YouTube Introduces 'Hype' Feature to Support Small Creators

YouTube has announced that it has begun testing a new feature called 'Hype' in certain regions to promote smaller creators on the platform. This feature aims to provide additional support and visibility for small creators, akin to the 'Like' and 'Share' functionalities available within the streaming platform's app.

Introduction of the 'Hype' Feature

The 'Hype' feature has been introduced to give small creators a significant boost on YouTube. To participate in this experiment, certain eligibility criteria have been set.

According to a post on a Google support page, YouTube stated, "We are testing a new feature that will help smaller creators receive community support and also be discovered by new audiences." Currently, the 'Hype' feature is being tested only for viewers in Brazil, Turkey, and Taiwan.

How the 'Hype' Feature Works

When a viewer becomes part of the experiment, they will see a 'Hype' button when playing a video on YouTube. Viewers can hype videos published within the last seven days.

The more viewers hype a video, the greater the chance it has of appearing in the ranking with other hyped videos that week. This ranking system aims to give small creators more exposure and help their content reach a broader audience.

Clarification on Hype Metrics

YouTube clarified that "hypes are not used as an indicator for YouTube's search and discovery system." This distinction is crucial because these metrics can be easily manipulated and do not necessarily reflect long-term viewer interest or content quality.

By not using hypes as a search and discovery metric, YouTube aims to maintain the integrity and quality of its recommendation system.

Eligibility Criteria for Small Creators

To be part of the 'Hype' feature experiment, content creators must meet specific criteria. They must be enrolled in the YouTube Partnership Program and have less than 500,000 subscribers. Additionally, their videos must follow community guidelines.

This ensures that the feature supports genuinely small creators who are actively contributing to the YouTube community while adhering to the platform's standards.

Additional Changes for iOS Users

In another recent update, YouTube announced that its app on iOS will soon be asking users for their permission to allow tracking their online activity for a more personalized ads experience.

This change complies with Apple's guidelines introduced in iOS 14.5 back in 2021, which require app developers to inform users about tracking and obtain their consent. This update is part of YouTube's ongoing efforts to enhance user experience and comply with regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

The 'Hype' feature is a promising new addition to YouTube's array of tools designed to support small creators. By giving viewers the ability to hype videos, YouTube aims to increase visibility for small creators and foster community support. As the feature rolls out in Brazil, Turkey, and Taiwan, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the discoverability and success of small creators on the platform.

 Additionally, YouTube's compliance with iOS tracking guidelines shows its commitment to user privacy and personalized experiences. These updates highlight YouTube's ongoing efforts to innovate and improve its platform for both creators and viewers.