Snapchat has changed how it treats fully AI-generated videos in Spotlight, its short-form video feed. TechCrunch reports that only videos created by real people are now eligible for Spotlight recommendations and related rewards.
The move targets the incentive problem behind AI slop. If creators can generate large volumes of synthetic clips and still qualify for distribution or payments, platforms risk being flooded with low-effort content that crowds out human-made posts.
Snapchat is not banning every use of AI. The key distinction is fully AI-generated content versus videos made by people, potentially with some tools involved. That line can be difficult to enforce, but it gives the platform a clearer basis for reward eligibility.
The change is part of a broader moderation challenge for social apps. Recommendation systems were built to rank engagement, not to judge how content was made. As generative tools make production cheaper, platforms are being pushed to decide which synthetic media deserves reach and money.