by Cindy Harper, Reclaim The Net:
The edits feel less like enhancements and more like reminders that AI is now part of the creative process, whether you asked for it or not.
Some YouTube creators are calling foul after learning the platform has been quietly using AI to modify their Shorts without notification or approval.
For months, users have noticed odd visual quirks in some Shorts, such as skin that looks overly airbrushed, clothes appearing sharper than expected, or facial features slightly distorted.
The alterations are subtle enough to go unnoticed in isolation, but side-by-side comparisons have revealed inconsistencies that many say make their videos feel unnatural or artificial.
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Musician and creator Rhett Shull spotlighted the issue in a video that has drawn over 700,000 views. Comparing his uploads across platforms, he pointed out that YouTube had seemingly softened and retouched his Shorts without permission.
“I did not consent to this,” said Shull. “Replacing or enhancing my work with some AI upscaling system not only erodes trust with the audience, but it also erodes my trust in YouTube.”
That lack of transparency has provoked a wider conversation. In June, a Reddit thread titled “YouTube Shorts are almost certainly being AI upscaled” included frame-by-frame comparisons suggesting AI manipulation. The post drew widespread frustration, adding to the growing chorus of disapproval.
After staying silent for months, YouTube has now acknowledged that it has been conducting tests. Rene Ritchie, who serves as YouTube’s liaison to creators, addressed the concerns in a post on X.
