More than 20% of videos recommended to new YouTube users consist of low-quality AI-generated content, according to new research from video editing platform Kapwing.
The study analyzed the top 15,000 YouTube channels worldwide, including the top 100 channels from each country, to assess the prevalence of automated, low-effort content in the platform's recommendation systems.
The study found that 278 channels posted only AI-generated videos, collectively attracting more than 63 billion views and 221 million subscribers. These channels are estimated to generate approximately $117 million in revenue annually.
To understand how often content like this appears in recommendations, researchers created a new YouTube account and analyzed the first 500 videos suggested by the platform. Of these, 104 videos, or more than 20%, were identified as AI-generated “slop.” About a third fell into a broader category called “brain rot,” which includes repetitive content and low-quality attention-grabbing content.
AI slop typically refers to videos created using automated tools with minimal human input, often relying on repetitive visuals, synthetic narration, or recycled material. Critics argue that this content prioritizes engagement metrics over quality, creativity, and informational value.
This finding is consistent with previous reports. A Guardian analysis earlier this year found that nearly 10 percent of YouTube's fastest-growing channels are comprised primarily of AI-generated content, despite the platform's stated efforts to limit inauthentic and misleading content.
This research highlights growing concerns about how generative AI is reshaping the digital content ecosystem. As AI tools become more accessible, researchers warn that algorithm-driven platforms may increasingly prioritize volume and engagement over originality and content.
AI slop refers to low-to-medium quality content, such as video, audio, text, and images, that is created quickly using AI tools, often with little attention to accuracy or originality. Its growing presence is widely seen as a challenge to maintaining the quality and trust of content online.
