Consumers Reject AI-Generated Products on Digital Marketplaces

Consumers are increasingly avoiding AI-generated products on online marketplaces, prioritizing human-made goods for their higher quality and perceived value. Data from the 3D model marketplace CGTrader shows that while AI-generated assets make up one in six uploads, they account for only 2.6% of sales and just $1 of every $90 in revenue. Between June 2025 and May 2026, 20% of customers found AI models inadequate, while only 5% found them effective.

This trend extends to software development. Research by Professor Dennis Zhang found a 160% increase in smartphone app launches following the release of coding agents like Claude Code and Codex. However, there has been a significant drop in the number of apps receiving more than 10 reviews, suggesting that increased production volume has not translated into consumer engagement.

These findings indicate that while AI can accelerate the creation of digital assets, consumers continue to value human-added scarcity and quality. The data suggests AI may transform labor roles by shifting the focus toward human-centric value rather than fully displacing human workers.