As generative AI tools proliferate, the internet is experiencing a flood of low-quality images and videos—colloquially dubbed “AI slop.” Tools like Google’s Veo and OpenAI’s Sora make it possible for anyone to create realistic visuals from just a few descriptive words. The results range from cats painting to celebrities in fabricated scenarios, and cartoon characters promoting products, saturating social media and video platforms.
“YouTube has seen a rise in low-quality content—also known as AI slop,” YouTube CEO Neal Mohan said, noting the challenge of distinguishing valuable creative work from mass-produced material. Swiss engineer Yves described such content as “cheap, bland and mass-produced,” echoing widespread discussions on platforms like Reddit.
Brands have begun turning the phenomenon into marketing opportunities. Equinox gyms and Almond Breeze almond milk, for example, have highlighted authenticity in ad campaigns, presenting themselves as real alternatives to algorithm-generated content.
Tech leaders, meanwhile, are urging a more nuanced view of AI creations. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella encouraged users to embrace AI as a tool to enhance creativity and productivity, rather than dismissing it outright. YouTube personality Bob Doyle added: “The criticism of AI slop is the criticism of some individual’s creative expression. To them, it’s the beginning of an idea; a seed.”
Some platforms are responding with filtering measures. Pinterest, in late 2025, enabled users to filter out certain AI-generated content following user requests. TikTok introduced a similar feature, while YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook offer ways to reduce synthetic content exposure without a definitive filter.
Smaller tech players are experimenting with transparency. Streaming service Coda Music labels confirmed AI creators and allows users to block AI-generated tracks entirely. “By and large, our users just don’t want AI music,” said Coda CEO Randy Fusee.
Meanwhile, social network Cara combines algorithms and human moderation to separate AI-generated work from human-made art. “People want the human connection,” founder Jingna Zhang said. “I can appreciate a child’s drawing because of its intent, not a machine’s output.”
As AI-generated material continues to expand, platforms and users are seeking balance—preserving genuine creativity while managing a rising tide of synthetic content.
