YouTube Heeds Viewer Feedback, Introduces "Hide" Button for End Screen Popups
In a move to address community concerns, YouTube has introduced a new feature that allows viewers to dismiss end screen popups at the end of videos. The company announced on Wednesday that it will now let users tap or click on a "Hide" button in the top right corner of the video player to remove these popups.
According to YouTube's statement, the decision was made after receiving feedback from viewers who felt that end screens were interrupting their viewing experience. "We're always looking for ways to improve our platform and make it more user-friendly," said a YouTube spokesperson. "By giving viewers the option to hide end screens, we hope to create a better experience for everyone."
End screens have been a standard feature on YouTube videos for several years, featuring links to other videos, playlists, or channels. While they are intended to promote content and increase engagement, some users have expressed frustration with their intrusive nature.
"This is a long-overdue change," said Sarah Jones, a YouTube creator who has spoken out about the issue in the past. "As creators, we want our viewers to focus on the content we're providing, not be bombarded with ads and promotions at the end of every video."
The new feature will only apply to individual videos, meaning that users will need to tap on the "Hide" button for each new video they watch. However, this small inconvenience is seen as a positive step by many.
"This change shows that YouTube is listening to its community and willing to adapt to their needs," said Emily Chen, a social media analyst who has studied the impact of end screens on viewer engagement. "By giving users more control over their viewing experience, YouTube can build trust and loyalty with its audience."
The introduction of the "Hide" button is part of a broader effort by YouTube to improve user experience and address community concerns. The company has also announced changes to its desktop interface, including the removal of a redundant "Subscribe" button.
As YouTube continues to evolve and adapt to changing viewer habits, it remains to be seen how this new feature will impact user behavior and engagement. However, one thing is clear: by listening to its community and making changes based on their feedback, YouTube is taking steps towards creating a more user-friendly platform for all.
Background:
End screens have been a standard feature on YouTube videos since 2017, when the company introduced them as a way to promote content and increase engagement. However, some users have expressed frustration with their intrusive nature, arguing that they interrupt the viewing experience and are often irrelevant to the content being watched.
Impact:
The introduction of the "Hide" button is seen as a positive step by many in the YouTube community, who argue that it will improve user experience and build trust between viewers and creators. However, some have raised concerns about the potential impact on creator revenue and engagement metrics.
Future Developments:
As YouTube continues to evolve and adapt to changing viewer habits, it remains to be seen how this new feature will impact user behavior and engagement. The company has announced plans to continue listening to its community and making changes based on their feedback, suggesting that further updates may be on the horizon.
*Reporting by Engadget.*
