YouTube has told users not to upload clips showing dangerous or emotionally distressing "pranks" after a series of videos inspired by 2018 film Bird Box were shared on the platform.
The video-sharing platform has released new policies with a section dedicated to pranks.
The clarifications "make it clear that challenges like the Tide pod challenge or the Fire challenge, that can cause death and/or have caused death in some instances, have no place on YouTube," the company said in a blog post.
"We've made it clear that our policies prohibiting harmful and dangerous content also extend to pranks with a perceived danger of serious physical injury," said YouTube, which like other social networks is trying to show that it is better tackling problematic content.
Popular YouTube creator Morgan Adams spent 24 hours blindfolded. Source: YouTube
The move follows 'the Bird Box challenge' - inspired by the Netflix film starring Sandra Bullock - which has resulted in people sharing footage of themselves or others completing everyday tasks blindfolded.
A US teenager over the weekend crashed while driving with her eyes covered, taking part in a challenge inspired by the hit Netflix show, according to media reports.
There's also been a "Fire Challenge" that dared people to put flammable liquid on their bodies then ignite it, while a "Tide Pod Challenge" involved people, typically teens, biting or chewing the encapsulated candy-colored laundry detergent.
The updated policies also ban pranks that trick people into thinking they are in danger, such as fake home invasions or drive-by shootings.
It's unclear how YouTube will police the new rules with some pointing out its failed attempts to enforce existing guidelines preventing harmful material.
