Have you ever scrolled through your YouTube feed wondering why so much content seems artificially crafted? You are not alone. Imagine that behind these videos lies an army of machines generating content in bulk. What does this mean for the quality of what you watch every day? Let’s dive into this digital reality.
The 3 must-know facts
- 21% of short videos on YouTube are generated by artificial intelligence.
- 278 channels produce exclusively AI content, attracting 63 billion annual views.
- South Korean channels, although limited in number, dominate with nearly 9 billion views.
Proliferation of AI-generated content
According to a study conducted by Kapwing, a video editor, about 21% of short videos on YouTube are produced by artificial intelligence algorithms. This figure reveals a growing presence of automated content on the platform, often characterized by low added value.
Kapwing analyzed 15,000 of the largest YouTube channels worldwide, relying on the top 100 from each country. The results show that 278 of these channels publish only AI-generated content. These channels accumulate 63 billion views, 221 million subscribers, and generate nearly 117 million dollars in annual revenue, suggesting that the main goal is to maximize views and subscriptions.
User experience and recommendations
To assess the amount of generated content offered to a new YouTube user, Kapwing created a blank account on the platform. In the absence of browsing history, this account should theoretically offer a neutral overview of the available content. However, it only took watching 16 short videos for the algorithm to start recommending AI-generated content. Out of the first 500 videos viewed, 104 were from automated production.
Channels and global perspectives
The Indian channel Bandar Apna Dost, which relies on AI, is particularly popular. It has garnered 2.5 billion views thanks to characters like an anthropomorphic rhesus monkey. This channel generates over 4 million dollars for its creator, who boasted several YouTube trophies in a video.
In South Korea, although only 11 channels rely on AI content, they accumulate nearly 9 billion views. Four of these channels even rank in the top 10 most viewed accounts according to Kapwing. Low-cost AI content is particularly prevalent in countries like India, Nigeria, and Brazil, where the revenue generated by YouTube often surpasses local salaries.
Kapwing: a key player in video analysis
Kapwing, founded to facilitate online video editing, quickly established itself as an essential tool for content creators. Thanks to its innovative features, it allows the creation of professional videos without advanced technical skills. The company stands out for its approach focused on accessibility and efficiency, thus meeting the needs of users seeking to optimize their online presence.