A recent study conducted by the platform Kapwing reveals that artificial intelligence is now ubiquitous in content shared on social media, particularly TikTok and YouTube. According to the results, 59% of the videos offered to new users on TikTok are actually generated by algorithms, while YouTube also shows a concerning rate of 21%. This phenomenon is gaining alarming proportions, especially in content aimed at children.
AI-generated content: YouTube impacted at 21%
The Kapwing platform conducted a thorough analysis of 500 videos on YouTube, concluding that about 21% of this content is created using artificial intelligence technologies. Although this figure is considerably lower than what is observed on TikTok, it remains alarming. The growing use of AI for video creation raises questions about the quality and authenticity of content available on this popular platform.
AI-generated videos on YouTube often feature automated scripts and simplified editing elements, which can hinder the user experience. Additionally, the presence of low-engagement content could affect the recommendation algorithm, leading users towards a selection of lower quality videos.
TikTok more affected: 59% of AI content
In contrast, TikTok suffers a much more significant impact, with the platform stating that 59% of the videos shown to new users come directly from artificial intelligence. This means that a new user, without viewing history or a defined profile, will inevitably be exposed to a majority of automatically generated content from their first connection.
This phenomenon reflects an economic strategy focused on quantity rather than quality. Content creators, who leverage AI to generate videos en masse, benefit from a system that favors the volume of publications. As a result, users, especially children, can easily find themselves immersed in an ocean of “AI slop,” productions with no real added value.
Focus on content for children
One of the most concerning features of this study is the alarming impact on content aimed at young audiences. In the category of children’s videos, such as #CartoonKids, up to 97% of the analyzed videos were of artificial origin. Tags like #cartoons and #babysong show respective rates of 83% and 79% of AI-generated content. This raises concerns about the exposure of younger audiences to unregulated and potentially harmful content.
It therefore becomes crucial to select platforms that offer human curation for children. This dynamic highlights the challenges posed by access to quality content, where the role of algorithmic recommendations may require reevaluation.
Why this dominance of AI?
The economic logic of social networks is at the center of this phenomenon. The algorithms of platforms like TikTok and YouTube favor the distribution of content based on their frequency of publication. Thus, creators base their strategies on the massive release of videos, often facilitated by the use of AI tools that allow them to create in large quantities and at a low cost.
Moreover, it is likely that the figure of 59% put forward by Kapwing is an underestimate, as the study only accounts for content that is “clearly” generated by algorithms. Videos that would include a combination of human work and AI assistance are not counted in this total, and one can imagine that the reality is even more alarming.
Can we protect ourselves?
Fortunately, the algorithms of TikTok and YouTube adapt to user behavior. The more you interact with authentic and quality content, the more your news feed evolves towards your actual preferences. To reduce the quantity of AI-generated content, users can report suspicious videos, interact only with human content creators, and avoid passive consumption of videos.
For children, it is strongly recommended to prioritize platforms that guarantee human selection of content, in order to provide them with a safer and more enriching experience.
As AI rapidly develops and video generation tools become increasingly accessible, it is crucial to ask the right questions about the future of content on social media. Opportunistic content creators will continue to flood the feeds as long as the current economic dynamics persist.
For a more comprehensive understanding of companies and the impact of AI, explore other related articles on our site: The social network X limits the GROK account, Elon Musk targeted by numerous investigations, Medical imitators fueled by AI, Racist videos created by AI, or Social networks: a declining trend?.
