AI junk is invading YouTube.

Harmful content generated by AI is rampant on YouTube. Photo: The Guardian .

Low-quality, AI-generated content is rampant on social media platforms, especially YouTube, generating significant revenue. A new study shows that over 20% of videos YouTube recommends to new users are "AI-generated junk content," designed primarily to attract views and monetize through algorithms.

A study conducted by video editing company Kapwing surveyed the 15,000 most popular YouTube channels worldwide , including the top 100 in each country. The results showed that 278 of these channels only upload content created entirely using AI.

According to Kapwing's estimates, AI-powered "silly video" channels have attracted over 63 billion views and 221 million subscribers globally. The total revenue generated by this content group annually is approximately $117 million .

To assess the popularity of this type of content among new users, the research team created a completely new YouTube account. Of the first 500 videos recommended by the platform, 104 were identified as AI-generated spam. Approximately one-third of these videos fell into the "nonsense" category, including low-quality AI videos and mass-produced content designed to capitalize on viewer attention.

These findings reveal the emergence of a new content industry, rapidly saturating major platforms like YouTube, Meta, and X. This type of content is characterized by its non-contextual nature, addictive nature, low language dependence, and global reach.

Another analysis by The Guardian this year also indicated that nearly 10% of the fastest-growing YouTube channels use AI-generated content, despite the platform's efforts to curb "unrealistic content."

According to Kapwing, AI channels have a huge following in many countries. In Spain, nearly half the population, or more than 20 million people, follow popular AI channels. This number is 18 million in Egypt, 14.5 million in the US, and 13.5 million in Brazil.

The most-watched channel in the study was Bandar Apna Dost, based in India, with 2.4 billion views. The channel's content revolves around the absurd adventures of a talking rhesus monkey and a muscular character inspired by the Hulk. Kapwing estimates the channel could generate up to $4.25 million in revenue, although the owner did not respond to questions from The Guardian.

Rohini Lakshané, a researcher on technology and digital rights, argues that the channel's success stems from its absurdity, exaggerated masculine imagery, and lack of a clear storyline, making the content accessible to new viewers.

A YouTube spokesperson affirmed that AI is just a tool and the platform still prioritizes connecting users with high-quality content, while also removing videos that violate community guidelines.