Links Not Poker Videos Caused YouTube Pokerpocalypse

June 5th, 2019 | by Kaycee James

The so-called “#pokerpocalypse” may not be the end of poker videos on YouTube following a recent response to community concerns.

YouTube isn’t against poker videos a representative tells Partypoker’s Jaime Staples. (Image: YouTube/PokerStaples)

Signs of trouble first came to light on June 1 courtesy of Jaime Staples. After being notified of a YouTube violation, the poker pro tweeted that a number of his videos had been removed from the site.

Strikes Rain Down on Poker Videos

Over the following days, hundreds of poker videos by multiple content creators were flagged by YouTube. Although the affected were informed they’d broken certain terms and conditions, it wasn’t fully clear what the breaches were.

Fast-forward to June 4 and Staples was given an answer.

I just got a response from YouTube re #pokerpocalypse situation:
The videos taken down were in regards to linking to gaming sites. This is in line with their terms of service, but they should not have removed all of them, and given us time to remove the links. 1/x
— Jaime Staples (@jaimestaples) June 4, 2019

Pressing the issue, Partypoker ambassador Staples questioned whether poker was a problem for YouTube. The response he received was that the game itself wasn’t the sticking point.

For those who post poker videos on YouTube, that will come as welcome news. However, YouTube did confirm that affiliate links do violate its terms and conditions.

With the majority of poker YouTubers generating income from sign-up links, many may have to rethink their strategy.

Staples explained this to a YouTube representative who said he understands the dilemma. At this time, however, those who link to gaming sites will be penalized.

YouTube Stance Still Positive

While certain individuals may suffer financially as a result of the latest action, it’s a positive for the community as a whole.

YouTube and other streaming sites have become a valuable resource for players, fans and operators in recent times. As well as being a source of free strategy content, poker videos are a way of bringing fresh blood into the industry.

Indeed, over the last two years, many of the top online poker sites have utilized online streaming. What’s more, it’s now possible to watch events such as the World Series of Poker (WSOP) via Twitch.

By moving with the times and plugging into the entertainment aspect of the game, poker videos have helped the community grow. So, to know that YouTube isn’t directly targeting players should be a welcome relief for everyone.