A recent study shows that 90% of YouTube channels identified as having misogynistic content are still active and have increased their following significantly in 2024.
An updated survey from the NetLab at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) reveals that 90% of YouTube channels identified in 2024 as promoting misogynistic content remain active on the platform. Among the 137 profiles analyzed in the original research, 123 channels are still operational and continuing to publish videos. This indicates a troubling persistence of harmful content on one of the world's largest video-sharing networks.
The study illustrates not only the retention of these channels but also their growth in audience size. As of 2024, the 123 remaining profiles collectively boast more than 19.5 million subscribers, now totaling over 23 million, marking an approximate increase of 18.55%. This indicates that such channels are not only surviving but thriving in terms of viewer engagement, raising concerns around the effectiveness of content moderation on platforms like YouTube.
Moreover, the research points out an alarming increase in the volume of content published by these channels. Currently, the 123 channels host around 130,000 videos—25,000 more than the 105,000 identified in the original study. This uptick in content further emphasizes the challenge of addressing misogynistic narratives online, as the proliferation of videos could exacerbate the spread of hate and violence against women, calling for urgent discussions on policy and regulatory measures to combat such trends.
