Google has several new features in the pipeline for YouTube this year including new monetization opportunities for creators and collaborative live streaming. YouTube’s Chief Product Officer Neal Mohan detailed the platform’s 2022 roadmap on the YouTube blog today, and yes, the exec did mention NFTs.
First of all, YouTube continues to invest in YouTube Shorts, its TikTok-inspired short video format that’s only available on the YouTube mobile apps. Creators will get new video effects and editing tools this year, as well as new ways to monetize their videos with paid Super Chats, more branded content opportunities, as well as the ability for viewers to shop from a Short.
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Speaking of shopping, Google is also planning to introduce a new Shopping experience on regular YouTube videos this year. “This new experience taps into the deep trust creators have built with their communities to help our partners expand into the booming world of e-commerce. We’re thinking about shoppable videos, Live Shopping, and, more broadly, how shopping appears across the app,” explained Mohan.
For creators doing live videos on YouTube, the platform will soon let them go live together and potentially benefit from some cross-pollination between audiences. “Creators will also be able to grow their network and reach, and their communities will have a chance to interact and build connections, explained Mohan.
YouTube also sees NFTs as an opportunity for creators to strengthen their relationship with their audience. “For example, giving a verifiable way for fans to own unique videos, photos, art, and even experiences from their favorite creators could be a compelling prospect for creators and their audiences,” explained Mohan. If many tech companies have now started dabbling with NFTs, the YouTube exec did emphasize that “There’s a lot to consider in making sure we approach these new technologies responsibly.”
Lastly, the YouTube CEO announced some updates for YouTube TV, with a redesigned interface and a “smoother viewing experience” coming soon to the US-only television service. YouTube Music will also improve the listening experience for users with a new feature that will reduce loud peaks and boost softer sounds. “Every single one of these updates is based on a lot of discussion and data, as well as feedback from the entire YouTube community,” the YouTube CEO said today.