YouTube chief says 'managing AI slop' is a priority for 2026

Core Insights - YouTube is prioritizing the reduction of low-quality AI-generated content and the detection of deepfakes as part of its strategy for 2026 [1][3] - The company is enhancing its infrastructure to support AI workloads and is integrating AI features into its products [1][2] Group 1: AI Content Management - YouTube is facing a surge in AI-generated videos, referred to as "AI slop," which poses challenges for content quality [2] - The company is implementing systems to combat low-quality AI content, building on successful strategies against spam and clickbait [3] - YouTube is labeling AI-generated videos and requiring creators to disclose altered content, while also removing harmful synthetic media [4] Group 2: Creator Engagement and Monetization - YouTube is expanding its "likeness detection" feature to protect creators from unauthorized use of their images in deepfakes [5] - The platform is enhancing AI tools for creators, including features for its short-form video service, Shorts, to compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels [6] - YouTube aims to provide new monetization opportunities for creators, including shopping deals and fan funding features [7] Group 3: Financial Performance and Valuation - Since 2021, YouTube has paid out over $100 billion to creators, artists, and media companies [8] - Analysts estimate that if YouTube were a standalone business, its value would range between $475 billion and $550 billion [8]