Snapchat Bans Fully AI-Generated Videos from Spotlight

Snapchat announced that it will prohibit videos created entirely by artificial intelligence from appearing in its Spotlight feed, the section that highlights trending short-form content from creators and studios. The ban applies only to videos that are wholly generated by AI; content that uses Snapchat’s own AI tools for enhancement or editing will still be eligible. The move is intended to curb the surge of low-quality, repetitive AI-driven clips that have begun to dominate short-form video platforms.

Hollywood Reporter

The rise of sophisticated video-generation models such as Google’s “Nano Banana” and “Seedance” has made it easier for users to produce prompt-driven clips at scale. As these AI-generated videos proliferate across the internet, many platforms have struggled to maintain a balance between novelty and authenticity.

Hollywood Reporter

Snapchat’s statement emphasized a commitment to “authentic creativity from real people,” arguing that Spotlight should reward original perspectives, personal storytelling, and moments crafted by human creators. The company also acknowledged that AI can play a valuable role in the creative process when used as a tool rather than a substitute. Meta’s response, conveyed through Zuckerberg’s public post, framed AI-generated media as a means to make services more useful and engaging, highlighting a belief that AI can expand expressive possibilities.

Hollywood Reporter

By restricting fully AI-generated videos, Snapchat aims to preserve the perceived value of human-driven content and differentiate its platform from competitors that embrace AI-heavy feeds. Creators who rely on AI for inspiration will need to incorporate Snapchat’s tools or blend AI with manual input to remain eligible for Spotlight exposure. The policy could influence how other short-form services address AI content, potentially prompting a broader industry debate over the balance between innovation and authenticity.

Hollywood Reporter