Key YouTube Updates For Your Channel in 2023

In recent months, YouTube has implemented a number of exciting new features and updates to the video platform, providing creators and fans with a better overall experience.

For creators, this sparks a new opportunity to take your content to the next level. From multi-format content creation to revenue diversification, YouTube’s latest changes come at the perfect time. Here are some recent YouTube updates that you can expect to push your channel to new heights in the new year.

1. Revenue sharing for Shorts ads is expected to begin on February 1, 2023 

According to YouTube, the platform will be making changes to the eligibility requirements for the YouTube Partner Program, opening up its doors to more creators. This is a big win for the creator community, given the arrival of revenue sharing for Shorts ads, which is set to begin on February 1, 2023 for those who sign the appropriate agreements beforehand. 

In order for more creators to benefit from YPP and the incoming revenue sharing for Shorts ads, YouTube is introducing new eligibility thresholds that reflect the growing diversity of the creator community. Starting in mid-January 2023, newly eligible creators will be able to join YPP by either:

• Getting 1,000 subscribers with 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months, or
• Getting 1,000 subscribers with 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.

Also, as of October 2022, eligible Shorts views for creators not in YPP count towards eligibility for YPP! Learn more about the new YPP eligibility thresholds and revenue sharing for Shorts ads here.

2. Increase your show’s discoverability with Podcasts on YouTube

YouTube recently launched youtube.com/podcasts in the U.S, a destination page for Podcasts that highlights popular shows and episodes, podcast creators, and recommended podcast content. They’ve also launched badging that makes podcast content more distinguishable to consumers.

Note, viewers outside of the U.S searching for youtube.com/podcasts will see a 404 error.

For U.S podcasters (to be rolled out in other regions in the near future), one of the main ways to support the growth and discoverability of your podcasts is by creating a public playlist containing full episodes that have been published on your channel. To further maximize the success of your podcasts, YouTube has created a one-pager with Do’s and Don’ts for full episode playlists that you can use as a guide.

In the coming months, the platform will be launching features in YouTube Studio to make it easier for you to designate podcast content and distribute episodes on YouTube. 

3. Creator Music rolling out to all creators in YPP

Music has and always will be an essential part of content; YouTube is taking steps to ensure that music can be a valuable part of the format.

YouTube has announced Creator Music, an exciting new destination within YouTube Studio that gives creators access to an ever-growing catalog of music for use in their long-form videos. 

You can benefit from Creator Music two ways:

• Creators can now buy affordable, high-quality music licenses for full monetizing potential, allowing you to keep the same revenue share you’d usually make on videos without any music. 
• Pay for music by sharing revenue with the track’s artist and/or associated rights holders. 

Soon enough, there will be a streamlined process for creators to instantly see the terms for their song selection. Creator Music is currently in beta in the U.S and expanding to more regions in 2023. Visit YouTube Help for FAQ’s and more details regarding Creator Music.

4. Add your YouTube Handle to better connect with your audience

YouTube just launched Handles, a new way for fans to easily find and engage with their favorite creators on YouTube. Handles appear on channel pages and Shorts, making it easier to recognize and connect with others.

“Creators can be shouted out in a mention in comments or tagged in the title of a recent collab, helping them increase visibility and reach with new audiences.”

Handles join channel names as a unique way to identify a YouTube channel, further establishing their distinct presence and brand on YouTube. The video platform is still in the process of notifying creators when they can choose a handle for their channel. If you haven’t already received a notification, expect one soon! The timing of when you will get access to handles depends on a number of factors, including: 

• Overall YouTube presence
• Subscriber count
• Channel activity or inactivity

Keep in mind that:

• If your channel already has a personalized URL, that will automatically become your default handle
• When a creator chooses their handle, YouTube will create a matching URL (ex: youtube.com/@handle) so creators can easily direct people to their content when they’re not on YouTube

For more information regarding handles, visit YouTube Help to learn more.

5. YouTube is bringing two new features to Community posts

The video platform is testing two new features within its Community posts, providing more ways for YouTubers to interact with their fans in the app. 

First, the video giant is expanding its new visual editing process for image-based posts, providing more ways for you to compose your Community updates. Now, you can use the YouTube app to add filters, text, and stickers to images for posts. The test is being rolled out to a small group of creators using iOS devices and who have enabled the Community tab.

Secondly, YouTube is adding quizzes as a Community post option, helping you interact more directly with your viewers, and/or learn more about your fan base depending on the topic or interest. YouTube has begun testing the quizzes beta with a select group of creators, with future expansion based on feedback. Stay tuned for access to these exciting features!

6. YouTube opening up certification program for health-related channels

YouTube recently announced that it will certify channels of licensed health professionals like doctors, nurses or therapists who produce health-related content. This is a major development intended to direct audiences to accurate, up-to-date information. Now, content from official health-care professionals and channels will include a label; an official stamp noting that their info is certified. 

Examples of health-care professionals that are eligible include but are not limited to:

• Certified doctors
• Nurses
• Psychologists
• Marriage and family therapists
• Clinical social workers

In order for health professionals to apply, they must be licensed, follow the Health Information Sharing Principles (set by different medical societies), and their channel must follow YouTube’s guidelines. The review process will usually take about one or two months. To apply for the program, visit YouTube’s Help center.

One or more of these key updates may benefit your channel! Whether you’re searching for new ways to interact with fans, strengthening the credibility of your content, or diversifying your revenue streams, these new features will help you expand your strategy and boost the growth of your channel in the new year.

Want to maximize your channel’s success with these new updates? Connect with our industry experts and become to gain support in navigating the ever-growing landscape of YouTube, and to get best practices based on your content’s vertical and needs as a creator.