This Will Change YouTube FOREVER in 2025

Summary

This video dives into a wide range of YouTube updates for 2024 and beyond, covering new features for creators, advertisers, and viewers alike. Key updates include A/B thumbnail testing, changes to how YouTube handles Shorts, the introduction of AI tools for content creation, improvements in monetization, and the introduction of new community features. There are also tweaks to how YouTube handles copyright claims and new methods to interact with subscribers. With YouTube evolving rapidly, creators have more tools than ever to grow their channels, but also face challenges as the platform balances innovation with user expectations.

Takeaways

• 😀 YouTube now allows A/B thumbnail testing, where creators can upload up to three thumbnails and test which generates the most watch time.
• 😀 Any video that is in square or vertical format and less than 3 minutes is now treated as a YouTube Short, which could impact ad revenue.
• 😀 Creators must disclose AI-generated content that might mislead viewers, though it doesn't affect monetization or discoverability.
• 😀 YouTube introduced a tool to manage copyright claims by allowing creators to remove copyrighted music while keeping speech or other audio.
• 😀 Monetization suspensions now include a 7-day appeal window before losing monetization, preventing an immediate revenue drop.
• 😀 YouTube Shorts ad revenue has increased, with creators earning up to 10 cents per 1,000 views, a 300% rise from the initial rate.
• 😀 YouTube's Community Tab will soon allow anyone to post messages, boosting engagement but creating potential moderation challenges.
• 😀 YouTube has introduced a new 'Courses' feature, enabling creators to set up educational content that works like playlists but with dedicated tabs.
• 😀 Viewers can now donate 'Hype Points' to videos they enjoy, helping smaller creators earn more discovery opportunities through a 'small creator bonus.'
• 😀 YouTube is testing a feature where viewers can purchase digital gifts using 'jewels' during live streams, with creators receiving a cut of the revenue.
• 😀 YouTube has upgraded its AI tool 'Dream Screen' to generate video backgrounds for Shorts, competing with other AI video generation platforms.
• 😀 YouTube has reduced the size of Creator Awards for 100,000 and 1 million subscribers but introduced heavier, more premium-looking versions.

Q & A

What is YouTube's new AB thumbnail testing feature?

YouTube's AB thumbnail testing allows creators to upload up to three thumbnails per video to test which one gets the most watch time. The winning thumbnail will be displayed until another test is conducted.

Why is AB thumbnail testing controversial?

AB thumbnail testing is controversial because it tracks watch time rather than click-through rate, and some creators feel it may negatively impact video performance. Additionally, creators have to create multiple thumbnails for testing.

How are longer videos treated on YouTube now?

Videos that are in a square or vertical format and are under 3 minutes long are now classified as YouTube Shorts. This gives creators more flexibility in content creation, but it may affect the performance and revenue compared to long-form videos.

How does the new AI content disclosure system work?

YouTube now asks creators if their content may mislead viewers into thinking AI-generated content is real. If answered 'yes', a label will appear on the video stating that the content has been altered, but this won't affect discoverability or monetization.

What changes have been made regarding YouTube monetization and copyright claims?

YouTube introduced a new feature to help with copyright claims. Creators can now remove the copyrighted song from their video while keeping other audio, like speech, intact. Additionally, the process for appealing YPP suspension has been improved to allow creators to appeal before losing monetization.

How has YouTube Shorts ad revenue changed?

YouTube Shorts ad revenue has increased significantly, with RPM (Revenue Per Thousand Views) now averaging over 10 cents, up from 3 to 4 cents. This increase, however, is still considered modest.

What is YouTube's new feature for blocking certain ad categories?

YouTube now allows creators to block specific ad categories, such as dating, gambling, and alcohol, directly from the YouTube Studio settings, offering more control over the ads shown on their content.

What is the new 'Community Spotlight' feature on YouTube?

The 'Community Spotlight' feature on YouTube highlights the most active commenters on a creator's channel, enhancing engagement within the community. It’s a part of a larger shift to make the community tab more interactive.

What is the purpose of YouTube's new 'Courses' feature?

YouTube's 'Courses' feature allows creators to set up educational content in a structured format similar to playlists. It provides a dedicated tab on the creator's channel and a comment section for student interaction. Paid courses are currently in a limited beta.

What are the new 'Hype' points on YouTube?

YouTube's 'Hype' points system allows viewers to donate points to videos they enjoy, with the most hyped videos appearing on a leaderboard. Small creators between 500 and 500,000 subscribers earn more hype points per donation, which can boost their visibility.