YouTube Bans Political, Gambling, Alcohol, Drug Ads on Homepage
By Movieguide® Staff
YouTube banned political, gambling, alcohol, and prescription drug ads on their homepage, the video sharing company announced this week.
“We believe this update will build on changes we made last year to the masthead reservation process and will lead to a better experience for users,” a Google rep said in a statement.
YouTube’s “masthead” ads appear at the top of the YouTube homepage — which is “the most prominent Google advertising placement available to advertisers,” according to the internet company.
As of Monday, YouTube has banned the following advertising categories from its masthead: gambling; elections and political content; alcohol; and prescription drugs; The policy change was first reported by Axios.
This policy began shortly after the 2020 elections after the Trump Administration purchased 24-hour advertisement on the video sharing site for approximately $2 million.
Variety reports, “The day after the election, YouTube said that it would stop selling full-day masthead takeovers. Instead, that ad inventory is now sold on a per-impression basis.”
CNN adds:
YouTube’s policies have come under intense scrutiny in recent years, particularly around its approach to misinformation and hate speech. The video service was one of three platforms last year to agree to an outside audit of its policies against harmful content, along with Facebook (FB) and Twitter (TWTR), after pressure from major advertisers.
While the ban on ads for gambling, alcohol and drugs may be welcomed news for parents, the ban on political advertisements could be a way for the video sharing giant to further crack down on conservative content.
As Movieguide® previously reported on multiple occasions, YouTube appears to be censoring conservative channels.
YouTube punished channels that promoted Christian, pro-life, conservative and moral viewpoints by demonetizing their channels or just purging their content.
Meanwhile, YouTube is also removing any content that is contrary to communist ideals in China.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
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Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
