YouTube is launching a likeness detection tool for creators to upload their facial image to identify unauthorized uses, including AI deepfakes. This requires a face scan and government ID for verification within YouTube Studio. Privacy concerns arise from storing facial data on Google’s servers. While it helps manage likeness, it may not be fully reliable, as some instances could be missed. Testing is ongoing, with plans for wider rollout.
YouTube launched gift effects and direct links for Communities to improve creator-audience engagement. Gift effects offer five interactive options shown when viewers use Jules, a virtual currency for GIFs in vertical livestreams. They are rolling out in the US on eligible channels. YouTube is also testing gift goals, letting creators set contribution targets during live streams to encourage viewer participation and community building.
Creators can soon edit videos with automatic dubbing using Studio Editor, with manual multi-language audio editing coming later this year. The image upload limit per post has increased from five to ten across all devices. YouTube Promote now allows more specific call-to-action options for website visits, like "book now" or "get quote," currently on desktop only. Promote helps grow subscribers, views, or website visits without Google Ads.
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YouTube is updating Advanced Mode analytics in YouTube Studio with a sidebar for filters, breakdowns, and metric selectors accessible from any analytics page. Users can save custom reports, search by title, sort by video length or publish date, and select multiple metrics. New breakdown options include geography, content type, and revenue sources, plus shortcuts to common reports. These updates improve tracking and content planning and are rolling out gradually.
YouTube has introduced the Promote feature in the main Android app, allowing creators to promote shorts and videos directly without using Google Ads. Creators can boost subscribers, views, or website visits via a promote button under their videos. A new promotions feed helps manage campaigns efficiently. Shorts and posts are now integrated in the shorts feed, enhancing audience engagement and content discovery.
YouTube launched side-by-side ads for live streams, letting ads run alongside streams with muted stream audio to boost creator revenue without disrupting viewers. Voice replies expanded to more Android creators, allowing 30-second voice responses to comments. Google Lens was added to Shorts, letting viewers search objects or locations by pausing and using Lens, except on Shorts with shopping links. These updates enhance monetization and engagement.
YouTube will remove the revert to original feature in its Studio editor, impacting tools like blur and trim. Creators should download videos before editing or use Google Takeout. Major changes to midroll ads will start on May 12, 2025, introducing a feedback system for ad placement and allowing a combination of manual and automatic ad slots. Creators can opt out of automatic additions by adjusting settings in the earn tab before the deadline.
YouTube has launched features for creators, including a gift combo feature that allows viewers to send multiple gifts during live streams, enhancing engagement and revenue. Limited-time birthday gifts celebrate YouTube's 20th anniversary. Best practices for maximizing gifts include expressing gratitude and engaging with viewers. The auto-dubbing feature is now available to all YouTube Partner Program creators. Updates to mid-roll ads aim to optimize ad opportunities.
YouTube has introduced several new features for creators and viewers. A new "Subscribe Plus" button is being tested to clarify the difference between subscription and membership options. An alternative verification method for monetization will be available in 24 markets, eliminating the need for mail. AI-powered custom instrumental tracks are rolling out for creators, and a feature for automatic content syncing for Shorts is in testing to simplify video creation.
