YouTube CEO Neal Mohan has outlined his vision for 2026, prioritizing the fight against low-quality AI-generated content while simultaneously promoting AI tools for creators. Alex Weprin reports for The Hollywood Reporter.
In his annual letter to the YouTube community, Mohan addresses the problem of “AI slop,” referring to low-quality AI-generated content flooding the platform. YouTube plans to build on existing systems that combat spam and clickbait to reduce the spread of repetitive, low-quality AI content.
“As an open platform, we allow for a broad range of free expression while ensuring YouTube remains a place where people feel good spending their time,” Mohan writes. He emphasizes the responsibility to maintain a high-quality viewing experience.
Despite these concerns, Mohan remains committed to AI innovation. He highlights four key areas for 2026, including creativity tools that will allow users to create Shorts featuring their own likeness and experiment with music. He compares AI’s potential impact to revolutionary technologies like synthesizers, Photoshop, and CGI.
The platform will also enhance transparency measures, particularly regarding deepfakes. YouTube intends to implement AI labels and tools allowing creators to protect their likenesses as distinguishing real from AI-generated content becomes increasingly difficult.
Mohan also focuses on building sustainable creator businesses, improving YouTube Shorts with new formats, and strengthening parental controls for younger users. He argues that dismissing creator content as simply user-generated content is outdated, noting that many creators now run full production studios.
