YouTube CEO outlines 2026 priorities, focus on AI content, creator innovation

The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions with Billboard, after YouTube Music declined to share data for chart rankings.

In his annual letter to the community, released on 21 January, Mohan described the platform’s approach to what he calls “AI slop”, low-quality content produced using artificial intelligence. He also highlighted upcoming initiatives, including a late-night “experience” hosted in New York City by YouTuber Julian Shapiro-Barnum.

“When creators hold the keys to their own production and distribution, the only limit is their imagination,” Mohan said. “Maintaining a vibrant creator environment is crucial to fostering growth. Today, once-odd trends like ASMR and watching others play video games are mainstream hits. But with this openness comes a responsibility to maintain the high-quality viewing experience that people want.”

Mohan explained that YouTube is building on established systems that combat spam, clickbait, and repetitive content while improving tools to distinguish human-created content from AI-generated material. “We’re focused on ensuring AI serves the people who make YouTube great, the creators, partners, and billions of viewers,” he added.

The annual update also highlighted the platform’s ongoing measures to label content produced with its own AI tools and remove harmful synthetic media that violates community guidelines. YouTube is enhancing identification methods and giving creators control over how their likeness is used in AI-generated content.

“Just as the synthesizer, Photoshop, and CGI revolutionised sound and visuals, AI will be a boon to the creatives who are ready to lean in,” Mohan said. “On average, more than 1 million channels used our AI creation tools daily in December. This year, you’ll be able to create a Short using your own likeness, produce games with a simple text prompt, and experiment with music. Throughout this evolution, AI will remain a tool for expression, not a replacement.”

The update comes after YouTube Music CEO Lyor Cohen refused to share streaming data with Billboard, citing dissatisfaction with how free streams are weighted in chart calculations. The decision has removed YouTube Music data from Billboard rankings, potentially reducing the influence of AI-driven viral content on chart positions.

YouTube’s focus on AI management and creator support reflects a broader industry challenge: balancing technological innovation with content quality and audience trust.