YouTube has introduced a new video labeling system that helps users assess the authenticity of uploaded content. This feature aims to make it easier for viewers to distinguish between original recordings and altered or AI-generated materials.
The “shot on camera” label is already live on the platform. Trupic, a company specializing in digital content authentication, was among the first to showcase the tool by uploading a video with the label automatically added to the description.
How the Label Works
This system is built on the C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) standard, which enables verification of video authenticity. However, the feature only applies to videos recorded and processed with tools that embed the necessary metadata. As outlined on YouTube’s help page, the “shot on camera” label means the creator used technology to confirm the video’s origin and ensure that the audio and visual components have not been tampered with.
For this label to appear, creators must utilize tools supporting C2PA version 2.1 or higher. Due to the current scarcity of compatible devices, a large-scale rollout of labeled videos may take some time.
Some manufacturers, such as Leica, began integrating C2PA credentials into their devices last year. However, it remains unclear if existing content credentials will trigger YouTube’s new labels.
Google has mentioned that it is actively exploring ways to share C2PA data with YouTube viewers, aiming to promote transparency about AI-generated content. We’ll keep you updated on further developments.
Key Requirements and Challenges
It is important to note that videos do not have to remain unprocessed to receive the label, as long as they maintain compatibility with the C2PA framework throughout creation and editing. However, the following situations can prevent the label from appearing:
- Edits breaking the chain of origin, making it impossible to trace the video back to its source.
- Substantial modifications to the video’s content, including audio or visuals.
- Incompatibility with C2PA 2.1 or higher after editing.
NIX Solutions notes that in addition to this initiative, YouTube has also introduced a “modified or synthetic content” label, requiring users to manually flag uploads containing AI-generated content.
We’ll keep you updated as more details emerge about this system’s broader adoption and its impact on content creators and viewers.