- YouTube is experimenting with automatic improvements to Shorts using machine learning.
- Creators report plasticized faces, excessive sharpness, and style changes.
- The platform claims it is not generative or scaling AI and that it collects feedback.
- The debate on transparency, consent, and process control is growing.
Over the past few weeks, numerous creators have noticed that their YouTube Shorts videos “look different” after the climb: softer skin, sharper contours, and a sharpness that some describe as artificialThe platform confirms an image enhancement experiment, but it was not voluntarily activated by the authors.
The issue has ignited the networks because it touches the fiber of the transparency and consent. Although YouTube claims it uses traditional machine learning to reduce noise and improve clarity., many creators argue that the changes alter their aesthetics and can confuse the audience on the use of AI in its content.
What's changing in YouTube videos
Reports from large and medium-sized channels describe automatic filters that smooth the skin, reduce grain and increase sharpness during processing. Compared to other platforms, some notice a cleaner image on YouTube, but with “wax” faces and less natural textures.
Creators like Mr. Bravo, which publishes eighties VHS aesthetics, complain that the process erases the "grain" that defines their label. Musical profiles such as Rhett (Ret) Shull y Rick Blessed have pointed out a oversharpening and synthetic appearance that “they didn't ask for.” Even technical channels like Linus Tech Tips have detected changes without notice.
The effect is felt most of all in youtube shorts, where the tweaks are more evident due to the vertical format and compression. For those who use short films as a hook for longer videos, convert long videos into clips may be affected if the look of the clip changes, which impacts the visual coherence of the channel.
Beyond whether "it looks better or worse", The worrying thing is that the intervention is not optional in the experiment.. Several creators fear that their audience will conclude that they have used AI or filters when, in reality, the processed by YouTube in background.
How YouTube responds and what the experiment is about
Company spokespersons and creator relations managers have explained that this is a test on selected ShortsThey claim they do not use Generative AI or scalingBut machine learning techniques similar to those of mobile phones reduce blur and noise and improve clarity.
The technical distinction has not entirely calmed the spirits: for the community, Machine learning is still AI, and the problem is not the name, but the lack of control and warningFor now, YouTube says it's gathering feedback and will adjust the test based on the comments.
Another issue is terminology. Some creators described the changes as "escalation," while the platform denies this. In any case, the visible result —apparent sharpness and retouched textures— feeds the perception of a “synthetic finish”.
There is no confirmation as to whether creators will be able to permanently disable the process or whether affected videos can be restored to their original state.The duration of the experiment has not been detailed either, beyond admitting that it was launched without prior notice.
Impact on creators and debate on transparency
For many authors, the issue transcends the aesthetic: they fear a loss of confidence with their audience if the video looks “AI-edited” without their consent. Those who create a highly curated—or deliberately imperfect—image find their visual and sound identity.
Creators like Rhett (Ret) Shull have warned that these changes may distort your style and erode the relationship with their followers. Others, such as Rick Blessed, show concern about the possible impact on the perception of quality and on the channel performance if viewers believe there is AI where there isn't any.
The debate intersects with the synthetic content policiesYouTube requires labeling AI-generated or altered material where appropriate, but in this case, changes are applied from the platform itself. The community demands clear channels: notice, opt-in/opt-out and possibility of reversal. In addition, issues such as AI-linked content monetization have generated recent controversy on the platform.
The buzz around the topic is also growing due to cases where the creator himself uses AI in his video. A recent example was that of a clip on Will Smith's channel with alleged images of the public that viewers pointed out as artificial because inconsistent anatomical features. Although different from the Shorts experiment, it illustrates the need for clear labeling and not to confuse the audience.
In the midst of these situations, many ask YouTube for a granular dashboard to decide if they want automatic improvements, with what intensity and on which pieces, as well as a processing history that allows you to know what has been applied and when, without surprises.
The current photograph leaves a clear message: although there are users who appreciate a certain image cleaning At Shorts, the priority for creators is to be able to choose. perceived quality It cannot be imposed at the expense of authorship, brand consistency and audience trust.
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