YouTube tests hiding views and upload dates, leaves fans bemused

[phillynews215]

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• YouTube is testing hiding views and upload dates on its homepage.
• The proposed changes have drawn a largely negative initial reaction from fans.
• The platform hasn’t revealed the reasons for the testing, but it could be to encourage engagement with a wider range of videos.

In recent years, both Instagram and Netflix have removed user metrics from content. There’s always a backlash at these things, but whether you agree with it or not, they’re usually done for the benefit of the platform overall. It appears that YouTube is considering following suit, with the ubiquitous streaming service conducting a test of hiding views and upload dates from its homepage.

An X post from @vidIQ yesterday showed a screenshot of the controversial test. In the image, the video titles and owners are the only bits of information displayed. The test is thought to be relatively narrow in scope, so most YouTube users won’t have noticed any change.




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