YouTube is testing a Community Notes feature to add context to videos

To combat misinformation and provide additional context to viewers, YouTube is testing a new feature called Community Notes. The feature, inspired by a similar feature on X, allows viewers to add short notes that offer explanations or background information to specific videos.

The feature, inspired by a similar feature on X, allows viewers to add short notes that offer explanations or background information to specific videos.

Similarities to Twitter’s Community Notes feature

The Community Notes feature on YouTube is very similar to a similar feature on Twitter. The pilot program involves a limited group of users in the U.S. who will be invited via email or through YouTube Creator Studio. To participate, users must have an active YouTube account with a good reputation.

All users must have an active YouTube account with a good reputation.

Third-party review of notes

In the initial phase, YouTube will rely on “third-party evaluators” to assess the usefulness of submitted notes. This feedback will be used to train the system and ensure that only the most valuable notes are displayed publicly.

At first, YouTube will rely on “third-party evaluators” to rate the usefulness of submitted notes.

Community Notes utility rating system

When the pilot program expands beyond the initial group, viewers will be able to rate the usefulness of Community Notes using a three-tiered system: useful, partially useful, or useless. They will also be able to provide specific reasons for their ratings, such as whether the note cites reliable sources or is written clearly and concisely.

They will also be able to provide specific reasons for their ratings, such as whether the note cites reliable sources or is written in a clear and concise manner.

A unique “bridge-based algorithm” will determine which notes appear under videos. This algorithm prioritizes notes that have received positive ratings from a diverse range of viewers, even those with differing viewpoints. While there’s always a risk of misuse, YouTube hopes this approach will minimize the spread of misinformation.

And while there’s always a risk of misuse, YouTube hopes this approach will minimize the spread of misinformation.

The origins of the Community Notes concept

The basic concept of Community Notes is similar to a feature introduced to Twitter during Jack Dorsey’s time and later expanded under Ilon Musk. While Twitter’s notes haven’t solved all accuracy problems, YouTube believes the community notes approach has value. The pilot program will begin on mobile devices for users in the US. YouTube recognizes that there may be challenges along the way, and expects a broader rollout in the U.S. in the coming weeks and months.

The program will be rolled out on mobile devices in the U.S.