New Study Reveals 20% of YouTube’s New User Content is ‘AI Slop’

New research from Kapwing has revealed that more than one in five videos recommended to newly created YouTube accounts are low-quality, AI-generated content, often referred to as “AI slop.” This phenomenon is reshaping the platform’s ecosystem and has implications for both user experience and content creation.

The study evaluated the performance of YouTube channels globally and the experience of users with new accounts. Researchers found that out of the first 500 videos presented to a new user, 104 were classified as AI slop, accounting for over 20% of the total. This finding suggests that YouTube’s recommendation system is not merely accidental in its exposure of new users to this type of content; rather, it appears to be a habitual practice.

Impact on Content and Revenue

Kapwing’s analysis also highlighted a broader issue within the platform. Approximately one-third of the initial 500 videos viewed by new accounts consist of compulsive, low-quality “brainrot” content, which may be AI-generated or not. The study further examined the top 100 trending YouTube channels in various countries, uncovering that numerous high-ranking channels are almost entirely dedicated to AI-generated videos. Collectively, these channels have amassed tens of billions of views and hundreds of millions of subscribers, translating to an estimated $117 million in annual revenue.

The AI slop phenomenon primarily involves surreal or absurd animated shorts lacking coherent narratives, alongside bright, looping animations targeted at children. Some of the most significant audiences for these types of channels are located in Spain, South Korea, Egypt, Brazil, and India. Notably, the India-based channel Bandar Apna Dost stands out as the most-viewed channel in the study, boasting over 2 billion views.

YouTube’s Stance on Generative AI

Despite the troubling trends highlighted in the research, YouTube has maintained that it will not impose a ban on generative AI, provided that channels disclose its usage. This raises questions about the platform’s commitment to quality content and the potential impact on top creators. As AI-generated content continues to proliferate, concerns grow regarding whether this approach might drive established creators away from the platform.

As users express frustration over the prevalence of AI slop and brainrot in their feeds, understanding how to refine content recommendations becomes increasingly important. YouTube must navigate these challenges carefully, balancing user experience with the monetization strategies that fuel its platform.