Is This the End of AI Spam on YouTube?

How new platform policies and rising user concerns could shape the future of AI-generated content.

Author

Shira Lazar
July 06, 2025

Hey Alpha Fam,

YouTube recently changed its Partner Program (YPP) rules to cut down on repetitive and mass-produced content.

I give YouTube credit for making this decision and setting a precedent. There have been real fears around mass-produced AI content taking over the platform, and this move directly addresses that. But the real question is: How are human-powered, original channels supposed to survive in a system increasingly optimized for scale and automation?

This decision has also sparked new debates about the future for creators who rely on AI across social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube itself.

AI creators, including virtual influencers and VTubers, are becoming very popular. 

In a recent report from CNBC, they highlighted a great example: Bloo’s channel, which now boasts over 2.5 million subscribers and more than 700 million views. While Bloo's success shows the potential of AI-driven characters—and I love a good entrepreneurial success story—moves like YouTube’s could impact channels like this. Even the creator behind Bloo admits that AI still struggles to match human creativity and intuition.

He continues to test fully AI-generated content but finds that human-guided production still performs better.

Meanwhile, tech companies continue to innovate. Startup Hedra recently secured $32 million to advance their AI tools, particularly Character-3. This platform helps creators craft engaging and viral content, from Jon Lajoie's hilarious Talking Baby Podcast to Milla Sofia’s captivating music videos.

However, AI-generated content has also brought problems. Many users complain about repetitive and low-quality videos, commonly known as "AI slop." It’s important to make the distinction: using AI as a creative or assistive tool is very different from churning out mass-produced, low-effort content. Henry Ajder, from Latent Space Advisory, says that such low-quality content reduces trust and engagement on social media.

As of 2024, AI-generated content makes up an estimated 30–40% of active web pages, with platforms like Medium reporting nearly 47% of recent articles created by AI. On YouTube, around 58% of video ads are already AI-generated. Looking ahead, experts warn that up to 90% of online content could be AI-generated by 2026, though that figure—frequently cited from a Europol report—is speculative.

While many platforms—including Meta, YouTube, and Pinterest—offer tools to label AI-generated content, that doesn’t stop the spam and deluge flooding our feeds. But you know what does? Making it harder to monetize. 

Phil Ranta, CBO at Fixated, recently highlighted this on LinkedIn: Did YouTube just deliver a massive blow to AI creators? He pointed out that YouTube’s new policy targeting repetitive, AI-generated content could set a precedent—and potentially push other platforms to follow suit.

According to Ranta, platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest still host a lot of repetitive AI-generated videos. He believes YouTube’s decision may lead social media to focus more on original, human-made content.

John Oliver recently spotlighted this issue in a recent episode I highly recommend watching calling out “AI slop” and its harmful impact on content ecosystems—for both users and the original creators behind thoughtful work.

“The spread of AI‑generation tools has made it very easy to flood social media sites with cheap, professional‑looking, often deeply weird content… It seems extremely likely that we’re gonna be drowning in this shit for the foreseeable future.” - John Oliver

Some creators who use AI, like GoldenHand, believe human creativity remains essential. GoldenHand manages several successful YouTube channels with AI-generated content, but emphasizes that creative human input is key. AI is just a helpful tool, not a full replacement.

Social media platforms now face an important choice. Will they encourage originality and human creativity, or will the convenience of AI-generated content continue to dominate?

The answer to this question will shape the future of online entertainment that’s monetizable and influencer marketing.

A gift from me to you! 🎉

You know I’ve been deep in the world of AI tools–  testing what’s legit, what’s fluff, and what’s actually helping people work smarter.

Well, this one stood out.

HighLevel just dropped a new Voice AI agent that literally picks up calls, qualifies leads, and books clients for you — while you sleep.

It’s part of what they’re calling an “AI Employee.” And no, it’s not just a buzz term — it’s a real tool being used by solo founders, agencies, and service-based businesses to automate the stuff that drains time and energy.

Here’s what it can actually do:

  • Answer missed calls (instantly)

  • Ask the right questions to qualify leads

  • Schedule calls or appointments directly in your calendar

  • Handle follow-ups so you don’t have to

They’re running a free workshop that breaks it all down — no tech skills required. You’ll get scripts, setup tips, and there’s a live Q&A too.

I’ve partnered with HighLevel on this one because I think tools like this are where AI gets interesting, not just for content, but for conversion.

If you’re a freelancer, coach, business owner, or just curious about the future of productivity, this one’s worth a look. Let me know if you end up trying it. I’d love to hear how it works for you! 

Other headlines to check out:

AI

Creator Economy

Web3 

 🎧 New Episode of The AI Download: AI Wins Copyright Battle, Replaces Workers — and Sparks a Donkeycorn Revolution

AI just won a major copyright case. Salesforce is quietly replacing humans with bots. And a startup wants to launch 100,000 micro-businesses powered by AI — aka Donkeycorns. BTW- Co-Founder of Audos, Henrik Werdelin, is joining me on next week’s show. In this episode, I break down:

  • Why the Anthropic court ruling could reshape creator rights

  • What Salesforce’s “digital labor revolution” really means

  • And the AI bots that blackmail their creators (seriously) 

🎙️ Listen now to get caught up on the AI headlines you need to know plus insights on future of life, creativity and culture.

“Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead, let life live through you.” - Rumi

Remember, I'm Bullish on you!

With gratitude,