No, once your channel is demonetized, you will generally stop receiving ad revenue and will not get paid by YouTube, even for earnings accrued before the demonetization event, if those earnings have not yet been disbursed.
Understanding Demonetization and Its Impact on Earnings
When a video or an entire channel is demonetized, the direct consequence is the cessation of monetization through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). This means that you'll stop receiving ad revenue, and YouTube will not pay you for any further earnings generated from ads. Crucially, this often extends to earnings that were accrued prior to the demonetization but had not yet been paid out.
YouTube's system typically operates on a monthly payment cycle, where earnings are finalized and paid out once they reach a specific threshold. If demonetization occurs before these accumulated earnings are processed and disbursed, the payment privilege is often revoked along with the monetization status.
Why Accrued Earnings May Be Withheld
The primary reason for the withholding of previously accrued earnings post-demonetization stems from the termination of the channel's participation in the YouTube Partner Program. When a channel is removed from the YPP, it loses its eligibility to receive payments from YouTube. This can occur for various reasons, including:
- Violation of YouTube's Monetization Policies: This is the most common cause. If your content violates policies such as community guidelines, copyright rules, or advertiser-friendly content guidelines, your channel can be demonetized.
- Invalid Traffic or Activity: Generating earnings through artificial means or invalid clicks can lead to immediate demonetization and withholding of earnings.
- Fraudulent Activity: Any attempt to defraud the system or advertisers can result in severe penalties, including payment forfeiture.
For instance, even prominent creators like Logan Paul have experienced full channel demonetization due to controversial content, leading to a complete halt in their earnings. This demonstrates that no creator is exempt from these rules, regardless of their size or influence.
What Happens After Demonetization?
The impact of demonetization is significant and far-reaching, affecting both current revenue streams and any pending payments.
Key Impacts of Demonetization
| Aspect of Earnings | Impact After Demonetization |
|---|---|
| New Ad Revenue | Immediately stops. Your videos will no longer display ads that generate revenue for you. |
| Accrued (Unpaid) Earnings | Generally withheld or forfeited. If earnings from before demonetization have not yet been paid out (e.g., haven't reached the payment threshold or the payment cycle hasn't completed), they are typically not disbursed. |
| Other Monetization Features | Access to other YPP features like Super Chat, Channel Memberships, and Merchandise Shelf is also usually revoked. |
Steps Following Demonetization:
- Notification: YouTube will typically notify you of the demonetization decision, often providing reasons and sometimes outlining steps for reapplication, if applicable.
- Review and Appeal: Depending on the reason, you might have the option to appeal the decision.
- Focus on Compliance: If you plan to remonetize in the future, it's crucial to address the issues that led to demonetization and ensure full compliance with all YouTube policies.
In essence, demonetization serves as a comprehensive termination of the financial partnership between the creator and YouTube. Therefore, any outstanding earnings that have not yet been successfully transferred to your account are typically forfeited.
