quilting

I’m suspending publishing on YouTube as of this week

TeresaDownUnderby
94 Comments on I’m suspending publishing on YouTube as of this week

As of today, I am suspending the release of my YouTube videos while I wait for YouTube to do something about what their systems deem as “invalid” traffic.

You may be wondering, what is invalid traffic? Good question. (By the way, I’m not alone in this, Forbes magazine published an article on it recently.)

Unfortunately, I have only received canned responses from YouTube.

For a service that keeps 50% of all the revenue I make from my videos, it is disappointing that they have done nothing about this mysterious fake traffic, other than to blame me or a third party.

It all started after I released two videos that became more popular than usual. In particular, my QAYG 9 ways video went viral, raking up thousands of views and still going strong.

The other video that became more popular than expected was my Gingham quilt video.

I believe that YouTube’s systems picked up on this increased traffic, and a few days later, I received a message on my dashboard stating that due to “invalid traffic,” some or all of my videos won’t show ads on them, which means I can’t monetize them.

I contacted YouTube support, hoping for an explanation. However, their answer has been consistently unhelpful: “If you believe that your channel has invalid activity that you have not done or you may not be aware of or you think that is being done by spam users, you may report it here.”

As far as I know, why would I suspect that the traffic is “invalid”? I know that QAYG is very popular. Do you know of any video that offers 9 different ways to do QAYG? Of course, it’s popular. Why would I report that my video is popular? I thought all YouTube creators dream of their videos being popular.

Then it turns out it’s probably my fault that my traffic is invalid, and I need to stop it. That’s frustrating.

“As you may already know, invalid user activity is when a real person interacts with an ad, but not out of actual interest.

Some actions are accidental, like when a mobile user reaches for a link and taps an ad instead. Others are intentional and sometimes downright fraudulent. For example, publishers might ask (or even pay) users to click on ads, watch videos, or view content they wouldn’t normally engage with to increase their impression counts or such as follows:

  • Manually: the party generates the activity themselves, or encourages others to do so
  • Automatically: the party uses some sort of automated processes, such as a click bot

Traffic caused by deceptive tactics like these creates bad user experiences and provides little or no value to advertisers, which is why we are committed to stamping it out.

Additionally, if we are unable to verify the quality of your traffic, we may limit or disable your ad serving. Once traffic quality improves, these restrictions may automatically be lifted. We continuously scan videos on a channel to account for any invalid activity, and if it returns these restrictions may appear again.“

I’ve been back and forth about this issue for a few days, and this is all I have got.

YouTube is accusing me of manipulating my traffic in order to increase my revenue, or a third party is doing it. And on top of that, I have to prevent it!

So, I have no option but to suspend publishing on YouTube as I look for alternatives to get my videos out.

I know I’m a small creator, not even a drop in the ocean that is YouTube, but I’m doing this on principle.

Stay tuned for any developments.

Teresa

Related reading

The Story & Effects of “Invalid Traffic” on reddit.

On Twitter.

Forbes magazine: YouTube Creators Say Video Revenue Down Up To 90%: ‘Something Is Definitely Off’.

94 comments

  1. Very sorry to hear you’re leaving. I do understand your reasons for leaving and frustrations with Youtube.
    Hopefully this situation will be solved. Will you continue to publish on your website?
    Best wishes!

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  3. I understand. Big Business makes poor decisions all the time. This one is a real “doozy”. Thanks for sharing your gift!

    Like

  4. So sorry Teresa. Technology can be very frustrating especially when issues occur that are out of one’s control. Hope you find a resolution soon. Will be there when you return.

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  5. I’m so sorry to hear this but know that you are doing the right thing. I saw the 9 QAYG video and was going to view it when I had more time. The traffic for the video would be real as there are many people interested. Good luck.

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  6. I have purchased your patterns only a small amount but enjoy your web site. I would enjoy to continue to follow you so hopefully you will have another platform. Hope to continue with you soon.

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  7. Im so sad to hear this. That was such an awesome video that I passed the info on to my sisterin law & her friends who are new quilters. They loved it.
    Its awesomeness. ( if thats a word) is why it got the traffic .
    Hope it works out for you
    You are fantastic

    Regards,
    Julie

    Julie Howlett

    Like

  8. Dear Teresa. I have enjoyed your book and your videos for a long time.  Keep up the good fight. I will be anxiously waiting for your next success.  Sincerely Ellen Hart Shegos

    Sent from my iPad

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  9. I will follow your videos wherever you post, (other than Twitter) and I hope you get this straightened out without having to stop posting them!

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  10. Your videos are the best on the Internet snd wherever you publish we will follow.  I am sorry YouTube is being so obstreperous.

    Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail for iPhone

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Hello Teresa! I am sorry to hear that you will be suspending your YT videos. I don’t understand totally how YT works, their algorithms and calculations, I just know that I love your channel and have learned so much from you. I hope this situations is rectified and you will be back with your helpful tutorials! Please know that you have many who feel the same as me and stand with you. Looking forward to seeing you soon!! Best wishes!

    Like

  12. Boy oh boy are you in a “Catch 22”!!! I do hope you can work it out as your tutorials are my favorite – quick, easy to follow & easy to watch a second or third time without al the chatter that so many tutorials make you waste time with. Hang in there…

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  14. Dear Teresa

    Oh no!!  So sorry this has happened to you! 

    <

    div>Your emails with links to your amazing YouTube videos are among my MOST IMPORTANT emails

    Like

  17. P.S. You do amazing work with your videos. Thank you for all you do and have a blessed life. 

    Sent from my iPhone

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  18. Thank you for posting this and the information. As a fan I totally understand and support the decision – as the others of us do. Admittedly – I’ll certainly miss your You Tube presence BUT I’m thankful for the position taken! Meanwhile, please remain connected via email and otherwise as much as possible.

    Thanks! Carole McClellan Mississippi/USA ________________________________

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Goodness Teresa, what an absolute nightmare for you. When you think how some people abuse the system, you only have to watch your videos to know you absolutely do not. They should concentrate their noxious intrusions on some of those so called Influencers, who make ridiculous amounts of money. Totally agree with your stance on this and I know I speak for everyone who receives your emails, that we will miss you, but hope you can put the time to good use and maybe crash out and relax for a short while. I do appreciate all the hard work, all the thought and everything that you put into your work so that so many other quilters can learn from you and enjoy your brilliant designs and skill. A big thank you and good luck. Best wishes Natalie

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Keep up the good fight! The world needs content creators who are honest and dependable as a business and research entity. Thank you. Love the tutorials that quilters appreciate.

    Liked by 1 person

  24. I hope you can work thru this issue. Your videos are wonderful! And SO helpful! A faithful follower Margaret

    Sent from my iPhone

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    Liked by 2 people

  27. I’m sorry to see you gone. Hopefully it will be quickly resolved.

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  28. Good for you for standing your ground!!
    Thanks for explaining because I didn’t know how this works. Ridiculous situation.
    Keep us updated, love your videos.

    Liked by 1 person

  29. I am so sorry! I’m outraged with YouTube; it should lie with them to FIX this issue; what if it’s genuine interest?! Your tutorials (and book) have been so helpful for me, for years, and I have recommended you to many.

    Please let us know if you choose some other form of social media to share your tutorials.

    Kindest regards, Katie Steele

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Ugh! So sorry. I am with your other followers: your videos are very easy to follow and help us all create. Can I still see posts on your internet site? Cathy

    Liked by 1 person

  31. Teresa, I am so saddened to hear of your troubles with YT and pray there is a solution soon. Please know, I await your new videos with bated breath  I enjoy watching and learning from you always!Debra, Down in Texas, USA

    Liked by 2 people

  32. So sorry to hear this problem you’re having. There is another quilting YouTuber that I watch her channel is “scrap fabric love.” She did a video on seven quilt as you go methods. Maybe you can contact her to see if she’s had a problem. I also followed a YouTube channel called wonder, Hussey. She travels around the desert in the United States and makes videos. In the last month, she did a video about a problem she was having with YouTube. A different situation, but the more she try to resolve the problem of The worse it got.
    Maybe you could watch her video or even contact these two persons. I certainly hope you’re able to come back and make more videos because I really enjoy your method of teaching and all of your blocks are different from the norm. Which is what I like.
    So sorry to hear this about your YouTube channel. And hope you are able to find another way to teach us all.

    Liked by 1 person

  33. I’m so sorry this is happening to you. I love your posts. Hopefully this will resolve positively for you. I really do not understand computers that much and apps like YT and how they work. But I do enjoy them.

    Liked by 1 person

  34. <

    div dir=”ltr”>Teresa, I’m so sorry this is happening to you. There are so many websites with inaccurate information, hateful messages, and terrib

    Liked by 1 person

  35. All my old videos and website will remain available. I’m just not going to post new videos until this issue is resolved.

    Liked by 1 person

  36. I am sorry this is happening to you. I hope it gets resolved as I do enjoy your posts

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  37. Your channel is just terrific and YT must be a pain to deal with. Do creative channels ever upload on Rumble? I follow several former YT channels over there but not necessarily quilting. Don’t give up, your followers love your work!

    Sent from my iPhone

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  38. I am so sorry to hear this. I love your tutorials. Where do they get off saying all this nasty stuff? And you pay them for this? I wouldn’t give them a plug nickel.

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  39. Teresa, I’m flabbergasted. I will certainly miss your videos until you find an alternative, but will continue to follow your blog and get your emails with all the ideas you are so kind to provide.

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  40. so sorry. but I definitely understand, hope you get everything worked out, and thank you for all of your instructions that have been in my inbox.

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  41. I don’t see youtube cracking down on the fake video producers. So sad they picked on you. Probably because you arre smallish and truthful.! I enjoy your videos very much and yes, someties ads pop up and I close them down. Keep up your good work, we, your fans and followers will continue to support you.

    Liked by 1 person

  42. What about trying Rumble for your videos? There are other options also, but I don’t know what you have available to you. There’s also Odysee and GabTV.

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  43. I’m so sorry to hear how you’ve been treated by YT. Down right appalling on their side.
    Your videos are extremely helpful, I’m learning all the time. Thankyou so much. ☺️

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  44. I am so sorry to hear that!I have learned so much from you. Can you use your emails to post videos? I will miss you😞

    Sent from my iPhone

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  45. Wow, I had no idea that You tube could be such an issue. I would love to watch your QAYG video. I hope you find a better avenue.

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  46. Sorry to hear you are between the “rock and a hard place” situation. Understand your frustration – dealing with any larger company (and most gov’t departments) has become this same hassle. They tell you how much they value your business but do everything to prevent you from registering a complaint or problem with an actual person — oddly it is the ones who are in the communications businesses that are worst. While I don’t have any advice or solutions for your situation, I will tell you how much I value any service I receive from now mostly independent enterprises. Perhaps that tells you something about my age -yes older and know how things were before the internet – haha. Hope you can find a happy resolution Teresa – I know there are many like me who will look forward to when you can resume making your wonderful videos.

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  47. Teresa, very sorry to hear your news. As usual it’s a big company messing with the little people. I wish you the best of luck and will certainly miss your videos. Maria x

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  48. I understand why you have to suspend the use of YouTube. Time to move on. Please keep us informed about where you will take your business. Your videos are my favorite for sharing quick and accurate “how to” instructions with my sewing friends. We’ll go where you go. Thanks much. Delores in Arizona, USA

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  49. Teresa, I’m so sorry that YouTube is bullying you like this. They have the wherewithal to investigate on their own and they should not be harassing you in this fashion. I love your videos and look forward to seeing you on another venue.
    Thank you for all you do.

    Like

  56. Hi Theresa, I’m sorry to read this and totally understand your frustration.  It’s so disappointing to hear that utube are being uncooperative.  Your channel is a huge learning environment and one I’ve truly enjoyed.  I will wait for further updates from you. Hugs and blessings PatSent from my Galaxy

    Like

  59. I’m so sorry this is happening to you. I love your channel. I hope this is resolved quickly and to your satisfaction. PAT

    ________________________________

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  60. Thank you for your update. It’s a sad day when Bots are not properly managed. I’m sorry for your problems with YouTube. I’ve unsubscribed, not because of your troubles, but like all other subscriptions I’ve unsubscribed too, it’s because I’ve got too many of them. I’ve loved your QAL. I hope you find the right buttons to click to reset those YouTube Bots. Best Wishes. Margriet.

    Like

  62. So sad but boy do I understand.  If I share too much according to their algorithm I’m suspended for 1 hr to 1 day.  I understand the “spam” reasoning but they carry it too far.  I LOVE your TUTORIALS.  You are amazing.

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  64. Sooo sorry to read about this. Have always enjoyed your videos. Please make sure to let us all know when you find another way to share your talents or YouTube responds and fixes this for you as they should!

    Like

  66. OH s sad as I have enjoyed all your videos. Look forward to the information you provide. You have made me a more adventurous quilter. I do have your book which is a great help and love your emails. Will watch to see what you come up with again soon.
    With fondness, Peg

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  67. Oh Teresa, I’m so sorry this has happened to you,..if there is anything all your “you tube” friends can do , please let us know. I don’t understand how all this “you tube” works, …….(?) after watching your videos, up comes other videos, (usually 6 in squares) and if I’m interested I go into 1 of them, and so on………like going down the rabbit hole……….is this causing the problem? If we are causing these problems, can You Tube please advise us……………I can assure them you are not…… Sincerely, Elizabeth

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  69. Teresa, this is sad news for us who are inspired by your posts and videos. I hope you get this mess and what revenue is due to you soon. Keeping you in my prayers.

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    Liked by 1 person

  70. So sorry you have to deal with the video issues. I very much enjoy your emails and videos. I hope they can resolve the problem and your revenue reflects your growing channel.

    Liked by 1 person

  71. Teressa I’m sorry this has happened to you. Love you tutorials and patterns.

    You have given such inspiration over years and I’ve made quite a few of your patterns.

    I hope that YouTube can solve the problem for you.

    Happy Fan & Quilting Junky Dianne

    Dianne White Geelong Vic

    Liked by 1 person

  72. I’m so very sorry you and others are having this trouble. I will be following to see how this plays out. Also, I will be praying that this comes to an end in your favor. God bless you.

    Liked by 1 person

  74. I agree Rumble would be a good one you can money there too. They are a great site. youtube is just evil these days you would be wise to back up all your vids elsewhere. I also suggest Bitchute and Brighteon. they are two vid sites as well, not sure sure about money there though. Good luck.

    Liked by 1 person

  75. Teresa,

    I am sorry to hear of your YouTube troubles.

    Hopefully you will be able to solve it in some way.

    Thank you for all the videos over the years.

    Jeann

    Liked by 1 person

  76. Sorry for your troubles. How frustrating! How does one prove a negative? Or that some unknown person is doing something/anything? THEY should have to prove their assertions. I’m with Elizabeth Diblasio in asking if there is any way I (we) can help. Please let us know.

    Liked by 1 person

  77. Thanks for letting us know Teresa. Sounds like the little guy is losing again. So sad. Will be waiting for your next email and hopefully video.

    Liked by 1 person

  78. Oh Teresa. That’s almost impossible to comprehend. How absolutely awful for you.
    I love every one of your videos and although some may never get made they all interest me immensely and have done so for many years.
    How frustrating that you have to deal with people who either don’t understand or don’t care – perhaps both. Although it is very possibly a robot/algorithm with no concept of feelings or problem solving.
    I wish you all the best in your endeavours to sort the problem out, and look forward to viewing your wonderful videos again, well into the future.
    Fond regards Jan Rhoades in Brisbane

    Liked by 1 person

  80. Sorry for your troubles. I have heard similar stories from other utubers. Hope to see you back soon, as I will miss your videos.

    Liked by 1 person

  81. I’m sorry you are going through this. I have been a faithful subscriber to your channel and work for many years, and regardless of how uboob may be trying to jettison your business, be encouraged that I will find you and support you on whatever platform you use to display your work. Skill and talent will always shine through, and you have both. Be encouraged, and keep moving forward!

    Madelyn A. Lenard

    Liked by 1 person

  82. Teresa, I am so sorry you are going through this. I have been a loyal subscriber for many, many years ironic that, just as you are experience well deserved, respect, and traffic, YouTube is sabotaging you. Don’t be discouraged! No matter where you go, your loyal followers will find you and view your excellent work. Don’t forget good old fashioned email! You deserve all the success that you have worked so hard for. This is just a minor bump in the road.

    Liked by 1 person

  92. I was told that someone has copyrighted every combination of music notes there could be and if your video has music playing on it anywhere then that “someone” can claim you are using their music and they have the rights to any profits you make from your videos. I don’t understand it completely and am not able to explain very well. I was told that a person making a youtube video should not include any music in it at all.

    Liked by 1 person

  93. The music I use is relatively safe, it comes from YouTube’s audio library but from time to time songs are removed by the owner presumably and rights sold and then you can get a copyright notice. But it’s easily fixed by replacing the song.

    Liked by 1 person

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