Tests were undergone to hide the YouTube Comments section by default. The test was first spotted on Android devices in India. In the test, the comments section was removed from the page if users wanted access to this section they had to click a button located below the video. The test was also being carried out on iOS, but not done so in a way limited to one location. Since the test started the company has confirmed it was testing moving the comments section.
Currently, on the mobile app, the YouTube comments section is not a prominent part of the app. On both iOS and Android mobile devices, the comments section can only be accessed by scrolling down past all of the apps other functions.
Image Credit: YouTube
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Comment-hiding Apps
- Opportunity for app developers to create new comment-hiding features for streaming platforms, and to improve user experience by making comments less visible.
- User-driven Design
- Opportunity for user-driven design to create apps where comment section is more visible for those users who wish to see it and less visible for those who don't.
- Community Moderation Tools
- Opportunity for the development of more stringent moderation tools to limit and restrict offensive and inappropriate comments in the comments section.
Where This Applies
- Video Streaming
- Opportunity for video streaming services to create new features that hide comments by default, making for a more enjoyable and user-friendly experience.
- Social Media
- Opportunity for social media platforms beyond YouTube to test and introduce comment-hiding features for a better user experience.
- Online Community Management
- Opportunity for online community managers to leverage new moderation tools and to create more thoughtful and productive online communities through stricter moderation and reducing the visibility of comments.
