YouTube tests new Shorts Icon & video appeals for channel suspensions

In a new series of experiments, YouTube is planning to give more prominence to Shorts, the new short-format video feature in the UI, along with a test subjected around channel suspensions.

Both these experiments - YouTube Shorts icons and video appeals for channel suspensions are currently in the beta phase, and only available for a short period of time to a small group of users.

Shorts Icon

For the unacquainted, Shorts is a new short-form video experience, a hub of User-generated short videos that are 15 seconds or less in length. The feature was first released in India, with a handful of creation tools.

Creation tools such as a multi-segment camera enabling users to stitch multiple videos together, with the option to overlay it with music and manage speed controls, and a timer, are available.

The initial push in India has been seemingly towards making the most of the opportunity that the ban on TikTok created. Although the push by YouTube has not been as aggressive, it may have been in an attempt to not disrupt the user experience to boost a new feature.

Presently, users only see a carousel of videos on the Shorts section in the Home tab, Shorts does not have its own tab on the UI as of now. Users can find the carousel in between videos on the Home Screen, and after tapping on a video, users can scroll vertically to watch more videos.

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YouTube is attempting to change that by adding a Shorts icon to the top or bottom row of the mobile app that makes it easier for users to tap and watch Shorts on YouTube.

The experiment is testing two new placements for the Shorts icon - in the bottom bar, replacing the Explore tab icon, or the top row, replacing the Cast icon. Users who are a part of the test will see either of the two variations.

Only a small group of users in India using the YouTube app on Android and iOS, are a part of the test.

Video Appeals For Channel Suspensions

The platform is testing video appeals that give additional information on the channel or content if it has been wrongly suspended from YPP. The policy team will review the video, and relook at the channel and content, in accordance with the context provided by the appeal.

If the appeal explains how the channel complies with YouTube policies, and the platform understands that the suspension was executed in error, it will turn monetization back on for the channel before the end of the 30-day suspension window.

The experiment is only available to a small percentage of creators in YPP, the program may be expanded in the future.