YouTube introduces a notes feature, adding more context to videos

YouTube may be preparing to introduce a new, experimental feature that will allow users to add “notes” underneath videos, the company said. The feature is speculated to work similarly to the Community Notes feature on X (formerly Twitter). With the feature, YouTube aims to add more context to existing content on its platform, such as letting users know if something is a parody or an old video taken out of context — a measure aimed at combating misinformation.

Notes on YouTube

In a blog afterThe video streaming platform announced that it aims to provide easy-to-understand context to videos by adding notes. “For example, this could include notes that clarify when a song is intended as a parody, indicate when a new version of a product being reviewed is available, or let viewers know when older footage is being incorrectly portrayed as a current event,” it said.

Notes on YouTube
Photo credit: YouTube

The feature is launching as an experimental pilot in English in the US. Eligible contributors will receive an email invitation or a notification through Creator Studio to test it before it rolls out broadly.

It is said to work similarly to the Community Notes feature on X. According to YouTube, users will see a new Add Note option below the video. They can then use the text box to provide more context and then click To steerThe published note does not mention the creator’s name and remains anonymous, the company said.

How it works

Once submitted, the note will be reviewed by other third-party evaluators, a step that will help train YouTube’s systems, the company said. Three options are provided: helpful, somewhat helpful, and not helpful. A bridging-based algorithm is then used to determine which notes to publish. If the note is rated as helpful by multiple people, it will appear below a video. Once the project is out of the pilot phase, contributors will be able to rate notes themselves, according to YouTube.

To ensure that the note is considered useful, users can add citations, use high-quality sources, and directly address the claims being made. Additionally, it can help to use neutral and easy-to-understand language.