California (February 02, 2026): YouTube has taken action this year against artificial intelligence–based channels and has deleted 16 top AI-generated channels.
YouTube has launched a crackdown on AI-driven channels, targeting those created using artificial intelligence. The move has been described by YouTube as an effort to improve content quality on the platform and to curb the growing trend of spam-based automated channels.
According to a recent report by the online video platform Kapwing, YouTube removed 16 prominent channels containing low-quality AI-generated content. Collectively, these channels had accumulated more than 4.7 billion views and over 35 million subscribers.
Kapwing had first identified these channels in a report published in November 2025, in which it released a list of the 100 most-subscribed so-called low-quality AI-operated accounts. Most of these channels relied on automated voices, repeatedly reused videos, and content focused on similar themes.
Following the report, 16 of the listed channels were either completely shut down or had all of their videos removed. Estimates suggest that these channels were earning approximately one million US dollars annually.
The affected popular channels included those producing animated imitation videos, continuous series of religious stories, and viral-style content. Some accounts are still visible on YouTube but no longer host any videos, indicating that the action was aimed at specific content rather than simply blocking revenue.
It is worth noting that earlier this month, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan stated that the company is increasing efforts against repetitive and low-effort AI-generated content that is based on spam or deception.