What is AI slop? A technologist explains the pros and cons of this form of content

"You've probably encountered images in your social media feeds that look like a cross between photographs and computer-generated graphics. Some are fantastical-think Shrimp Jesus-and some are believable at a quick glance-remember the little girl clutching a puppy in a boat during a flood? These are examples of AI slop, or low- to mid-quality content-video, images, audio, text or a mix-created with AI tools, often with little regard for accuracy."

"These are examples of AI slop, or low- to mid-quality content-video, images, audio, text or a mix-created with AI tools, often with little regard for accuracy. It's fast, easy, and inexpensive to make this content. AI slop producers typically place it on social media to exploit the economics of attention on the internet, displacing higher-quality material that could be more helpful."

"The Guardian published an analysis in July 2025 examining how AI slop is taking over YouTube's fastest-growing channels. The journalists found that 9 out of the top 100 fastest-growing channels feature AI-generated content like zombie football and cat soap operas. The song "Let it Burn," allegedly recorded by a band called The Velvet Sundown, was AI-generated. Listening to Spotify? Be skeptical of that new band, The Velvet Sundown, that appeared on the streaming service with a creative backstory and derivative tracks."

AI slop refers to low- to mid-quality content—video, images, audio, text, or combinations—generated with AI tools that often show little regard for accuracy. Production of AI slop is fast, inexpensive, and accessible, enabling creators to flood social platforms with just-good-enough material to capture attention and earn monetized views. AI slop appears across platforms and formats, from YouTube channels featuring zombie football and cat soap operas to AI-generated music attributed to fabricated bands. Publishers and platforms face large volumes of AI submissions, prompting actions like Clarkesworld pausing new submissions in 2024. The rise of AI slop undermines overall online content quality.

Read at Fast Company