You should be able to easily tell at a glance if a YouTube video contains AI-generated junk.
YouTube is trying to make it easier for users to tell if a video was created using generative AI tools. The platform already asks creators to disclose their use of AI that looks realistic. Going forward, YouTube will analyze videos for signs of AI-generated content.
It did not disclose whether creators used the genAI tool, and said that if YouTube’s systems “detect significant photorealistic AI use,” the platform will automatically apply an AI label to a video. If a creator believes their video has been incorrectly labeled, they can update their disclosure. However, if YouTube detects that your video was created using a Google AI tool like Dream Screen or Veo, or contains a C2PA watermark (an industry standard used to flag genAI work), the label will remain in place forever.
YouTube also suggests it will make it easier for viewers to see this AI label, which indicates the use of “photorealistic and meaningful AI-altered or generated content.” The platform makes labels more visible in videos by placing them directly below the video player and as an overlay on short videos.
More transparency (something YouTube says its users are asking for) is very welcome here, especially for those looking to avoid generative AI as much as possible. It would be great if YouTube started placing these labels in search results and suggested thumbnails as well, making it even easier to avoid this nuisance.
