YouTube has suspended monetization for two prominent channels specializing in AI-generated fake movie trailers following a Deadline investigation into their operations and revenue models.

Channels Cut from Partner Program

Screen Culture and KH Studio, which collectively generated billions of views with their AI-enhanced videos, can no longer earn advertising revenue through YouTube’s Partner Program. The action comes after Deadline documented how these channels produce content that closely resembles official studio marketing while incorporating AI-generated imagery.

Screen Culture, founded by India-based Nikhil P. Chaudhari, employs a team of 12 editors who produce up to 12 videos weekly. The channel has amassed 1.4 billion views and 1.4 million subscribers, doubling its audience over the past two years after adopting AI tools, including Leonardo, Midjourney, and ElevenLabs.

KH Studio specializes in more speculative content, such as videos imagining Henry Cavill and Margot Robbie in James Bond films or Leonardo DiCaprio in Squid Game.

Studios Claim Ad Revenues 

Deadline’s investigation uncovered that several major studios, rather than enforcing copyright takedowns on these videos, have been claiming the advertising revenue for themselves. 

Emails reviewed by Deadline show Warner Bros. Discovery claimed monetization on Screen Culture trailers for Superman and House of the Dragon, while Sony Pictures did the same for fake Spider-Man and Kraven the Hunter trailers.

Platform Violations on Monetization

YouTube’s action cites violations of monetization policies, which require creators borrowing material to “change it significantly to make it your own” and prohibit content that is “duplicative or repetitive” or created for the “sole purpose of getting views.” 

The platform’s misinformation policies also ban technically manipulated content that could mislead viewers.

The investigation also revealed that Screen Culture’s videos frequently ranked higher in YouTube search results than official trailers. In February, two Screen Culture videos for The Fantastic Four: First Steps appeared above Marvel’s official trailer in search rankings.

Chaudhari defended his channel’s practices, telling Deadline that most viewers understand his videos are not official and questioning “what’s the harm” for those who are fooled. KH Studio’s founder emphasized that the channel’s intent was to entertain with “what if” scenarios rather than mislead audiences.

Both channels can appeal YouTube’s decision to suspend their monetization privileges.