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YouTube has begun testing an “experimental” feature that lets people add notes to videos.
People can use the notes to provide context or information that YouTube itself doesn’t offer. They can point out that a video is a parody, or warn when an old clip has been falsely portrayed as a recent event.
YouTube will ask viewers if a given note is helpful, and why. They can say if it uses accurate sources and unbiased language, for instance. The company will use an algorithm to determine whether notes are broadly useful. You’ll be more likely to see a note if people who doubted other notes rank one helpful, the company said. Ideally, the system will improve over time as more ratings appear.
The experiment is initially available only on mobile to English-language users in the US, with third parties gauging the helpfulness to help train the system.. YouTube cautioned that there will likely be “mistakes,” such as poorly matched or incorrect notes. The firm expects to refine results, though, and will be looking for feedback from everyone involved. This includes whether or not the pilot expands in the first place.
The project could help YouTube address the rise of misinformation beyond existing tools like information panels and AI disclosure requirements. Creators could reduce the chances they’re accused of spreading false info, or share updates after a video went live. It may be a more elegant alternative to pinning comments that viewers don’t always read.
The challenge will be to ensure accuracy. There’s a risk that people might abuse notes to sink videos they don’t like. However, the pilot will theoretically catch those misuses and help YouTube find ways to prevent them if and when notes are widely available.
