According to the company, YouTube may be preparing to introduce a new and experimental feature that allows users to add “notes” below videos. This feature is speculated to work along the same lines as the Community Notes feature on X (formerly Twitter). With this feature, YouTube aims to add more context to existing content on its platform, such as letting the user know if something is a parody or an old video taken out of context, a measure to combat misinformation.
Notes on YouTube
In a blog post, the video streaming platform announced that by including notes, it aims to provide easy-to-understand context to videos. “For example, this could include notes that clarify when a song is meant to be a parody, point out when a new version of a product being reviewed is available, or let viewers know when older footage is being misrepresented as a current event”. he said.
Notes on YouTube
Photo credit: YouTube
The feature is being introduced as an experimental pilot project in English in the US. Eligible contributors will receive an email invitation or notification via Creator Studio to try it out before it's widely distributed.
It is said to work along the same lines as the Community Notes feature in X. According to YouTube, users will find a new one Add note option below the video. They can then use the text box to provide more context and then click To send. The published note will not show the name of the creator and will be anonymous, the company added.
How it works
After submission, the grade will be reviewed by other third-party raters, a measure that will help train YouTube's systems, the company said. Three options will be provided: useful, somewhat useful and not useful. A bridge-based algorithm will then be used to determine which grades to post. If multiple people find the note helpful, it will be displayed below a video. Once the project leaves the pilot phase, the contributors themselves will also be able to rate the notes, according to YouTube.
To ensure that the note is considered useful, users can add citations, use high-quality sources, and directly address the claims made. Also, using neutral and easy-to-understand language can help.
