YouTube says AI is 'not a replacement' for expression, while letting creators replace themselves with AI

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Creators will soon be able to use AI likenesses for Shorts

YouTube logo on phone
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

YouTube is doubling down on AI as a content production method by announcing that creators will be able to use an AI likeness of themselves to make Shorts. That means, conceivably, you could start watching Shorts from your favorite YouTubers that don't contain any real footage at all.

Just like enjoying some AI-generated music in your Spotify Discover mix, the move into AI from streaming platforms like YouTube will allow them to dramatically increase the amount of available content much faster.

Fighting AI slop

YouTube has guardrails in place to pick up when a creator's voice or face is used without permission in other videos.

Although creators will soon be able to use AI to turbocharge their Shorts, there are going to be some limitations on possible deepfakes.

YouTube has guardrails in place to pick up when a creator's voice or face is used without permission in other videos. In addition, the site will label any content created using its AI products and says that creators must disclose when they've created realistic, altered or synthetic content.

Mohan addressed the issue of AI slop in his letter: "Over the past 20 years, we’ve learned not to impose any preconceived notions on the creator ecosystem.

"But with this openness comes a responsibility to maintain the high quality viewing experience that people want. To reduce the spread of low quality AI content, we’re actively building on our established systems that have been very successful in combatting spam and clickbait, and reducing the spread of low quality, repetitive content."

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Jeff Parsons
Jeff Parsons
UK Editor In Chief

Jeff is UK Editor-in-Chief for Tom’s Guide looking after the day-to-day output of the site’s British contingent.

A tech journalist for over a decade, he’s travelled the world testing any gadget he can get his hands on. Jeff has a keen interest in fitness and wearables as well as the latest tablets and laptops.

A lapsed gamer, he fondly remembers the days when technical problems were solved by taking out the cartridge and blowing out the dust.

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