Google Invests $1 Million in AI Kids Videos as 'AI Slop' Floods YouTube

Google has invested $1 million in Animaj, an AI-focused animation studio aimed at younger audiences. While not a large sum in venture terms, it is the first kids’ studio to receive direct funding from YouTube. Animaj is also being brought into Google’s DeepMind program and given early access to Veo, their video generator.

“Google knows the problem and the issue of AI slop,” says Animaj co-founder Sixte de Vauplane, referencing one of the no-no terms in the AI world. “They know that right now, you don’t have a lot of people and a lot of players in the kids media industry that have really proven their ability to use AI in a very good way.” YouTube has become something of an automated babysitter in many households.

It took over a decade to temper down the more surreal and predatory aspects of what kids are exposing themselves to on the platform, not to mention a $170 million suit from the FTC over privacy concerns. CoComelon, Blippi, and Ms.

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