YouTube Expands Deepfake Detection Tool to All Adult Creators

YouTube has opened its advanced deepfake detection tool to every creator aged 18 and above, marking a significant expansion of the platform’s efforts to combat digital identity theft. The move aims to give users greater control over how their likeness is used in the age of increasingly convincing AI-generated videos.

According to the YouTube team, the initiative is designed to provide peace of mind by making it simple for individuals to flag and request the removal of content that misuses their image without permission.

The tool addresses a growing challenge: distinguishing authentic footage from AI-manipulated material. It empowers both ordinary users and content creators to identify and block malicious actors—such as companies or bad-faith entities—from using their faces to promote products or spread disinformation.

From Pilot Program to Public Access

YouTube first previewed this detection technology in 2024. A gradual rollout began in late 2025, initially restricted to members of the YouTube Partner Program. Access later widened to include journalists and politicians before reaching the current stage of general availability for all eligible users.

To use the service, individuals must log into YouTube Studio on a desktop computer and follow a specific setup process. Steps include navigating to the "Content detection" tab, selecting "Likeness," scanning a QR code with a mobile device, submitting a government-issued ID, and recording a selfie video for identity verification.

Once configured, YouTube’s algorithms scan uploaded videos for potential matches to the user’s face. Any flagged footage appears in the same detection tab, where the user can review it and submit a formal takedown request detailing how their identity was exploited.

The platform also allows users to indicate whether the video has cloned their voice, though the current tool focuses primarily on facial features rather than audio alone.