YouTube is reportedly cracking down on clickbait. The platform is rolling out new policies to address misleading titles and thumbnails that leave viewers feeling duped.
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YouTube’s battle against misleading content
Imagine clicking on a video titled “The President Has Resigned,” only to find out it’s a hoax. This is just one example of the clickbait YouTube plans to target under its updated guidelines.
In a recent press release, YouTube announced its plan “to increase our enforcement against videos where the title or thumbnail promises viewers something that the video doesn’t deliver.”
The impact of clickbait on viewers
Clickbait often frustrates viewers. YouTube reports that many users visit the platform searching for timely and vital information, only to be misled by exaggerated or false claims.
Studies back up the allure of clickbait. A study published in PLOS One found that clickbait increases user interaction. According to Psychology Today, humans are hardwired to seek out information for its perceived survival value. Misleading titles exploit this instinct by promising shocking or valuable revelations.
While clickbait can be effective when used ethically, it often crosses the line. That’s where YouTube is stepping in.
How the new policy will work
YouTube plans to roll out these changes in India first. The platform will begin removing videos that violate the policy without issuing immediate strikes to creators.
Typically, creators earn strikes for violating community guidelines, such as posting spam or sensitive content. However, under this new approach, YouTube aims to educate creators about the updated rules without punishment—at least initially.
[KENNEDY FELTON]
It happens to all of us – you click on a video or an article only to find out its title was a complete lie. Well now, YouTube is taking aim at clickbait, promising changes that will impact both creators and viewers.
Imagine seeing a title saying, “The President has resigned,” only to find out it’s not true. That’s just one example of the misleading content YouTube says it will target.
In their most recent press release, they’re announcing plans “to increase their enforcement against videos where the title or thumbnail promises viewers something that the video doesn’t deliver.”
Clickbait often leaves viewers feeling frustrated or misled when YouTube says people are simply coming to their platform in search of important or timely information.
A study featured on the National Library of Medicine conducted by “PLOS ONE” found that clickbait does increase user interaction. Psychology Today explains that humans are hardwired to seek out information because of its perceived survival value. Clickbait taps into that instinct by promising shocking or valuable details. And while it can be effective if done ethically, it often crosses the line – and that’s where YouTube is stepping in.
YouTube plans to roll out these changes in India first, removing new video uploads that violate the policy. But interestingly, video creators won’t receive strikes immediately for these offenses. Usually, violations including spam, sensitive material, or violent content earn strikes against creators.
This new approach aims to educate and enforce the rules without the punishment, at least initially.
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