YouTube is testing a “Hype” feature to support creators with small channels

YouTube is launching testing of a new feature that allows viewers to support their favorite content creators. Typically, streaming services like YouTube and Twitch rarely release tools specifically designed to help smaller channels attract new subscribers. This week, however, YouTube unveiled a new feature aimed specifically at supporting smaller creators. Unlike many of YouTube’s previously released features, this new feature is aimed solely at creators with a small number of subscribers. In addition to the standard “Like” and “Share” features, viewers now have access to a new feature — “Hype.”

The new feature is also available to viewers.

According to YouTube, the more viewers who support a video with “Hype,” the higher the video’s chance of appearing in the ratings alongside other popular videos. Those ratings will appear in the “Explore” section, not in the “Trends” section.

According to YouTube.

It’s important to note that the new “Hype” feature is not used in YouTube’s content search and discovery system. Moreover, it’s just an experiment and access to it will be limited. Only select users in Brazil, Turkey and Taiwan will be able to use “Hype” for videos posted in the last seven days.

Hype will be available only to select users in Brazil, Turkey and Taiwan.

In addition, participation in the experiment is limited to content from the YouTube Partner Program with fewer than 500,000 subscribers. Naturally, videos must comply with YouTube’s community guidelines, or else support through Hype won’t affect their ratings. The new feature will be tested in the coming weeks and is subject to change based on viewer feedback. The ability to support your favorite content creator via “Hype” — is great news, especially for ardent fans. Lowering the threshold of subscribers to participate in the experiment will really help smaller channels.

A lower threshold of subscribers to participate in the experiment will really help smaller channels.