YouTube deletes 4.7 billion views worth of AI spam videos in major platform crackdown

YouTube deletes 16 AI spam channels, wiping 4.7B views in crackdown on low-quality content across platform

YouTube has removed 16 high-profile AI-generated “spam” channels that collectively amassed more than 4.7 billion lifetime views and over 35 million subscribers, according to an updated report from online video platform Kapwing. 

The deletions mark one of the largest visible crackdowns to date on low-quality, mass-produced AI content on the platform.

Kapwing first identified the channels in a November 2025 report that ranked the 100 most-subscribed AI-driven “slop” accounts, many of which relied on automated voiceovers, recycled visuals, and repetitive themes. Since then, 16 of those channels have either been fully removed or had all their videos wiped. Together, the deleted accounts were estimated to generate around $10 million in annual revenue.

Among the channels affected were several popular automated content hubs spanning animated knockoffs, religious storytelling loops, and viral-style compilations. Some accounts remain on YouTube but no longer host any public videos, suggesting targeted content purges rather than simple demonetization.

According to Kapwing, YouTube appears to be relying on its existing spam and low-quality content detection systems rather than announcing a brand-new enforcement tool. Earlier this month, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan said the company was expanding efforts to reduce repetitive, low-effort AI uploads that resemble spam or clickbait.

Despite the removals, YouTube continues to invest heavily in creator-facing AI tools. Upcoming features include AI-assisted video editing, generative Shorts content, and automatic song creation from spoken dialogue.

The move highlights YouTube’s balancing act: curbing exploitative AI spam while still promoting legitimate AI-powered creativity. For creators, it signals stricter enforcement against automated bulk uploads, while viewers may see fewer repetitive, low-quality AI videos in recommendations.