In an era where misinformation and fake news spread like wildfire, social media platforms and video-sharing giants like YouTube have become major contributors. Recognizing the issue, YouTube is testing a new feature similar to X’s Community Notes to combat misinformation by empowering users to provide context and clarity under misleading or confusing content.
YouTube’s Pilot Program
YouTube is inviting select users to participate in a pilot program for this new feature. Users who encounter a video they deem “confusing” or “inaccurate” can submit a note to provide additional context or clarification. These submitted notes will then be reviewed by other users within the program. Collectively, this group will decide whether or not the note should be displayed on the video. If approved, the note, potentially including timestamps highlighting problematic sections, will appear beneath the video.
YouTube’s Perspective
As reported by 9to5Google, YouTube has explained the feature’s functionality in an email, stating, “When you find a video that might be confusing or inaccurate, you can submit a note clarifying it. Your contributions will be reviewed by others with a wide range of views to ensure their quality and helpfulness before being added to the information panel below the video.” YouTube emphasizes that a note is only published if it receives a “helpful” rating from a “wide range of people.”
System for Evaluating Notes
The platform’s systems consider rating history and identify notes where raters with differing perspectives now agree. If individuals who previously rated notes differently now concur on a note’s helpfulness, the system is more likely to publish it. A YouTube support page reportedly states that users in the program will see an “Add note” button under applicable videos, enabling them to write and submit notes. If a note is published, the name of the person or channel that submitted it will be omitted for anonymity and safety.
Add Comment