What's the story?
A recent study revealed that more than 20% of videos recommended to new users by YouTube's algorithm are “AI slops,” or low-quality content generated by AI. The study was conducted by video editing company Kapwing and looked at 15,000 popular YouTube channels from around the world. A whopping 278 of these channels were found to contain only AI slops.
Profitable but low quality content sources
The study found that channels producing AI slop have attracted more than 63 billion views and a staggering 221 million subscribers. These channels, which primarily churn out low-quality content to increase viewership, have an estimated annual revenue of $117m (£90m). The researchers also created a new YouTube account and found that 104 of the first 500 videos recommended were AI slop.
Growing trend of social media content
The findings highlight a rapidly growing trend of low-quality content on major social media platforms such as X, Meta, and YouTube. This new era of content is characterized by being decontextualized, addictive, and international. According to guardian An analysis earlier this year found that nearly 10% of YouTube's fastest-growing channels were AI slop channels that racked up millions of views despite the platform's attempts to curb “inauthentic content.”
AI Slop Channel: A Global Phenomenon
The AI slop channels identified by Kapwing aren't just popular in one country, they're popular with audiences around the world. In Spain, these trending AI channels have 20 million followers, almost half of the country's population. Other countries with the most followers include Egypt (18 million), the United States (14.5 million), and Brazil (13.5 million).
A fusion of absurdity and creativity
Among the top AI slop channels is 'Bandar Apna Dost' which is the most viewed channel in the survey with 2.4 billion views. It follows the adventures of an anthropomorphic rhesus macaque and a muscular character modeled after the Incredible Hulk. Another popular Singapore-based channel, Pouty Frenchie, has over 2 billion views and targets children with cartoon-like storylines that will make them laugh.
