A recent study has revealed that the most-viewed AI-generated content ("slop") YouTube channel, "Bandar Apna Dost," is based in India and generates an estimated $4.25 million annually. The study, conducted by video-editing company Kapwing, analyzed 15,000 of the world's most popular YouTube channels to understand the prevalence and impact of AI slop.
The Kapwing study found that 278 of the analyzed channels exclusively feature AI-generated content. These channels have collectively amassed over 63 billion views and 221 million subscribers, generating an estimated $117 million in annual revenue. The study defines "AI slop" as low-quality, AI-generated content designed to attract views and subscriptions. The prevalence of this type of content is raising concerns about the quality of information and entertainment available online.
"Bandar Apna Dost," the most-viewed channel in the study, features videos with an anthropomorphic rhesus monkey named Boltu Bandar and a muscular, Hulk-like character. These characters are often depicted in surreal and bizarre situations, such as fighting demons or traveling in a tomato helicopter. As of December 2025, the channel has over 2.76 million subscribers and more than 600 videos. Kapwing estimates the channel's annual earnings to be $4,251,500. Rohini Lakshané, a technology and digital rights researcher, suggests the channel's popularity stems from its absurdity, hyper-masculine themes, and lack of a complex plot, making it accessible to a wide audience.
The study also explored the prevalence of AI slop in new users' YouTube feeds. By creating a new YouTube account, researchers found that AI-generated videos accounted for 21% of the first 500 videos recommended. An additional 33% were categorized as "brainrot," which includes AI slop and other low-quality content designed to monetize attention. This means that over half of the content presented to new users falls into these categories.
The rise of AI slop is not limited to India. Spain has the largest number of subscribers to AI slop channels, while South Korea leads in total views. Other countries with a significant presence in the AI slop landscape include the United States, Egypt, Brazil, and Pakistan. For example, "Pouty Frenchie," a channel based in Singapore featuring a cartoon bulldog, has amassed 2 billion views and earns an estimated $4 million annually.
YouTube has responded to concerns about AI slop by stating that it is focused on connecting users with high-quality content, regardless of how it is made. The platform maintains that all content must comply with its community guidelines and will be removed if it violates those policies. However, the study's findings suggest that AI slop continues to be prevalent on the platform, particularly for new users.
The increasing prevalence of AI slop raises concerns about the potential impact on viewers, particularly children. Experts warn that repeated exposure to simplistic or misleading imagery can reinforce false beliefs. The low cost of producing AI-generated content also enables new forms of manipulation. As AI technology continues to advance, it will be increasingly important to address the challenges posed by AI slop and ensure that online platforms promote high-quality, authentic content.
