A sweeping crackdown on AI-generated SPAM wipes out multi-million-dollar channels as YouTube tightens rules to protect genuine creators and clean up its algorithm.
Google-owned YouTube has shut down 16 high-earning channels that were generating massive revenue through automated artificial intelligence content. The move follows findings that these channels violated the platform’s ‘abuse and spam’ policies.
According to foreign media reports, YouTube determined that the channels were publishing thousands of so-called ‘AI Slop’ videos, largely automated uploads with little originality or creative value. Many relied on misleading titles and thumbnails designed as clickbait, low-quality AI voices, repetitive visuals, and algorithm manipulation that disadvantaged genuine human creators.
The scale of the operation was significant. Combined, the 16 channels had more than 35 million subscribers and over 4.7 billion total views. Reports estimate their annual earnings at nearly 10 million dollars, equivalent to more than 3 billion Sri Lankan rupees. Among the removed accounts were popular Spanish-language channels such as Cuentos Facinantes and Imperio de Jesus, each boasting over 5 million subscribers.
Speaking earlier about AI content, Neal Mohan clarified that while AI tools can support creativity, automated SPAM content without meaningful human input will face stricter enforcement.
YouTube says this action aims to restore fairness in the creator economy and ensure real human creators receive equal opportunity.
