It is characterized by a lack of context, high engagement, and global reach.
According to a study conducted by Kapwing, more than a fifth of the video materials offered to new YouTube users consist of so-called AI slop—low-quality content automatically generated using artificial intelligence (AI). This was reported by The Guardian newspaper, referencing the findings of the mentioned research.
As per the publication, such AI-created content actively circulates on social networks, bringing its creators approximately $117 million annually. The Kapwing study, which analyzed 15 thousand of the most popular YouTube channels (top 100 in each country), discovered 278 channels entirely composed of “AI junk.” In total, they garnered over 63 billion views and attracted 221 million subscribers.
To gauge the extent of this phenomenon, researchers also registered a new YouTube account and examined the first 500 recommended videos. It turned out that 104 of these, or over 20%, were AI-generated, and about another third fell into the brainrot category—low-quality content made specifically to retain audience attention and monetize that focus.
Experts emphasize the rapid proliferation of AI slop on major digital platforms like X, Meta*, and YouTube, which is shaping a new reality for online content. This material is distinguished by its absence of context, yet it possesses high engagement and extensive coverage. Additional analysis by The Guardian revealed that nearly 10% of the fastest-growing YouTube channels actively use AI generation, and despite the platform’s opposition to the spread of misleading information, these channels continue to draw millions of views.
Previously, on December 15th, the American dictionary Merriam-Webster named slop its 2025 Word of the Year, defining it as mass low-grade content generated by artificial intelligence. According to the dictionary, “slop” includes absurd videos, ridiculous promotional images, fake news, and other inferior media products created with AI assistance.
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