YouTube and the rise of low-quality AI content in recommendations

20% of recommendations for new users raise concerns

Recent research shows that YouTube increasingly recommends low-quality AI-generated videos to new users. According to a study by video editing company Kapwing, more than 20% of videos shown to new accounts fall into the category known as “AI slop” — mass-produced, low-effort content created primarily to exploit algorithms and generate views rather than deliver value.

The scale of the problem in numbers

Kapwing analyzed 15,000 of the most popular YouTube channels worldwide, including the top 100 channels in each country. The results are striking: 278 channels consisted entirely of AI slop. Collectively, these channels amassed over 63 billion views, attracted 221 million subscribers, and generated an estimated $117 million in annual revenue from ad views alone.

To better understand the user experience, researchers created a brand-new YouTube account. Out of the first 500 recommended videos, 104 were classified as AI slop, while nearly one-third fell under the broader category of “brainrot” — content optimized for attention capture rather than quality or originality.

Fast growth despite platform restrictions

An independent analysis by The Guardian found that almost 10% of the fastest-growing YouTube channels in 2024 belonged to the AI slop category. These channels continue to gain millions of views despite YouTube’s stated efforts to limit non-authentic content.

Several examples highlight the scale of monetization. The India-based channel Bandar Apna Dost has accumulated 2.4 billion views and may earn up to $4.25 million annually. The Singaporean children’s channel Pouty Frenchie reports 2 billion views and nearly $4 million in yearly income. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s The AI World channel has surpassed 1.3 billion views using AI-generated disaster-themed short films.

YouTube’s official position

YouTube representatives emphasize that generative AI is merely a tool and can be used for both high- and low-quality production. The platform claims that all uploaded content must comply with community guidelines, regardless of how it is created.

Why this matters

The data suggests a growing tension between algorithmic efficiency and content quality. While AI-generated videos bring massive traffic and revenue, they also reshape user experience, especially for children and new viewers.