YouTube has announced strict action against Indian users and content creators who upload videos with “egregious clickbait” in the title or icon.
“Surprise clicks occur when a video’s title or icon includes promises or claims that are not delivered in the video itself, especially when that content focuses on current news or events,” the Alphabet-owned company said in a blog post on Wednesday, December 18.
It added that clickbait content “can leave viewers feeling cheated, frustrated, or misled — especially at times when they come to YouTube looking for relevant or timely information.”
YouTube videos that cover topics related to current affairs or current events will come under the scanner, the forum said.
This means that placing a video with a catchy title like ‘President Resigned’ or ‘Top Political News’ on the icon with the primary purpose of enticing the user to click on the video is now against YouTube policy.
What actions will YouTube take?
First, YouTube said it will demote content where a title or icon promises viewers something the video doesn’t deliver. However, the platform went on to say that it will not issue a lawsuit against the channel to give users time to adjust to changes in its policy.
YouTube has yet to clarify what it defines as videos that cover breaking news or current events, and how it plans to identify content with the dreaded clickbait. Additionally, the platform has not explained what steps users can take to appeal the takedown of their content and get it back.
Why should you buy our Subscription?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be misled and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package