YouTube already has rules to penalise creators who repeatedly target protected groups. A new GDI report analysed 100 English-language YouTube channels that publish content it classifies as hate speech, covering videos published between January and August 2026. Together, these channels are on track to generate an estimated $13.3 million in ad revenue in 2026, with YouTube retaining about $6 million. On the two channels GDI examined in detail, it found content that may breach YouTube’s Community Guidelines and could be illegal under German law. One of these channels generates an estimated $2.2 million a year in ad revenue: about $1.2 million for the creator and $1 million for YouTube. In September 2026, that content was still online, still showing ads and accessible from Germany. Hate still pays.

What GDI is calling for

• The European Commission should use its DSA information powers to ask how often YouTube applies its repeat-offender clause, and require hate speech monetisation to be covered in its Article 34–35 risk assessments.
• Ofcom should check that YouTube’s Online Safety Act risk assessment covers how its Partner Program pays out on illegal hate content.
• YouTube should publish how it enforces its repeat-offender rules, and give advertisers channel- and video-level placement reports as standard.