A new controversy has emerged around YouTube after creators discovered that the platform has been quietly altering some of their uploaded Shorts videos using artificial intelligence without disclosure, raising concerns about creative integrity and transparency.
Reports first emerged earlier this month from a number of creators who claimed that their clips appeared sharper, smoother or unnaturally stylized compared to the originals. Some described the effect as “plastic” or “oil painting-like,” with details that had been subtly changed by machine-driven processing.
YouTube insists the updates rely on traditional machine learning tools for unblurring, denoising and clarity enhancements rather than generative AI, however, the results bear a striking resemblance to diffusion-style upscaling models that have become common in the broader industry.
According to Rene Ritchie, YouTube’s head of editorial, there was no generative AI or upscaling involved.
“We’re running an experiment on select YouTube Shorts that uses traditional machine learning technology to unblur, denoise and improve clarity in videos during processing (similar to what a modern smartphone does when you record a video),” Ritchie said on X Inc. (formerly Twitter). “YouTube is always working on ways to provide the best video quality and experience possible and will continue to take creator and viewer feedback into consideration as we iterate and improve on these features.”
Irrespective of the claimed intent, creators are not happy. In one case, a creator known as Mr. Bravo, who is known for using VHS-like grain in his productions, claims that the edits stripped away the aesthetic choices that define his work. Musicians Rhett Shull and Rick Beato have also reported similar issues with their videos.
Among the critics against the move by YouTube, Dave Wiskus, chief executive officer of independent streaming platform Nebula Inc., says that the approach taken by YouTube is “disrespectful” and equates the edits to tampering with an artist’s work without permission. Other creator communities on sites such as Reddit are generally in agreeance and are warning that AI-driven alterations could undermine authenticity and blur the line between original and machine-mediated media.
YouTube’s decision to edit existing videos, particularly without disclosure, raises valid questions around ownership, authenticity and disclosure.
Image: SiliconANGLE/Reve
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