YouTube has quietly removed or emptied several large channels that were pumping out AI-generated, repetitive content—what many are calling “AI slop.” According to The Verge, channels such as Cuentos Facinantes and Imperio de jesus, each with nearly 6 million subscribers in Kapwing’s dataset, were terminated under YouTube’s spam policies. Others were renamed, made private, or deleted by their owners. Kapwing’s research also found that on a fresh account, 21% of the first 500 Shorts were AI-generated, and 33% were categorized as “brainrot,” highlighting how pervasive the trend can be in recommendations.
This action aligns with comments from YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, repeatedly cited in CNBC and on the YouTube Blog, that “managing AI slop” is a top platform priority in 2026. YouTube plans to build upon existing anti-spam and anti-clickbait systems to reduce the visibility of low-quality, repetitive content that adds little value to viewers.
Kapwing’s research also highlights just how pervasive AI content has become: in a fresh account, 21% of the first 500 Shorts were identified as AI-generated, and a full 33% categorised as “brainrot”—meaning overly simplistic, repetitive clips designed to game recommendations.
What this means for a marketer
For marketers, this development underscores a vital trend: platforms are tightening quality controls, not just monetization policies. What worked two years ago—mass-producing low-effort content to capture views—will increasingly backfire as platforms refine detection and enforcement.
If your strategy involves short-form video or AI-assisted content creation, the focus must shift to value over volume. YouTube’s move suggests that algorithmic quality signals—engagement, watch time, usefulness, uniqueness—will matter more than ever. Chasing quick views with filler AI content may now decrease reach or even risk penalties.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/869684/youtube-top-ai-channels-removed-kapwing
