Key Points:
- User-contributed Notes: YouTube is testing a feature where users can add notes to clarify confusing or inaccurate videos.
- Review Process: Notes are reviewed by a group of users before being displayed under the video.
- Mobile-Only for Now: The feature is currently available only on mobile devices.
YouTube is addressing the spread of misinformation with a new feature similar to Twitter’s Community Notes. This feature allows users to add clarifying notes to videos that they find confusing or inaccurate.
Here’s how it works: When users spot a misleading video, they can submit a note to clarify it. These notes are reviewed by other users to ensure they are accurate and helpful. If approved, the note appears below the video and can include timestamps.
Google announced this feature in June and has been testing it with a small group of users. Now, they are expanding the testing phase. Initially, this feature is only available on mobile devices.
YouTube explains that users in the program will see an “Add note” button under videos. Submitted notes will not display the contributor’s name. Best practices for writing notes include citing sources, being clear and neutral, and addressing specific claims made in the video.
Notifications will be sent to users if their notes are published. A note will only be shown if it is rated as helpful by a diverse group of people. YouTube’s system considers the rating history and ensures that notes rated as helpful by users with different perspectives are more likely to be published.
It’s not yet clear how widely this feature will be available or when it will be rolled out to the general public.
