Highlights
- YouTube introduced “Communities” for creators to engage with fans directly on their channel.
- New smart TV features will allow creators to organize videos into seasons and episodes
- YouTube is testing “Hype” for boosting new videos.
- Also announced “Jewels” as live-stream reactions.
- Custom thumbnails for playlists will soon be editable.
Communities for Creators
YouTube has announced a new feature called “Communities” for creators at its Made On YouTube event.
This feature will allow creators to have dedicated space on their channel to engage with fans. It will be similar to platforms like Discord or Reddit. Communities will also allow fans to post and engage with other viewers directly within a creator’s channel.
Initially exclusive to subscribers, YouTube is aiming to get the channel fan interactions directly onto the platform via this new Communities feature.
This new feature is not to be confused with YouTube’s existing Community tab. The current Community page is for creators to share text and images. However, it doesn’t necessarily allow interaction among fans.
New Community feature for creators. (Image Credit – 9to5Google)
YouTube is currently testing Communities with a small group of creators. The company plans to expand the feature this year or by early 2025.
Smart TV Features
Among the recently announced features for Creators that will also enhance viewers’ experience is the special YouTube Smart TV feature.
The new YouTube SmartTV feature will help in an enhanced viewing experience. (Image Credit – 9to5Google)
The new feature on smart TVs will make browsing easier.
Creators will be able to organize their videos into seasons and episodes.
Moreover, creators would also be able to set videos automatically when viewers visit their channel page. This feature can be used to showcase a preview of what their channel is about.
This feature will roll out soon, along with a subscribe button directly in the video player.
“Hype” and “Jewels”
Fans will soon be able to “Hype” new videos from creators with 500 to 500,000 subscribers.
This will give videos a better chance of appearing on country-specific Explore tabs.
“Hype” is an engagement option similar to likes and shares. Videos should be less than a week old to be able to get the Hype Button for fans.
However, “hyping a video” won’t affect YouTube’s recommendations or search results.
This feature is currently in beta testing.
For vertical livestream viewers, YouTube is introducing “Jewels.”
It is a new way to react with the live content. Live content viewers can purchase Jewels to give as Gifts during live streams.
Custom Thumbnails
When it comes to thumbnails on YouTube, the platform allows you to select any preferred image as thumbnails for your videos. However, what many users may have missed is how this is not extended for playlists.
Video playlists on YouTube automatically pick the thumbnail from the first video in the lineup.
And the only way to change the auto-selected YouTube video for thumbnails is by moving the first video from the playlist.
It appears YouTube has finally decided to change this one shortcoming and things will change from the next YouTube Update.
However, this option isn’t available to everyone right away and only verified users would be able to unlock this upon updating their app.
Once your YouTube App is updated, a pencil icon will appear on the bottom right corner of playlist thumbnails. This will let users access the edit menu.
However, the feature doesn’t let you upload your own image as a thumbnail. You will have to create a new thumbnail using AI-generated images on YouTube based on themes.
This will be similar to the AI-generated album art in YouTube Music.
After choosing a theme, the tool generates sample images from a preconfigured prompt.
“Communities is a place where you can choose to create that with your fans. This is a place where you and your fans can come together to build even deeper connections over the topics and videos you love, not just posting updates between uploaders or asking for opinions or ideas, but for the first time, subscribers will spark their own discussions with you and with each other,” Bangaly Kaba, director of Product Management at YouTube, during the event.
“While fans and creators can find each other in comments and the Community tab, conversations would often revolve around a creator’s latest video or post. We wanted to build a space where, for the first time ever, subscribers can chat with each other and the creator directly. This introduces a whole new level of interaction on YouTube, and takes some pressure off creators to always make new content to keep their community buzzing,” the company explained in a blog post.
FAQs
What is the new “Communities” feature on YouTube?
The “Communities” feature allows creators to have a dedicated space on their channel to engage with fans, similar to platforms like Discord or Reddit. Fans can post and interact directly within a creator’s channel. This feature is currently in testing and will expand by early 2025.
What new features are being introduced for YouTube on Smart TVs?
YouTube’s new Smart TV features will allow creators to organize their videos into seasons and episodes, set automatic video previews, and include a subscribe button directly in the video player. These features aim to enhance the browsing experience for viewers.
What is the “Hype” feature on YouTube?
The “Hype” feature allows fans to boost new videos from creators with 500 to 500,000 subscribers, giving them a better chance of appearing on country-specific Explore tabs.
What are the four ways the communities will aim to be different for the users as per YouTube ?
As for how Communities will aim to be different, YouTube outlined the following four areas:
“Fan-initiated: Conversations and comments can be initiated and shared by fans, with creator control over who can participate. To start, only subscribers can post in Communities, and we’re evaluating more controls that could be helpful to creators as we continue our tests.
Dedicated space: A dedicated spot for conversation and connection, empowering creators to maintain control over their content and brand while fostering meaningful community engagement in a comfortable and inviting space.
Continuous dialog: Conversations transcend individual videos and posts, allowing topics to flow organically and continue over time.
Community-powered: Fans drive the space, creating a sense of belonging where like-minded individuals can connect, learn, and share their passions.”
Read More: YouTube on a Roll with New Ads Format, YouTube Music AI Radio: What You Need to Know
Read More: Live Lyrics Disappear from Many Songs on YouTube Music as Artist Page Gets Redesigned
Read More: Can a YouTube Video Remove Water from Your Mobile Speakers?