Why is YouTube pushing older videos and what is the new AI-powered search feature?

While users have found YouTube to push older videos on their feed, the platform is planning to introduce its AI-powered search feature for a better user experience. Here's what we know.

YouTube has been showing us more than just what we enjoy watching. Users couldn't help but notice that, for a while now, unlike what we have come to enjoy the platform for, YouTube has been suggesting older videos. Not knowing why this is happening has been quite unsettling. 

Every platform keeps its audience engaged through its algorithm, a series of binary codes that study, analyze, and decide what a person likes or dislikes. We often joke about how much you can learn about someone just from their explore page, and much of that is true. But seeing YouTube, one of the biggest video platforms, recommending videos from decades ago or ones we've already watched contradicts this idea. Not long ago, a Reddit user shared that they saw videos from as far back as 20 years on their explore page. Some of these videos were low-quality clips with as few as 50 views. While they found it unexplainable, they thought it might be a part of a 20th anniversary celebration. But is that really the case?

Also Read: YouTube’s new monetisation policy targets repetitive, non-original content starting July 15

Why have we been seeing older videos?

Speculations and theories are endless. People have been assuming that using YouTube on multiple devices could be why users are seeing older videos on their feeds. It's a known fact that YouTube's algorithm is influenced not just by the videos watched but also by the viewing duration. The platform uses this as part of its framework to suggest videos, carefully crafting and generating a personalized feed for each user. Additionally, the search history, including data from other Google platforms, helps guide it to find videos that match a user’s interests and needs.

YouTube's practice of understanding the types of videos that interest a specific user is another reason that might explain why YouTube promotes videos from the same category, even if they are outdated. Suggesting channels or videos, no matter how old, that align with a user's interest might be YouTube's way of finding new audiences and keeping them relevant. Users searching for older videos also contributes to it, which is the same with videos that keep reappearing on your feed even when you refresh it. It could also be YouTube, assuming you may love to rewatch it, or reminding you of the videos you enjoyed before.

New AI-powered search feature

While YouTube's algorithm may continue to push older videos, the platform is also planning to introduce an AI-powered search feature to improve user experience. The update, named AI Search Carousel, aims to provide users with more accurate information about a video before they can engage with it. The feature will allow users to see a new interface that will allow a small preview of the larger videos with small video thumbnails. Based on Google's AI, Gemini, people can see a description that summarizes the video content, giving them the chance to decide whether to click on the video beforehand. Asking questions related to the video or getting recommendations for similar videos will become easier with this feature.

This feature, currently in the testing phase, is only available to users based in the US with a subscription to YouTube Premium. The trial will run until July 30 before it is made available to users around the world. 

What do you think of this new initiative by YouTube? Let us know in the comments below.

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