- By Prateek Levi
- Mon, 18 May 2026 07:24 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
YouTube is preparing a much wider rollout of its Likeness Detection feature, a tool designed to help creators identify AI-generated deepfakes of themselves circulating on the platform.
The feature was first introduced quietly in 2024 for a limited group of creators. Earlier this year, access was expanded to journalists and government officials. Now, YouTube says the tool will soon be available to all eligible creators above the age of 18 over the coming weeks.
The idea behind the feature is fairly straightforward. Once enabled, creators can allow YouTube’s system to scan videos uploaded to the platform and detect whether someone has used their face in AI-generated or manipulated content without permission.
Creators who receive access will be able to activate the feature through YouTube Studio on desktop. Inside the left-side menu, users need to head to the “Content detection” section and open the “Likeness” tab. From there, YouTube asks creators to complete a one-time facial verification process before the detection system starts working in the background.
After setup, the platform will automatically look for videos that appear to use a synthetic version of the creator’s face. If any matching content is found, creators can review it and request removal if they believe it violates YouTube’s privacy policies.
Interestingly, the current version of the tool only focuses on visual deepfakes. That means it can detect manipulated facial likeness but not AI-generated voice clones. So if someone recreates a creator’s voice without using their face, the system currently won’t flag it.
YouTube describes the feature as an “industry-first tool” aimed at helping users manage how artificial intelligence is being used to represent them online. The company says the goal is to give creators more control and a simpler way to deal with unauthorised AI-generated content before it spreads widely.
The rollout also comes at a time when concerns around deepfakes and AI impersonation are growing rapidly across social media platforms. With AI-generated videos becoming increasingly realistic, tools like this could soon become essential for creators, public figures, and media personalities trying to protect their identity online.