TikTok feeds flooded with AI‑generated “slop” content, study shows

A recent analysis by video‑editing firm Kapwing found that almost 60% of videos shown to new users on TikTok’s algorithmic “For You” page are AI‑generated low‑quality content, three times the rate on YouTube. The highest concentration appears in children’s categories; the hashtag #cartoonkids was almost entirely AI‑slop.

TikTok has responded by adding a user setting that lets people increase or decrease the amount of AI‑generated material in their feed. The platform’s European director of public policy for safety and privacy, Jade Nester, said the change is intended to give users more control over AI content. Similar concerns about AI slop have been raised about other social networks, and deep‑fake videos are being linked to misinformation and political propaganda.

Experts warn that the prevalence of AI‑slop could affect young users’ development and make distinguishing authentic content increasingly difficult.