YouTube has been using AI to change some videos, without the creators’ consent. According to a report from BBC, the edits affect YouTube Shorts and include sharpening images, smoothing skin, and removing noise. These changes happen automatically during video processing.
The BBC said some creators began noticing odd visual changes in their videos. Music YouTuber Rick Beato said his face looked like it had makeup. Rhett Shull described the edits as “terrible over-sharpening” and said they made his content appear AI-generated. He warned that such changes could damage the trust he’s built with his audience.
YouTube confirmed the changes are part of an experiment. It uses “traditional machine learning” to improve video clarity, similar to smartphone filters. But critics say this is still AI and that creators should be told when their content is altered.
YouTube hasn’t said if creators can opt out. As AI tools become more common, questions about control and authenticity are growing.
