So hopefully when the campaign ends, the views will stop. Something else I'm trying is to make the videos I see getting views private (it's happening to lots of my videos). I might be wrong, but I don't think you can promote a private video, so I'm hoping it causes the campaign to fail. Then 24 hours later I'll change the video back to public. Thank you for your support and great videos. My channel has benefited from your knowledge over the years :)

[@TheRealMrDiGG]

Thanks for the easy to follow on screen example!!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Nick, I do not see the “KZbin Advertising” category under the “Traffic Source” heading. What might this mean, if anything? I’m assuming NOT seeing it is a good thing. Thanks for the great video!

[@NickNimmin]

Yes, it means none of your videos have been used as an ad in that period of time.

[@AbandonedMines11]

@@NickNimmin That’s what I figured. Glad to have it confirmed, though. Thanks for the reply, Nick!

[@MorleyGames1]

I had a few of these. Do the impressions from these ads ruin your ctr if the viewer doesnt click?

[@NickNimmin]

technically no. These don't show a thumbnail to click, so not a CTR issue. They will, if shown as a skippable ad, will certainly have a lower average view duration than other traffic sources for the same video. KZbins says they do not take into account AVD from this traffic source as its not considered organic.

[@MorleyGames1]

@@NickNimmin thanks for your reply :)

[@LifeHackerMax]

Wow! This was very helpful information! I had this happen to me in the past but had no idea about the implications. Thank you do much for explaining it! Great video! 🤩🤩🤩

[@AcademicEnglishNow]

I don't see that checkbox. I can only see the linked accounts

[@NickNimmin]

Assuming you're in the KZbin Partner Program, and there is one linked account, you should be seeing it.

[@iEntertainmen]

Will this be a problem for our channel?

[@NickNimmin]

Only from the aspect of not having full control over how your content is used.

[@sharkscrapper]

My feelings are hurt, nobody is stealing my videos for advertising 🤣 Seriously Nick, thanks for the info - I'll keep an eye out for this. Sharky

[@RCInsiders]

😂😂

[@PolusLofi]

LOL

[@TheProhibitionKitchen]

Hey Nick, this option doesn't appear to be available on my channel settings. I first thought it was because I had no Google Ads account linked, but there was no change after creating an account, linking, and approving the link. I see the account linked just as is obscured in your video, but there is no checkbox available.

[@NickNimmin]

Apparently you need to be in the KZbin Partner Program for this setting to appear.

[@TheProhibitionKitchen]

@@NickNimmin Thanks for the reply, I figured so. Mostly just wanted to make sure it was on your radar

[@gripps2211]

How does this affect paid promotions from ad sense?

[@NickNimmin]

It doesn't. All the setting does is stop any external Google Ads accounts from using your content. Any accounts that you add to your channel are allowed to use your content as an ad. Just to clarify, this is when your content is being used as an ad, not when ads appear on or around your videos.

[@littlegretchensworkshop7665]

What if I don't have KZbin advertising in my traffic source list? Should I still do it?

[@NickNimmin]

That's good news. You can still do it as a precaution for the future.

[@EstebanAguilarSax]

I have a view from advertising but I’m not monetized or have a linked google ads account, so I don’t have the option to uncheck it. Any way to stop them in this case?

[@NickNimmin]

Unfortunately not until you get into the KZbin Partner Program.

[@zanidd]

I‘ve done it on my channel, but still getting some views via advertising- don’t know why

[@NickNimmin]

Interesting. If it’s disabled you shouldn’t be.

[@zanidd]

@@NickNimmin I read somewhere that it could mean that KZbin itself is promoting the video on the "ad part" of the home page - is there any truth to it?

[@NickNimmin]

If your video is appearing on the home page, that's Browse traffic.

[@zanidd]

@@NickNimmin hm ok, weird - still getting the advertisment source views, double checked if the setting is enabled and it is 🫠

[@NickNimmin]

Keep monitoring that!

[@darrenp1078]

Would you mind explaining how this is bad for my channel? I've been seeing traffic coming in from KZbin ads. I thought it was beneficial to me, since my videos got advertized for free. But I DID notice that channel-wide view count has dropped significantly since this ad thing started. So, what was the mechanism? How did the ads negatively affect my channel? Thanks!

[@NickNimmin]

That's a whole other side effect that we're still looking into.

[@4viator]

I have this option turned on and I still get views from advertising..

[@NickNimmin]

See if those views stick around after about 72 hours. Some have seen them appear, then disappear.

[@Workingonjoy]

Nick, I have a question how do I protect my videos? I’m just starting out. I only have about 40 videos, but I’ve noticed that there are advertisements on some of my videos. But because I am not eligible to be a part of the KZbin partner program, I’m unable to check that button to prevent someone from adding ads to my videos. So what should I do?

[@NickNimmin]

Right now, not too much. I would prepare by making sure you have a free Google Ads account that you can link to your channel, then work towards getting into the KZbin Partner Program. It is less likely that a brand will try this on you until you get on their radar if you talk about their product or service.

[@LastSong99]

I don't see that option is that bacause i'm not in youtube's partner program

[@NickNimmin]

Correct.

[@aaronpk]

This happened to me last year! I got like 200K views on a video, all but 2K of the views were from advertising! Ironically, now I'm getting inundated with emails from that brand's competitors because they think if I post a video about their competing product it will get similar views 😭

[@NickNimmin]

Hahaha! That's an epic side effect...lol.

[@MartinKPettersson]

How does this actually work? I've hade a few views coming from youtube ads. But why would anyone pay to show my video? Are they trying to sell something with it? Can I somehow see who is doing this and how?

[@TerrestrialVibes]

Thanks Nick! Didn't know this was a thing till just now! Appreciate the tip! 🙏💙

[@NickNimmin]

Yeah, a lot of people are finding this in their traffic sources and it's causing a lot of confusion.

[@CookingandCalm]

Thanks so much for this. Long shot, but could this be a factor in the ‘invalid traffic’ issue some of us are facing? (Not doing anything dodgy and a very small creator so it’s a complete mystery). I couldn’t see that link in my analytics so I’m guessing it’s not happening to me, but I’ve turned off the option all the same. Really appreciate the help you’re giving us all. Thanks again

[@NickNimmin]

It is one of the action tasks Roberto Blake was mentioning for the Invalid Traffic issue on Twitter/X in the last 48 hours.

[@CookingandCalm]

@@NickNimmin oh that's interesting. I turned it off last night when I saw your video (I'm in UK) and when I've got up this morning my invalid traffic banner has gone!🎉 Who knows if it was that, or if it will return, but it's such a relief. Thank you again for everything you're sharing and I really appreciate your taking the time to reply.

[@NickNimmin]

oh nice!

[@Toriqu]

I really appreciate you for this information!!Everyone should knwo this. It's a shame that KZbin made it as a default option that my work could be exploited by a random company and this even can ruin my channel's algorithm. Right after I checked this option and the views from one of my video suddenly stopped rising. The next day I realized all of the views were coming from India. I cannot even imagine what could happen if I didn't watch your video. Thank you

[@MikePhillips]

Hey Nick, thank you. So question... I do NOT have that check box available ("Only let linked accounts advertise"). I do have an ad account linked. Recently I tried their "new and improved" promotions feature to promote my podcast... $8, bad results, no watch time (Do not recommend! lol.) My main channel is still not monetized - is it possible I don't have the checkbox because I don't have monetization enabled? Or maybe associate with the youtube promotions? Any advice appreciated.

[@NickNimmin]

It's the KZbin Partner Program - that is apparently the pre-requisite to have that option enabled.

[@MikePhillips]

@@NickNimmin got it. Thank you.

[@digitideaHindi]

Hello Nick I am watching you videos for years now. I started to get hundreds of thousands of views on Advertisement. I contacted KZbin about that got emails from at least 3 people on KZbin, no one was able to tell me that I can turn this thing off. Those 400K views almost Killed my channel and views from my subscribers (After those views stopped) dropped from 12% to 3% and 97% from unsubscribers without taking into account ad views!!

[@NickNimmin]

Wow, that's a LOT of views from advertising. I know that up until recently, this option didn't exist.

[@TubeDecoders]

Hi nick....as i m also content creator...your valuable knowledge helps me alot❤u are reaallly great

[@frankmckinley1254]

Wow I needed this video, THANKs.👍

[@NickNimmin]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Lolaizavlog777]

Thank you Nick for the update. I appreciate it!