YouTube’s ads are undoubtedly annoying, interrupting the livestream users are watching. It looks like the streaming platform is willing to make its ads a little less annoying, at least for live videos.
The company is now testing a new ad format that will not disturb users’ viewing experience. YouTube has announced that it is conducting a new experiment that should result in ads being a little more bearable compared to what they are now.
According to the company, it will start testing an ad format that enables ads to run alongside a live stream in picture-in-picture. Currently, when it’s time for an ad, the viewer is taken away from the stream as the video cuts to a fullscreen ad. In this new format, however, the viewer will be able to keep watching live content without having to fear missing anything because of the ad break.
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YouTube Adds New Functionality For Creators
For Creators, YouTube claims channels will be able to choose the new format from their monetization settings. Creators will also be able to set this setting as the default for any future live streams. As per YouTube:
“Monetized channels without rights management can set mid-roll ad defaults for future live streams at the channel level. Channel-level settings let you choose monetization settings that will be the default for any newly created live streams. To choose your channel level settings: Open the Live Control Room and then In the bottom-left corner, click Settings.”
Moreover, creators will be able to see the breakout of their ad revenue from live streams and live replays on their analytics page. While this test seems to suggest YouTube understands how disruptive its ads are, there might be another intention behind the move.
As of now, this is just speculation, but it’s likely that the platform believes PiP ads could help dissuade viewers from enabling ad blockers on its site. The company says users will start seeing the live mid-roll test in the coming months. However, only a few users on select devices will get to see the new ad format.
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YouTube Will Let Users Take Down AI Content That Mimics Them
Since 2023, there have been several tools like Midjourney that are capable of creating imagery and potentially sway public opinion. To address these concerns, YouTube is taking new measures to safeguard user privacy. The platform will now enable users to flag a request for the removal of AI-generated content that mimics the face of voice.
This policy covers fully synthetic recreations or partially changed content that could be mistaken for the real thing. If users come across content that convincingly fakes their voice or face, YouTube has added a new option to its privacy complaint form that covers this scenario.