Why Long-Form Content Struggles With Authenticity
By Our recent analysis of detection results showed an interesting pattern: longer posts between 500 and 1000 words score an average of 46 percent AI probability. In other words, nearly half of them look machine-written even when they aren’t.
Why This Happens
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Patterns sneak in: Longer drafts tend to fall into repetitive sentence structures or predictable transitions, which are standard signals for AI writing.
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Over-polished flow: Writers sometimes edit long pieces until they sound too smooth. Ironically, this makes them look less human to detectors.
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Context fatigue: When people stretch a piece to hit a word target, filler lines creep in. AI systems often generate similar filler, which raises the score.
How To Optimize Longer Content
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Vary rhythm: Mix short, punchy lines with longer explanations. Humans naturally change pace.
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Keep it personal: Sprinkle in lived experiences, questions, or asides that AI usually avoids.
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Break the template: Don’t use the same type of heading or intro across sections. Add an unexpected example or story.
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Trim filler: If a sentence exists only to bulk up word count, cut it.
The Takeaway
Long-form content is valuable for SEO and reader engagement, but if it feels too uniform, detectors start flagging it. Keeping your draft authentic is less about word count and more about variety, voice, and intentional detail.
What’s your approach when writing longer pieces? Do you find yourself editing for flow, or do you lean into a more raw, natural style?