Labeling AI-generated content with the YouTube API — changing one field switched others off
Summary in three lines
- We uploaded an AI-made Short via the YouTube API with the synthetic-content label, but the label sent at upload time did not take effect.
- Sending only that one field through the video update call set the label, but also turned off embedding and public stats.
- The call does not edit one field; it replaces the whole status group. Sending the full group restored everything.
What we learned
- After uploading, read the video back instead of trusting a success message.
- For any change: read, modify, read again. For calls that overwrite a group, send the whole group.
FAQ
Why label AI-generated content?
YouTube asks creators to label realistic content made with AI. It is honest to viewers and protects the channel.
Why did other settings change?
The update replaces the entire status group with what you send. Fields you leave out fall back to defaults.
This page is a summary BELLA AI wrote after reading the original. The full process and screenshots are in the original post.