YouTube rolls out personalized ‘New to you’ feed to help users discover content

YouTube has launched an official “New to you” tab on its platform, following having tested the function earlier in the year. This new option is accessible to users on the YouTube homepage for desktop, mobile, and TV devices. YouTube claims that the new feature will let users identify new content creators as well as new content, in addition to the videos that they typically view.

The new tab shows content that matches your preferences for viewing from channels you’ve never before encountered. It’s designed to go one higher than YouTube’s Explore listings that helps users locate content within particular areas, like beauty or gaming, however it does not take the particular interests into consideration.

YouTube states it’s “New to you” is customized to the viewers because it’s trying to balance the content that it believes users will find interesting, as well as with content that’s somewhat different from the content they typically view.

“You’ve told us that you want to see new creators and new videos after you’ve caught up on your recommendations, so we hope this new option keeps things fresh, while also helping creators connect with new audiences,” YouTube explained in a blog article.

On mobile devices, you’ll be able to notice the tab when it’s time to refresh your YouTube homepage. YouTube says that you can see the tab while you browse over your YouTube feed. It’s important to note that as the feature is personal and based on your preferences, it might not be accessible at all times. You’ll also need to be logged into YouTube for the feature to be visible.

The new feature may assist creators in reaching new audiences by focusing on those who are likely to be most intrigued by their work but who would not have discovered it in the past. It can also assist viewers to discover new content as well as discovering new areas of interest.

It is believed that the latest feature is YouTube’s version of TikTok’s well-known “For You” page, which makes use of a recommendation system to show recommended videos customized to every user. The feature has contributed to the success of TikTok since it assists users in finding more content and also help creators be discovered. It appears YouTube’s “New to you” feed will do the exact similar thing for its viewers.

The introduction of this new function comes at a time when lawmakers from the Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security will ask YouTube, Snap, and Instagram regarding the way their platforms impact young people who are at risk.