YouTube AI label: player or description, by how real it looks

On YouTube, photorealistic altered or synthetic content gets the disclosure label in the video player, and non-photorealistic or animated content gets it in the expanded description. The visible spot depends on how realistic the clip looks, so decide that when you plan the clip, not after upload.

Where the label appears

YouTube's help page on disclosing altered or synthetic content separates the two cases. The table summarizes what it says, read on 2026-10-03.

What still needs disclosure at all

The same page lists what requires the toggle: a real person saying or doing something they did not, an altered real event or place, a realistic scene that did not occur, and music as the main focus. It does not require disclosure for non-realistic content, beauty filters, color or lighting adjustments, captions, or script help.

Choosing a look on purpose

A team that generates many clips can use that split as a creative choice. A stylized or illustrated look moves the label out of the player, while a photorealistic look keeps it in the player. Neither choice removes the duty to disclose when the content falls in the listed categories. Per the page, disclosure itself does not limit reach or monetization, and repeated non-disclosure can lead to removal or suspension from the Partner Program.

Do not pick a look to dodge a label. Pick the look the story needs, then disclose according to the table.

Pin the look in the request

Sume's video API takes a text prompt, an aspect_ratio and optional frame_images or input_references. A style written into the prompt and a stylized first frame both push the output the same direction across a batch, which keeps a series consistent in whether it reads as photographic or animated.

Keep a record of the planned disclosure state per clip in your own tracking sheet.

{
  "model": "sume/auto",
  "prompt": "Flat illustrated explainer scene, hand-drawn look, a paper boat crossing a river",
  "aspect_ratio": "9:16",
  "duration": 5
}