London: AI slop has emerged as a dominant force in YouTube’s recommendation system, with new research indicating that more than 20 percent of videos shown to first-time users fall into this category.
The study, conducted by video-editing company Kapwing, has analysed 15,000 of the world’s most popular YouTube channels, covering the top 100 channels in every country. Researchers have identified 278 channels that contain only AI slop, defined as low-quality, algorithmically generated videos designed primarily to farm views and advertising revenue.
Collectively, these channels have amassed more than 63 billion views and 221 million subscribers. Kapwing has estimated that the AI slop ecosystem generates approximately $117m (£90m) annually, underlining its growing commercial significance.
To understand how new users encounter this content, the researchers created a fresh YouTube account and monitored recommendations. Of the first 500 videos shown, 104 were classified as AI slop. Around one-third of the total recommendations were labelled ‘brainrot’, a broader category that includes AI slop and other attention-driven, low-effort videos.
AI slop channels have been found to operate globally, attracting audiences across continents. Spain has recorded around 20 million followers of trending AI channels, while Egypt has seen 18 million, the US 14.5 million, and Brazil 13.5 million. India-based channel Bandar Apna Dost has emerged as the most viewed in the study, recording 2.4 billion views with surreal AI-generated storylines.
Experts have said the popularity of AI slop stems from its accessibility, repetitive structure, and lack of contextual barriers. Rohini Lakshané, a technology researcher, has noted that the absence of narrative complexity makes such content easy to consume and widely shareable.
Despite YouTube’s stated efforts to curb inauthentic content, an analysis has previously found that nearly 10 percent of the platform’s fastest-growing channels have consisted of AI slop. Analysts have argued that algorithms prioritising engagement over quality have played a central role in amplifying such material.
While AI slop has created income opportunities in middle-income countries with strong internet access, concerns have persisted over misinformation, child exposure, and the erosion of meaningful digital content. Researchers have warned that without stronger platform governance, AI slop is likely to expand further as creators continue to exploit algorithmic incentives.
DON’T MISS | Climate-related disasters cause record global losses in 2025
