YouTube Tests User-Generated Notes Feature in the US
YouTube is experimenting with a new feature that allows users to add notes to videos. Available initially only in the United States, these user-generated notes aim to expand the context of videos and provide additional information. This could range from indicating improvements to products featured in review videos to explaining cultural or historical references. By doing so, YouTube aims to enhance the viewing experience and help viewers make better-informed decisions.
Community Involvement and Moderation
The new feature is integrated into the YouTube mobile app and is currently being tested in English. YouTube has invited a select group of users who actively manage their channels to write these notes. These notes are then evaluated by independent third parties to ensure their accuracy and usefulness, before being made visible to the public. This evaluation process will inform YouTube's algorithms, which will ultimately decide which notes are highlighted under each video.
YouTube’s systematic approach to moderating notes involves user feedback. Viewers can rate the notes' usefulness, training the algorithm over time to prioritize high-quality contributions. This community-driven feature will undoubtedly evolve with the rapid feedback from its test users. The initiative, if proven successful, could be rolled out internationally, but for now, YouTube is focusing on the feedback from its American user base.
- YouTube's newly introduced feature draws similarities with the 'Community Notes' feature on X (formerly Twitter), which also allows users to add additional context or information under tweets. This feature has been beneficial in clearing up misconceptions and providing deeper insights into various subjects.
- For instance, on X, community notes helped clarify the context of a misleading photo by tracing it back to its original source. By involving the community in vetting additional information, both platforms aim to combat misinformation and enhance the quality of shareable content.
- In addition, YouTube announced another upcoming feature, which will display ads on paused videos. This move is aimed at increasing advertising revenue for both the platform and its creators.
