YouTube has provided an update on the roll out of its new “Hype” option to help amplify smaller creators, while it’s also implementing a change to its Member Hub layout designed to encourage channel subscriptions.
First off, on Hype, which YouTube initially announced at its “Made on” event back in September.
Hype will enable fans to allocate “hype points” to videos from emerging channels, which will then help those clips get more reach based on that interest.
As you can see in this example, certain videos will be eligible for Hype points which will enable viewers to highlight clips that they think deserve more exposure.
As per YouTube:
“If a video’s been out less than 7 days from a creator with under 500,000 subscribers, you can “hype” it, and go beyond liking and sharing. The more hype it gets, the higher it climbs on a new leaderboard with the top 100 hyped videos from the week.”
YouTube users will be allocated a certain amount of Hype that updates regularly, and will be able to give videos “hype” up to three times per week. YouTube’s also looking to let people purchase additional “hypes,” with a portion of that revenue potentially going to the creators.
Which could be a good way to help highlight emerging artists, and share top clips, though it’s still a while off being available to all users.
YouTube says that it’s now testing Hype with “a small number of creators in Brazil”, before an expanded roll out in the new year. That initial test will provide YouTube with more feedback on the process, enabling it to refine and improve the Hype system to optimize its delivery.
But eventually, it could be a valuable tool to help showcase emerging content in the app, and get more people looking to the next rising voices.
On another front, YouTube’s also testing out a redesigned “Member Hub” on the channel membership page.
As you can see in this example, the updated membership tab will make it easier to see what exactly you’re getting from your memberships, and to upgrade your subscription in-stream.
YouTube says this will better highlight the perks of being a channel member, while also streamlining your membership settings.
Finally, YouTube’s also rolling out an update that’ll make it easier to access its text formatting options within the “Description” fields in YouTube Studio:
Creators will now be able to access bold, italic, or strike-through text via icons in the bottom left-hand of the description tab, enabling further, simple customization of your video info.
YouTube says that this has been launched to all creators on mobile, and is in the process of rolling out on desktop.
