YouTube has introduced several new features for creators and organizations that use the platform to distribute educational content. Among them is a built-in video player for educational projects, its key feature is the complete absence of any advertising, as well as external links and recommendations that distract from learning.
Algorithms responsible for YouTube recommendations are a separate painful topic, especially for Ukrainians . They work, to put it mildly, not well – and from time to time there are various curiosities and scandals due to ineffective policies in the fight against destructive content and disinformation. Yes, YouTube developers are making great efforts to improve recommendations, but so far the algorithms very often fail.
Back to the news, a dedicated ad-free, no-recommendation YouTube player will be made available to selected partners, specifically educational technology companies. The official blog mentions EDpuzzle, Google Classroom, Purdue University and Purdue Global.
YouTube also announced new monetization tools for creators creating educational content on the platform. Starting next year, individual authors will be able to create free or paid “courses” with playlists. If a viewer purchases a course, they will be able to view ad-free content and play videos in the background. These video courses will first appear in beta in the US and South Korea.
Another new feature is the quiz feature, which will be part of the Community tab on the educational content channel. Its beta testing will begin in the coming months, with the launch of the feature scheduled for 2023.
Over the past few years, YouTube has launched a number of initiatives and features to develop the platform’s education component, such as Learning Playlists and a $20 million fund for creators who create educational videos and non-recommended playlists on topics such as math, science, and music. .
