To increase interaction between creators and users, YouTube will add unique account IDs to channels, similar to those found on social media platforms.
You may know them best by the "@" symbol that appears before a username. When this feature is launched (opens in a new tab), you can mention content creators or other users to "increase visibility and new audiences. YouTube implemented something similar a while ago. Creators can mention other channels in titles and video descriptions (opens in a new tab) or asking people to mention other users in live chats, but that's about it.
Identifiers, on the other hand, will be used in more places, such as YouTube clips, channel pages, video descriptions, comments, and even in the channel URL. As for the mnemonic URLs, it seems that Google is getting rid of them in favor of identifiers. A YouTube help page (opens in a new tab) reveals that channels can no longer set or change custom URLs, but will still be supported when the new feature is released.
take off in waves
The holds will be rolled out in phases, according to YouTube. For the rest of October, creators will be notified (via email or YouTube Studio) when they can create their credentials so they can claim them before anyone else. Channels that already have a custom URL will automatically switch to the new system. This unique URL will be the identifier in the future.
According to another YouTube help page (opens in a new tab), which channels get the best selection "depends on a number of factors," including presence on the platform, number of subscribers, and how active the channel is. Presumably the largest chains will be first. The identifiers feature is also expected to reduce channel imitators. YouTube wants to make sure that you, the viewer, are interacting with the right creator.
Channels will have until November 14 to choose their unique identifiers, after which YouTube will create one for you, but they're not set in stone. At any time, you can go to the Manage page (opens in a new tab) and modify it.
tik tok contest
Looking at this feature, we can't help but think that this is another attempt to compete with TikTok. The platform has its own version of identifiers, so it makes sense that YouTube ends up copying it.
Also, YouTube Shorts has been very successful. Alphabet CEO Sunder Pichat says the new video format gets more than a billion views a day. As a result, YouTube has always supported Shorts, adding new features almost every month and allowing users to monetize their content.
Compared to Meta Instagram Reels, Shorts can be said to be the real rival of TikTok. It will be interesting to see how YouTube continues to build on it and what Meta's response will be. Forcing Reels on people has backfired, so a different approach may be needed.
Speaking of Meta, the company recently held its Connect 2022, where it finally revealed Project Cambria, now renamed the Meta Quest Pro headset. Be sure to check out TechRadar's coverage of the event.