Snapchat announced in July 2026 that it will no longer recommend fully AI-generated videos through its Spotlight feature, adjusting its recommendation systems to ensure only content created by real people is eligible for promotion.
The company shared the update in a blog post on Friday, stating that it wants Spotlight to “remain a place where people can discover authentic creativity from real people, because we believe there’s enduring value in rewarding original perspectives, personal storytelling, and the moments that people choose to create and share themselves.”
Snapchat clarified it is not rejecting AI tools entirely. Creators can still use the platform’s AI features to enhance or edit their content — the restriction applies specifically to videos that are fully AI-generated.
The move builds on steps Snapchat had already taken. In April, the company indicated that users would see less AI-generated content in their feeds, signaling a broader push to refocus Spotlight on original, human-made posts.
The policy change comes as criticism of low-quality AI-generated content — commonly referred to as “AI slop” — has prompted several platforms to revise their approaches. LinkedIn launched a feature allowing users to report posts with a button labeled “seems like AI slop.” Substack introduced a tool to help users identify AI-written newsletters. YouTube clarified its monetization policies to exclude “inauthentic content,” including generic, repetitive, or template-based videos, and content featuring AI personas covering sensitive topics such as health and finance. Meta removed an Instagram feature that let users modify photos from public accounts using AI after it drew significant backlash.
In a separate development, Snapchat last month introduced new content controls for younger users. Those aged 13 to 15 will only be able to share Spotlight posts with people they follow back, a measure aimed at protecting against doxxing.
Source: TechCrunch