ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Snapchat Excludes Fully AI-Generated Videos from Spotlight Rewards

ai-technology · 2026-07-31

On Friday, Snapchat revealed its decision to stop rewarding videos that are entirely generated by AI within its Spotlight feature, shifting the focus to content created by humans. The platform will modify its recommendation algorithms to ensure that only videos made by actual individuals qualify. Snapchat's goal is to highlight genuine creativity and personal narratives in Spotlight. While creators may still utilize AI tools to enhance their work, this change follows an announcement from April regarding a reduction in AI-generated content. Amid growing criticism of subpar AI material, platforms like LinkedIn and Substack are also updating their policies. Additionally, YouTube has clarified its monetization rules concerning inauthentic content. Last month, Snapchat introduced new measures to safeguard underage users who share Spotlight posts.

Key facts

  • Snapchat announced on Friday that it will no longer reward fully AI-generated videos in Spotlight.
  • The recommendation systems will be adjusted to ensure only videos created by real people are eligible for Spotlight recommendations.
  • Snapchat wants Spotlight to remain a place for authentic creativity from real people.
  • Creators can still use Snapchat's AI creative tools to enhance or edit content.
  • In April, Snapchat indicated users would see less AI-generated content.
  • LinkedIn launched a feature to report posts that seem AI-generated with a 'seems like AI slop' button.
  • Substack introduced a tool to help users identify AI-written newsletters.
  • Meta removed an Instagram feature that allowed users to modify photos from public accounts using AI after backlash.
  • YouTube clarified monetization policies to exclude 'inauthentic content' including generic AI content and AI personas discussing sensitive topics.
  • Last month, Snapchat implemented content controls for users aged 13-15 to share Spotlight posts only with people they follow back.

Entities

Institutions

  • Snapchat
  • LinkedIn
  • Substack
  • Meta
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Sources