YouTube, the world’s leading video-sharing platform, has always been at the forefront of innovation.
The platform is exploring new avenues to engage its vast user base. Some of the features include;
Vertical Live Feeds
The vertical live feed is YouTube’s answer to the increasing demand for vertical content, primarily driven by mobile users.
With platforms like TikTok and Instagram already capitalizing on vertical videos, YouTube does not want to be the odd one out
“Testing a new vertical live feed: We’re running an experiment with a new full-screen viewing experience on vertical live streams for mobile viewers.” mentions the platform
Introduction Vertical live streams would encourage YouTube users to immerse themselves in the platform more, especially when using mobile devices.
The scrollable live stream feed and fan funding features that the platform is experimenting with have the potential to boost interactions between creators and viewers, potentially leading to higher engagement rates.
YouTube is keen on blurring the lines between short-form and live content, and this could be a game-changer, especially for creators specializing in real-time content.
Playables: Gaming Meets Video Streaming
Playables introduce a new dimension to YouTube; instead of just watching videos, users will be able to play games directly on the platform.
“We’re starting to test a new experience on YouTube called “Playables.” Playables are games that can be played directly on YouTube on both desktop and mobile devices,” announced Youtube
With Playables, YouTube can cater to a broader audience, especially the gaming community, which is massive and continually growing.
It is also capable of increasing the time users spend on the platform. Playing a game can be more prolonged than watching a video, leading to higher retention rates.
If successful, it will also open new revenue streams for creators and YouTube through in-game purchases, ads, and sponsorships.
Introducing games on a video platform is a bold move. While it can diversify the content, there’s also a risk of diluting the platform’s core offering. However, if executed correctly, Playables will revolutionize how we perceive YouTube.
While it’s too early to predict the success of these features, they undoubtedly offer exciting possibilities.
As users, all we can do is participate, provide feedback, and watch as YouTube shapes the future of online content.
