A new study shows that more than 20% of videos recommended to new YouTube users are what researchers call “AI slop.” These are low-quality, AI-generated clips made to rack up views and ad revenue.
The study looked at 15,000 of the world’s biggest YouTube channels and found 278 that post only AI slop. Together, they pulled in over 63 billion views and 221 million subscribers. Estimates put their yearly earnings at around $117 million.
AI slop channels are everywhere. In Spain, nearly half the population follows trending AI accounts. Egypt has 18 million followers, while the US and Brazil have 14.5 million and 13.5 million, respectively.
Experts say these videos work because they’re absurd, easy to watch, and pushed by algorithms. Many creators come from middle-income countries where YouTube payouts beat average wages. But the space is also full of scammers selling “how-to” courses that often earn more than the creators themselves.
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YouTube says AI is just another tool and insists all uploads must follow its community guidelines. Still, the study points out that AI slop is quickly becoming a big part of what new users see on the platform.
