A new study by video editing company Kapwing found that more than one in five videos recommended to new YouTube users are “low AI.”
AI slope, also known simply as slope, refers to digital content created by generative artificial intelligence, specifically displaying cheap, low-effort quality content. There is an overwhelming volume of production of these AI videos, which are designed to generate views and advertising revenue.
In the study, Kapwign evaluated 15,000 of the most popular YouTube channels, including the top 100 channels in each country, and found that 278 channels were made up entirely of AI waste.
Together, these channels have amassed more than 63 billion views and 221 million subscribers. Taking advantage of this audience, the channels generated approximately $117 million (£90 million) a year.
To measure how content went viral on the platform, researchers created a new YouTube account with no personal preferences or interests. It was found that of the first 500 recommended videos, 104 were completely AI, while about a third fell into a broader category of Brainrot content, which is also another form of low-quality and meaningless AI-generated content.
These findings indicate a rapidly growing algorithm-based content ecosystem spreading across social media platforms, including YouTube.
He Guardian reported earlier this year that around 10% of YouTube’s fastest-growing channels are based entirely on AI, despite the platform’s efforts to curb “inauthentic content.”
Interestingly, many of the biggest AI channels attract global audiences. In Spain, fashion AI channels gained 20 million followers, while similar channels with millions of subscribers exist in the United States, Egypt, Brazil and India.
Analysts claim that AI’s popularity is due to its absurdity, lack of narrative complexity, and algorithmic amplification. While social media platforms say they prioritize quality content, researchers argue that the reach of these AI channels indicates how effectively they exploit recommendation systems and are deeply embedded in the modern attention economy.
