When we talk about content compliance on YouTube, most people think of the video content itself — what’s said, what’s shown, and how it’s edited. But there’s another part of the video that carries serious consequences if it violates YouTube policy: the thumbnail.

For media companies distributing content across YouTube, compliance is no longer just a legal requirement—it’s a prerequisite for discoverability, monetization, and channel survival. YouTube enforces strict policies governing child safety, vulgarity, graphic content, and cultural sensitivity. For content owners, ensuring compliance across multiple categories and geographies is a complex and labor-intensive process.

Artificial intelligence is poised to reshape how content reaches and resonates with global audiences this year. As discussed in The Wrap’s article, "8 Artificial Intelligence Predictions for 2025," industry leaders expect significant transformations in how AI will foster innovation across the media and entertainment landscape.

The Albanese Government has updated the Spherex Classification Tool approval to include ratings for theatrical releases, home entertainment, and streaming content in Australia. Spherex was previously approved to classify online films.

One of the conundrums of streaming is that although a service can deliver content globally, it is not guaranteed to be acceptable in a particular local market. Netflix found this out when it announced global availability in 2016 at CES and was quickly banned in markets like Indonesia, where some of the content was deemed too violent or sexual. In 2016, without boots on the ground in a local market, it wasn’t easy to assess whether a show or movie would be culturally acceptable.

Spherex’s Co-Founder & CEO, Teresa Phillips, spoke at the recent OTT.X Summit in an insightful fireside chat titled "Unlocking AI: Driving Growth in Global Media Distribution" with Colin Dixon, Founder & Chief Analyst at nScreenMedia. The conversation provided a deep dive into how Spherex is leveraging AI to revolutionize media distribution on a global scale.

We are thrilled to announce that TV Tech honored SpherexAI with the prestigious Best of Show award at IBC2024.

IBC2024 opens September 13 at the Amsterdam RAI, and Spherex will demonstrate its groundbreaking content compliance and analysis platform, SpherexAI, at stand 5.F78 in Hall 5. This first-of-its-kind platform provides the most comprehensive solution for generating age ratings and ensuring video content complies with local regulations and cultural norms for any global market.

Streaming Media has selected SpherexAI™ as one of its Trendsetting Products and Services of 2024. This annual list showcases innovative products and services that streamline workflows, introduce new approaches, and advance the streaming industry, resonating with streaming professionals.