YouTube is Experimenting With Hypelinked Keywords in Comments

YouTube

YouTube is currently experimenting with a new feature that converts select keywords and phrases in comments into hyperlinks. These hyperlinks direct users to search results pages related to the specific keyword or phrase, allowing the video to play uninterrupted.

The selection of hyperlinked words is determined by YouTube based on what it thinks users will most likely be interested in further exploring. Commenters cannot manually add or edit these hyperlinks. However, creators can remove the links from comments if they wish. Additionally, viewers can choose to opt out of participating in this experimental feature, which is expected to run for the next few weeks.

This new feature aims to provide viewers with a seamless way to explore and gain more information about topics relevant to the videos they are watching. Instead of navigating away from the video, viewers can conveniently discover other related videos without any interruptions.

This feature shares similarities with a similar functionality that TikTok introduced last summer. In TikTok's case, clickable keywords in search results led users to discover more videos featuring those specific keywords. Notably, YouTube has also recently launched a clickable search box for Shorts, making it easier for users to actively explore related Shorts videos by utilizing pre-populated relevant keywords.

While YouTube already has powerful search engine capabilities, thanks to its parent company Google, these updates further enhance the platform by offering viewers additional entry points to discover new and relevant content. Simultaneously, these features provide creators with more opportunities for exposure, potentially increasing their viewership and expanding their audience..