A new ISD report reveals that mainstream platforms like YouTube and X are funneling massive traffic to nudify services that create non‑consensual explicit deepfakes for as little as $1 per image. The findings highlight a stark gap between platform policies and real‑world practice, raising urgent privacy concerns.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube generated 1.82 million referral visits, the largest source
  • X accounted for over 1.3 million visits to nudify sites
  • Nudify tools cost as little as $1 per image and may generate up to $36 million annually

The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) has released a comprehensive study showing that mainstream social media platforms are actively directing users to “nudify” apps and websites. These tools enable the creation of non‑consensual, sexually explicit deepfakes, a practice that directly conflicts with the platforms’ own content policies.

Study Scope and Findings

Between December 2025 and March 2026, the report tracked more than 5.7 million visits to nudify sites, with YouTube responsible for 1.82 million referrals (over 30 % of the total) and X contributing over 1.3 million. Users typically search for terms such as “undress app” or “nudify app,” after which they encounter promotional videos, discount codes, or direct links to the services.

Policy Contradictions

YouTube’s community guidelines explicitly ban sexually explicit content and prohibit linking to such material. Yet, ISD senior director Melanie Smith told WIRED that the platform not only allows the content to be discovered but often “facilitates the use of these tools.” This suggests a significant enforcement gap, as the same policies should cover non‑consensual imagery and revenge porn.

Economic Incentives and Societal Harm

Nudify apps are remarkably inexpensive, with some charging as little as $1 per generated image. A separate WIRED investigation estimates collective annual revenue at up to $36 million. Targets include current or former partners, and alarmingly, relatives such as sisters and cousins. Motivations range beyond sexual gratification; many users aim to sabotage careers or inflict reputational damage.

Regulatory Landscape and Future Outlook

In the United States, the federal Take It Down Act obliges platforms to remove non‑consensual images within 48 hours of a takedown request. Several states have enacted anti‑deepfake statutes, and Minnesota became the first to ban nudify apps outright in May 2026. Despite these measures, the tools continue to proliferate, becoming more accessible and user‑friendly.

ISD calls for coordinated, system‑wide responses that combine stricter platform regulation, funding for digital‑literacy programs in schools, and hybrid policy interventions. With deepfake incidents reported in over 90 schools worldwide, the momentum behind nudify apps shows no sign of abating without decisive action.