YouTube has introduced the Communities feature at the Made on YouTube event in New York City, blending elements of traditional forums, subreddits, and Facebook groups. Once activated by a creator, the community allows members to post and reply, fostering discussions around the creator’s content—though it may stray beyond that, as is common in YouTube's comment sections. A dedicated area exists for the creator’s posts, where they can share text, images, and more.
YouTube has been exploring social features for some time, including an existing Community feature that enables creators to post non-video content. However, this feature has seen limited use. The new Communities system aims to enhance interaction, encouraging viewers to feel more connected to their favorite creators and actively participate in their content.
Recognizing that increased interaction may be challenging for some creators, YouTube is introducing a new tool called Community Hub. This tool will replace the comments section in the YouTube Studio app, providing creators with a comprehensive overview of their channel's activity. YouTube's AI will highlight relevant comments and offer reply suggestions, helping creators engage more effectively with their audience.
However, allowing fans to post their own content raises potential moderation issues. To address this, YouTube is allowing creators to decide when to enable Communities and is implementing a gradual rollout. Currently, the feature is available on select channels, with a wider launch planned for next year.
While YouTube is primarily known as a video platform, it has always aimed to be a social space. By focusing on ways to help people connect and interact, it continues to invest in building community alongside new tools for creators to make and monetize videos.
source: YouTube Communities are like mini Discords for creators
YouTube has been exploring social features for some time, including an existing Community feature that enables creators to post non-video content. However, this feature has seen limited use. The new Communities system aims to enhance interaction, encouraging viewers to feel more connected to their favorite creators and actively participate in their content.
Recognizing that increased interaction may be challenging for some creators, YouTube is introducing a new tool called Community Hub. This tool will replace the comments section in the YouTube Studio app, providing creators with a comprehensive overview of their channel's activity. YouTube's AI will highlight relevant comments and offer reply suggestions, helping creators engage more effectively with their audience.
However, allowing fans to post their own content raises potential moderation issues. To address this, YouTube is allowing creators to decide when to enable Communities and is implementing a gradual rollout. Currently, the feature is available on select channels, with a wider launch planned for next year.
While YouTube is primarily known as a video platform, it has always aimed to be a social space. By focusing on ways to help people connect and interact, it continues to invest in building community alongside new tools for creators to make and monetize videos.
source: YouTube Communities are like mini Discords for creators
