The Rise of Playlist Stuffing on YouTube

Imagine a professional dominatrix logging into her YouTube account for the first time in 17 years, only to discover a treasure trove of over 900 playlists—including everything from a math-rock debut by 90 Day Men to the nostalgic sounds of anime classics like *Chobits*. This bizarre scenario sets the stage for a troubling trend infiltrating the platform.

YouTube: A Hidden Gem for Music Lovers

YouTube has long been a haven for music enthusiasts, particularly for those seeking niche and hard-to-find albums. Despite the presence of YouTube Music, many rare gems thrive on the main platform, where dedicated channels for genres like screamo, doom metal, and acid jazz regularly upload lost treasures. Users can easily find full albums, often compiled into lengthy videos complete with timestamps.

Tainted Playlists: The New Normal?

However, a dark cloud looms over this musical paradise. Recent reports from Engadget reveal a surge of tainted playlists infused with irrelevant content. An investigation of 100 channels, many of which boast hundreds—or even thousands—of playlists, uncovered a disturbing trend known as 'playlist stuffing.' This tactic involves including an hour-long video titled "More" in innumerable playlists, diverting listeners into an incoherent abyss of cryptocurrency advice and marketing jargon.

The Intriguing Mystery of 'More'