Snap said fully AI-generated videos will no longer qualify for Spotlight recommendations under its updated rules. The company wants the short-video section to focus on personal storytelling, original perspectives and moments that users create themselves.
AI-Assisted Editing Will Remain Eligible
Snapchat is not excluding every video that involves AI. Creators can continue using Snapchat’s generative AI and editing tools to modify or supplement their content, and those posts may still appear in Spotlight recommendations.
Eligible AI-assisted content will include transparency indicators informing viewers that the technology was used. Snap acknowledged that detection systems are imperfect but said it intends to give authentic content a better opportunity to reach viewers.
The company said the number of unique Spotlight contributors worldwide has risen by more than 120% compared with the previous year. Its official announcement builds on an earlier commitment to show users more original posts and less repetitive AI-generated material.
Platforms Add Controls for AI Content
Other online platforms have also introduced tools or rules addressing low-quality, repetitive or undisclosed AI material. LinkedIn recently added a “Seems like AI slop” option that lets users flag posts they believe were generated by AI.
Substack introduced a “Scan for AI text” tool powered by Pangram. It provides an estimate of how much of a post, note or comment may have been written by a person or with AI assistance, although Substack notes that the result is not definitive.
Meta also withdrew an Instagram feature in July that let people use photos from public accounts as references when generating AI images. The company removed the function after criticism concerning consent and privacy, while keeping other AI image-editing capabilities available.
YouTube has separately clarified that repetitive, generic or template-based videos may not qualify for monetisation under its rules on inauthentic content. The policy covers mass-produced material and certain videos that use AI-generated personalities to discuss sensitive subjects such as health or finance.
Snapchat Adds More Controls for Teen Posts
The Spotlight update follows new Snapchat controls for users aged 13 to 15. Under those measures, younger users can share Spotlight posts only with people they follow who also follow them back.
The restriction is intended to reduce the risk of strangers using public posts to identify or locate underage users. It forms part of Snapchat’s wider changes to limit unwanted exposure while allowing teenagers to continue sharing content with established connections.
Featured image credits: PickPik
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