YouTube Updates: Shorts, A/B Testing, Analytics, and More
Jul 15, 2023
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Jerry Potter and Diana Gladney discuss the latest YouTube updates, including the new reply feature for YouTube comments with Shorts, optimizing thumbnails for video performance, and the rollout of early access for creators. They also explore AI-powered dubbing and the potential for adding more languages in the future.
YouTube Shorts Friends feature aims to connect creators and their audiences, but its impact and success are uncertain.
YouTube's A/B Testing Thumbnails feature provides valuable data to improve video performance and click-through rates.
Deep dives
YouTube Shorts Friends: Connecting Creators and Audiences
YouTube is introducing a new feature called Shorts Friends, which aims to connect creators making short form content. This feature allows creators to collaborate, cross-promote, and interweave their audiences through YouTube shorts. However, Shorts Friends is currently invite-only and creators need to apply through YouTube. The purpose and criteria for selection are not clear. Some creators find this feature awkward as natural connections between creators and their audiences are usually based on genuine interest and existing relationships. The true impact and success of this feature remain uncertain.
Replying to Comments with Shorts: A New Way to Engage
YouTube has introduced an update that enables creators to reply to comments with shorts. This update allows creators to directly respond to comments on their videos by opening the shorts creation application. However, there is a lack of notification to the commenter or the original video creator regarding the use of their comments. This absence of communication creates a somewhat awkward and disconnected experience for all parties involved. While this update offers a new way to engage with comments, it raises concerns about proper attribution and community interaction on the platform.
YouTube is currently testing a new feature called A/B Testing Thumbnails, which allows creators to compare and test different thumbnails for their videos. This feature, also known as the Test & Compare feature, enables creators to upload up to three thumbnail options per video. A/B testing thumbnails is essential for understanding which thumbnail performs better and increases the likelihood of getting clicks. While third-party tools were previously used for this purpose, having native A/B testing on YouTube is an exciting prospect, as it provides creators with valuable data to improve the performance and click-through rates of their videos.
AI-Powered Dubbing: Enhancing Multilingual Video Experience
YouTube is introducing AI-powered dubbing, a feature that allows creators to add audio tracks in different languages to their videos. The initial rollout includes Spanish, Portuguese, and English-speaking voices. This feature can be a game changer for marketers and content creators, as it enhances the accessibility and engagement of their videos for viewers who prefer different languages. AI-powered dubbing ensures a seamless and authentic multilingual experience, enabling creators to reach a broader audience and create stronger connections with diverse viewers. The addition of more languages in the future holds even greater potential for global content distribution.