YouTube's Algorithm Favors Russian Over Kyrgyz in Central Asia

A study of nearly 11,000 YouTube searches shows the platform systematically favors Russian-language content in Kyrgyzstan, even when users search in Kyrgyz. Kyrgyz children's content often returns zero results or Russian alternatives instead. The pattern reinforces Russian as the default, creating a feedback loop that may accelerate language shift among 4.5 million Kyrgyz speakers.