Study: 21% of YouTube Shorts for New Users Are AI-Generated

A new study by video editing firm Kapwing reveals that more than one in five videos recommended by YouTube's Shorts algorithm to new users consists of low-quality, AI-generated content known as "AI slop." The research, which simulated an untainted user experience by creating a fresh YouTube account, found that 104 out of the first 500 Shorts videos, or 21 percent, were AI-generated. An additional 165 videos, or 33 percent, fell into the broader category of "brainrot," defined as trivial, low-effort online content designed to capture attention and monetize views.

Kapwing's analysis extended beyond individual feeds to a global survey of 15,000 popular YouTube channels, drawing from the top 100 in each country. It identified 278 channels dedicated exclusively to AI slop, amassing over 63 billion views and 221 million subscribers worldwide. These channels generate an estimated $90 million to $117 million in annual revenue through ads and other monetization. The content often features absurd or repetitive scenarios, such as anthropomorphic animals battling demons, synthetic pet videos set to children's laughter, or looped clips of exploding pressure cookers.