YouTube, the online video platform, has implemented an update this week in the subscriptions feed, offering some users the option to see the videos considered “Most relevant” instead of a chronological feed with the videos uploaded by the channels they are subscribed to.
Mentioned by Google on their support page, this new feature is being implemented in a “small percentage” of users as a test, allowing them to prioritize the content from the channels they consume the most and interact with the most.
While this update may encourage video viewing, it also raises some concerns. YouTube, known for its opaque algorithm, has been criticized for not properly highlighting content from smaller creators in the main feed, preferring to recommend popular genres or viral content. The gradual disappearance of chronological feeds on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook has also raised concerns about the visibility of lesser-known content creators.
In addition, there is concern that this change will further encourage the creation of “viral” content. With the trend of creating content specifically designed to attract algorithms rather than satisfy the audience, there is a risk that creators will be forced to adapt to algorithm preferences instead of focusing on quality and originality.
Although the function is optional for those who already have it and the chronological feed remains the default option, its introduction raises important questions about the future of the platform. Will YouTube continue to prioritize the most relevant content for users or will it lean more towards optimization for algorithms? What impact will this have on emerging creators and the diversity of content on the platform?
The algorithmic subscription feed test has been launched this week, which means that its implications are still to be seen. What is clear is that both creators and the community will be closely watching to see how this update affects the user experience and the diversity of content on the platform.
