YouTube, X funnel millions of visits to AI deepfake ‘nudify’ apps, new study shows: Key findings
The article reports on a new study revealing that YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) have become major gateways to AI-powered “nudify” apps that generate non-consensual intimate deepfakes. Despite both platforms having policies against harmful or sexually explicit content, researchers found that they are directing millions of users to websites offering these services through videos, posts, search results and promotional links.
The research, conducted by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), found that mainstream social media platforms generated more than 5.7 million visits to nudify websites between December 2025 and March 2026. YouTube accounted for the largest share with 1.82 million referrals, followed by X with 1.3 million, while Reddit and Facebook also contributed significant traffic. Researchers argue this directly conflicts with the platforms’ own content moderation policies.
The report found that many YouTube videos actively reviewed or promoted nudify apps, provided tutorials, and shared promotional codes or direct links to the services. Rather than merely hosting discussions about the technology, the platforms were effectively helping users discover tools capable of generating non-consensual explicit images for as little as $1 per image. The ecosystem is estimated to generate around $36 million in annual revenue.
Researchers also examined how these tools are used. While women remain the primary targets, victims increasingly include current or former partners, classmates, colleagues and even family members. The study found that many users seek to create fake intimate images not for sexual gratification but to harass, humiliate, blackmail or damage the reputations of victims, making the technology a growing tool for online abuse.
The findings come amid increasing international scrutiny of AI-generated intimate imagery. Governments in several jurisdictions have introduced new legislation targeting nudify apps and non-consensual deepfakes, while regulators are placing greater responsibility on technology companies to prevent the promotion and distribution of these tools. Researchers argue that stronger enforcement of existing platform policies, combined with regulatory action, is urgently needed to curb the rapid growth of the ecosystem.
The article concludes that the study exposes a significant gap between platform policies and their practical enforcement. Although YouTube and X prohibit harmful sexual content, their recommendation systems and search functions continue to facilitate access to AI nudification services, highlighting the need for more proactive moderation and stronger safeguards against image-based sexual abuse.
