YouTube test lets you add collaborators to videos
YouTube is testing a new way to share audiences and drive traffic by letting you add collaborators directly to your YouTube videos.
YouTube tests new collab feature
YouTube is currently testing a new feature that lets creators add collaborators to their videos, as explained by YouTube Help.
“We’re starting to test a feature that allows creators to add collaborators to a video. Adding collaborators allows content to be recommended to each of the creators’ audiences. We’re starting this test with a small group of creators at first, but we’ll keep you posted on our plans to expand it to more creators.”
Jensen – TeamYouTube, YouTube Help
Much like Instagram and TikTok, this new option aims to make collaborations more visible and discoverable for audiences. In the test, collaborators are listed beneath the video title, next to the creator’s name. If there are multiple collaborators, you’ll see a “…and more” tag. Clicking on this opens up a full list of all involved creators, accompanied by the Subscribe button next to their name.
How will it work?
YouTube hasn’t shared all the technical details. However, engadget predicts it will work in a similar way to other platforms whereby the original uploader will send collaborators invites that the other creators can approve.
It’s also unclear whether collaborators will get access to back-end insights that only the original uploader typically sees, like the video analytics or revenue info.
A welcome addition
Collaborations are nothing new for YouTube, having been a core part of YouTube culture. By adopting a feature already familiar to users from Instagram and TikTok, YouTube is catching up and providing creators with a simple way to credit and connect.
This could be especially useful for emerging artists and creators, who can now be added as a collaborator on bigger channels, and benefit from direct exposure and the chance to gain new subscribers.
It also provides a cleaner, more official way to signal collaboration on content. With collaborators clearly listed under the video, viewers get an instant sense of who’s involved. Not to mention, the video will likely feature across all of the collaborating channels.
When is it coming?
The test was quietly announced via YouTube Help on August 1st, so we can assume it’s still early days. For now, YouTube will be drawing on feedback from testers to decide how the feature evolves, and whether it deserves a full release.