YouTube hits fake movie trailer channels where it hurts, and I’m so happy

I’ll say it: fake movie trailers parading around as legit previews are the freaking worst. Between AI-generated and heavily edited fake movie trailers, it’s getting harder and harder to know what’s real and what’s not when you see a new preview pop up in your YouTube feed. But recent developments indicate that YouTube is taking action following revelations that major movie studios were profiting from these misleading videos.

Last week, a report from Deadline (via 9to5 Google) exposed a controversial practice: rather than issuing copyright strikes against these counterfeit trailers, Hollywood studios were directing YouTube to divert the ad revenue from these videos into their own coffers.

A big issue in need of a remedy

This obviously sparked immediate backlash, with actors’ union SAG-AFTRA denouncing the move as a “race to the bottom.” The core issue revolves around studios seemingly prioritizing short-term gains over the potential long-term damage to intellectual property and the integrity of online content.

The situation has escalated quickly. Deadline has now confirmed that YouTube has demonetized two prominent channels known for producing these fake trailers: Screen Culture (1.4 million subscribers) and KH Studio (685,000 subscribers). YouTube’s decision stems from violations of the platform’s monetization policies, specifically regarding the creation of “duplicative or repetitive” content, insufficient changes to source materials, and videos made “for the sole purpose of getting views.” Additionally, YouTube’s policy against misleading content played a significant role in the platform’s action.

Screen Culture, known for its rapid-fire production of daily trailers, often spliced existing footage with AI-generated elements, resulting in a stream of content that, while popular, lacked originality. The channel’s frequent release of multiple fake trailers for the same film, such as Marvel’s Thunderbolts, exemplified this repetitive approach.

KH Studio, on the other hand, focused on “what if” scenarios, creating trailers based on hypothetical film concepts. The channel’s founder expressed disappointment at the demonetization, arguing that their intent was to explore creative possibilities rather than deceive viewers. Screen Culture’s founder, similarly, questioned the harm caused by their fake trailers.

Despite the demonetization, both channels continue to upload new content. YouTube has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, leaving the future of these channels and the broader fake trailer movement a bit uncertain. I totally get creators making concept trailers and posting them to YouTube when it is made very clear upfront that the content is fake; but that is rarely the case.

Instead, millions of viewers watch these videos thinking a new movie is on the way, only to be made to feel like an idiot after finding out it was faked. I’d expect studios would want to protect their IP, but the fact that they are actually cashing in on this is even more off-putting. The whole thing needs to be addressed, and now that this little cash grab is out in the open, hopefully it will be.