Key Points:
- Viewers in select regions can now “Hype” videos, boosting their ranking in the Explore section.
- This feature aims to help smaller creators gain visibility without competing with established channels.
- Hype is separate from core ranking factors and focuses solely on community support within a limited timeframe.
YouTube is piloting a new feature called “Hype” designed to empower viewers and elevate up-and-coming content creators. Currently available in select regions, Hype allows viewers to directly influence the ranking of videos they love in the Explore section. This provides a fresh avenue for fans to champion their favorite creators and propel their content towards a wider audience.
Building upon the familiar like and share buttons, Hype represents an additional method for viewers to engage with content. Currently rolled out in Brazil, Turkey, and Taiwan, Hype specifically targets videos published within the last seven days. When viewers choose to “Hype” a video, it receives a boost within the Explore section, with its prominence increasing proportionally to the number of Hype endorsements it accumulates.
This initiative expands upon existing methods for viewers to support creators. Alongside likes and shares, viewers can contribute financially through features like Super Chat and Super Stickers, further amplifying creators’ earnings alongside traditional ad revenue.
However, Hype stands apart by prioritizing exposure for smaller creators. Unlike traditional ranking factors, Hype votes solely influence a video’s position within the Explore tab, keeping it separate from the highly competitive Trending section. This allows rising stars to garner the spotlight without being overshadowed by established channels.
At present, Hype is limited to a select pool of YouTube Partner Program creators with less than 500,000 subscribers. While the future of a wider rollout remains uncertain, YouTube emphasizes that Hype acts as a supplementary ranking signal, distinct from the core discovery algorithm.
It’s crucial to note that content adhering to YouTube’s community guidelines is eligible for the Hype feature. In the coming weeks, YouTube will be closely monitoring viewer feedback as they refine and potentially expand this exciting initiative.
