YouTube Updates Search to Highlight Relevant Video Segments, May Impact Watch Time

YouTube's new search experience displays search results based on specific segments of long-form videos that are most relevant to searches. When a segment is presented in search results, a red progress bar indicates where in the video the segment is located, and the content begins to play from that point.

The benefits for viewers include:

• Easier access to specific topics: Viewers can quickly find the specific segments of videos that cover the topics they are interested in.
• Improved search efficiency: By being directed to relevant segments, viewers save time and effort in finding the information they need.

YouTube's segmented search results might negatively impact creators because:

• Dip in watch time: As segmented watching becomes more prevalent, viewers may jump directly to specific segments of videos and then leave after watching those parts, leading to a decrease in overall watch time for creators.