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YouTube Expands AI Detection to Age-Gate More Uploads

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youtube expands ai detection to age gate more uploads

YouTube has announced an expansion of its automated content detection process, which it currently uses to catch uploads which depict graphic violence, nudity or hate speech.

Now, YouTube will expand its usage of its AI tools to cover more types of rule violations, and subsequently classify more uploads that are not appropriate for users under the age of 18.

YouTube rule violations

As explained by YouTube:

“Today, our Trust & Safety team applies age-restrictions when, in the course of reviewing content, they encounter a video that isn’t appropriate for viewers under 18. Going forward, we will build on our approach of using machine learning to detect content for review, by developing and adapting our technology to help us automatically apply age-restrictions.”

When a video is age-restricted, users will need to be signed-in to view it.

“If they aren’t, they see a warning and are redirected to find other content that is age-appropriate. Our Community Guidelines include guidance to uploaders about when content should be age-restricted.” 

The expanded enforcement effort will help to keep younger users safe on the platform – which is no doubt a significant concern for the many parents trying to keep their kids entertained during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Indeed, in a recent survey, 64% of respondents indicated that they’ve been watching more YouTube content during the lockdown period, while to kids, YouTube stars are now key influencers, arguably more so than traditional TV presenters.

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YouTube has been known to lead viewers down concerning rabbit holes at times, via its related video recommendations. With this new push, it should mean that fewer of those ‘Up Next’ clips end up leading younger viewers astray.

And YouTube is expecting to see an increase in content tagged as ‘over 18 only’ as a result:

“Because our use of technology will result in more videos being age-restricted, our policy team took this opportunity to revisit where we draw the line for age-restricted content. After consulting with experts and comparing ourselves against other global content rating frameworks, only minor adjustments were necessary. Our policy pages have been updated to reflect these changes. All the changes outlined above will roll out over the coming months.”

Uploaders will be able to appeal any decision that they believe has been incorrectly applied, but YouTube says that it’s not anticipating the change to have any major impacts on creator revenue, because most of the impacted videos also violate its advertiser-friendly guidelines, and are therefore not eligible for ads either way.  

YouTube has been developing its systems on this front for some time. Last month, YouTube reported that between April and June this year, it removed 11,401,696 videos for violating its content rules, with the vast majority of them being automatically flagged by its systems.

YouTube community enforcement

As such, expanding its systems seems like a relatively safe bet – and again, with so many kids spending time on the platform, it’s an important move, which could have major positive benefits.

But it will also, no doubt, lead to false positives and mistaken restrictions. That could impact YouTube creators looking to monetize their content, but as with all of YouTube’s new rules, it only takes a little while for any adjustment, and creators can generally manage any impacts. 

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It’s also a key element in YouTube’s ad efforts. Back in 2017, various major brands pulled or reduced their YouTube ad spend after their ads were displayed alongside offensive content. That boycott reportedly cost YouTube millions in revenue, and is it what really sparked YouTube to improve its automated detection systems, which has now lead to this latest update.

At the same time, YouTube is under increasing pressure to reduce its reliance on humans for content moderation, with a new lawsuit being brought against the platform over PTSD claims from former moderation staff. As such, YouTube has significant motivation to boost its reliance on AI tools for the task, even if it does end up leading to more incorrect categorizations and restrictions.

In addition to this, YouTube’s also adding a new age verification process:

“As part of this process some European users may be asked to provide additional proof of age when attempting to watch mature content. If our systems are unable to establish that a viewer is above the age of 18, we will request that they provide a valid ID or credit card to verify their age.”

The update is in line with Europe’s evolving rules on digital content, including the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) which was enacted last year. 

Socialmediatoday.com

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.

The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.

According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.

Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.

Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.

The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.

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This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.

Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.

As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?

Only time will tell.

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.

When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.

“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.

Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.

“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.” 

“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.

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“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.

Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.

As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.

That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.

Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.

That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.

Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.

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Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.

We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.

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