A recent study reveals that YouTube Shorts is being increasingly dominated by low-quality, AI-generated videos. The research suggests that new users are highly likely to encounter such content in their recommendations.
According to video-editing company Kapwing, over half of the short videos recommended to brand-new YouTube Shorts users fall into the category of AI “slop” or so-called brainrot content. The findings were first reported by The Guardian.
Kapwing analyzed the first 500 videos shown to a fresh YouTube Shorts account. Out of these, 104 videos (21%) were AI-generated, while 165 videos (33%) were labeled as brainrot, meaning nonsensical or low-quality content. Together, they made up 54% of total recommendations for new users.
The study defines brainrot content as “nonsensical, low-quality video content that creates the effect of corroding the viewer’s mental or intellectual state.” Much of this content is AI-generated, making it difficult to distinguish from low-effort human-made videos.
The prevalence of AI slop varies by country. For example, Spain-based AI slop channels have a combined 20.22 million subscribers, the highest globally, despite fewer channels among the top 100. The United States ranks third, with 14.47 million subscribers and nine AI slop channels in its top 100 list.
Experts note that the surge in AI-generated content is not limited to YouTube Shorts. Other social media platforms also face similar trends, from fake viral clips to bizarre animal surveillance videos, which are often created using automated tools.
Kapwing warns that the trend is unlikely to reverse soon. Algorithms on YouTube Shorts tend to favor frequent uploads and high engagement, regardless of quality. This incentivizes creators to produce more AI-generated content rapidly.
Users are advised to stay cautious while browsing YouTube Shorts, as AI slop continues to flood feeds. The findings highlight the need for viewers to critically evaluate video content and for platforms to improve their moderation strategies.
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The study underlines a growing challenge: balancing quantity and engagement with meaningful, high-quality content on YouTube Shorts as AI tools make content creation faster and easier.
