Fake, AI-generated Videos about the Diddy Trial are Generating Millions of Views On YouTube
This story was reported by Indicator, a publication that examines digital deceptiveness, and co-published with the Guardian.
Dozens of YouTube channels are blending AI-generated images and videos with false claims about Sean "Diddy" Combs's smash hit trial to draw in 10s of countless views on YouTube and capitalize misinformation.
Twenty-six channels produced nearly 70m views from approximately 900 AI-infused Diddy videos over the previous 12 months, according to data collected from YouTube.
The channels appear to follow a similar formula. Each video generally has a title and AI-generated thumbnail that connects a celeb to Diddy through a false claim, such as that the star just testified at the trial, that Diddy coerced that star into a sexual act or that the celeb shared a shocking revelation about Diddy. The thumbnails typically illustrate the celebrity on the stand juxtaposed with a picture of Diddy. Some illustrate Diddy and the celeb in a compromising scenario. The vast bulk of thumbnails utilize made-up quotes indicated to surprise individuals, such as "F * CKED ME FOR 16 HOURS", "DIDDY F * CKED BIEBER LIFE" and "SHE SOLD HIM TO DIDDY".
Some of the channels going all-in on Diddy "slop", a term that refers to low-grade media created by artificial intelligence, have a history of making incorrect claims about celebs and of utilizing AI-generated thumbnails. But most of the 26 channels seem either freshly created or older channels that were repurposed. At least 20 channels were qualified to earn revenue from ads.
False and sensationalized Diddy AI slop is a simple way to make money on YouTube right now, according to Wanner Aarts, who runs lots of YouTube channels with AI-generated material and offers a course about how to earn money on the platform. He stated he's not personally cashing in on the Diddy pattern.
This story was reported by Indicator, a publication that examines digital deceptiveness, and co-published with the Guardian.
Dozens of YouTube channels are blending AI-generated images and videos with false claims about Sean "Diddy" Combs's smash hit trial to draw in 10s of countless views on YouTube and capitalize misinformation.
Twenty-six channels produced nearly 70m views from approximately 900 AI-infused Diddy videos over the previous 12 months, according to data collected from YouTube.
The channels appear to follow a similar formula. Each video generally has a title and AI-generated thumbnail that connects a celeb to Diddy through a false claim, such as that the star just testified at the trial, that Diddy coerced that star into a sexual act or that the celeb shared a shocking revelation about Diddy. The thumbnails typically illustrate the celebrity on the stand juxtaposed with a picture of Diddy. Some illustrate Diddy and the celeb in a compromising scenario. The vast bulk of thumbnails utilize made-up quotes indicated to surprise individuals, such as "F * CKED ME FOR 16 HOURS", "DIDDY F * CKED BIEBER LIFE" and "SHE SOLD HIM TO DIDDY".
Some of the channels going all-in on Diddy "slop", a term that refers to low-grade media created by artificial intelligence, have a history of making incorrect claims about celebs and of utilizing AI-generated thumbnails. But most of the 26 channels seem either freshly created or older channels that were repurposed. At least 20 channels were qualified to earn revenue from ads.
False and sensationalized Diddy AI slop is a simple way to make money on YouTube right now, according to Wanner Aarts, who runs lots of YouTube channels with AI-generated material and offers a course about how to earn money on the platform. He stated he's not personally cashing in on the Diddy pattern.