Websites get redesigned all the time (your humble Marketplace family’s being no exception) but it’s interesting to note when the redesign also involves a shifting strategy. And it’s especially intriguing when it comes to such an influential property as YouTube. The video site has rolled out some major changes, emphasizing channels even more than ever before.
Gone are the hodge-podge of thumbnails to popular videos. A new left column encourages users to search for and subscribe to YouTube channels, collections of videos which can include anything from official music videos from the Warner Music Group to a series of how-to’s from someone named Johnny the Geek. The left column is also pre-populated with a list popular channels.
Users can also link their Google+ or Facebook profile from the left column to see what friends are sharing.
This is how YouTube wants to train you. They want you to get used to channels so the zillions of videos can begin to be organized and findable. That way when TV shows and movies start showing up, you have a way to find and discover them easily. That way you come back often. THAT WAY, you watch ads. Follow the money, Bernstein.
There’s a lot happening in the world. Through it all, Marketplace is here for you.
You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible.
Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.
