Snapchat Stops Rewarding Fully AI-Generated Spotlight Videos

Snapchat is tightening its approach to AI-generated content by no longer rewarding videos created entirely with artificial intelligence. The move is part of the platform’s broader effort to prioritise authentic, human-created content in Spotlight.

The company announced Friday that it has updated its recommendation systems so that only videos created by real people will be eligible to appear in Spotlight recommendations.

Snap said the goal is to ensure Spotlight “remains a place where people can discover authentic creativity from real people,” adding that it believes there is lasting value in rewarding original perspectives, personal storytelling and the moments users choose to create and share themselves.

AI tools remain available

Despite the policy change, Snapchat is not abandoning AI altogether. The company said creators can continue using its AI-powered creative tools to edit or enhance their content, provided the videos are not generated entirely by AI.

The latest update builds on Snapchat’s broader efforts to improve Spotlight and place greater emphasis on original content. In April, the company said users would begin seeing less AI-generated material across the platform.

Industry pushes back against AI slop.

The decision comes as criticism of low-quality AI-generated content—often referred to as “AI slop”—continues to grow.

Several technology companies have recently updated their policies to reduce the visibility of such content, introduce reporting tools or remove AI-powered features that drew criticism.

LinkedIn recently launched a reporting option that lets users flag posts that “seem like AI slop,” while Substack introduced tools to help readers identify AI-written newsletters.

Earlier this month, Meta removed an Instagram feature that allowed users to modify public photos with AI after facing widespread backlash.

YouTube has also strengthened its monetisation rules by clarifying that repetitive, generic or template-based AI-generated content, including AI personas discussing sensitive subjects such as health and finance, is not eligible for monetisation.

Separately, Snapchat introduced new safety measures for younger users last month. People aged 13 to 15 can now share Spotlight posts only with users they follow back, a change designed to reduce the risk of doxxing.