One of the big challenges that creators are facing with the rise of AI and the adoption of AI-generated content is the threat to their identity being misused. With a recent update, YouTube has indicated this concern as a priority.

In the video above, Rob tested this feature to help you through the process. In this post, we'll dive deeper into it.

YouTube is testing a new feature that scans uploaded videos to find appearances of a creator's face or voice, specifically to detect if those appearances were generated or manipulated using AI. Think of it as identity-focused detection.

It's similar in concept to YouTube's Content ID system for copyright protection. But there's a key difference. Content ID protects copyrighted media like music or video clips. This system focuses on biometric identity, like your face and voice.

How to Remove Copyright Claims on YouTube

Content ID is about ownership. Likeness detection is about personal identity and consent.

Before YouTube can detect your likeness, it needs to know who you are. That means identity verification. Creators who want to enable this feature must first verify their identity with YouTube. The verification process usually includes:

how to enable likeness detection on YouTube studio

Once verified, YouTube begins scanning videos across the platform to find where their likeness may appear. Creators can then review flagged videos inside YouTube Studio, under the 

Likeness tab under the Content detection section on YouTube studio

This is where YouTube surfaces videos it believes contain your face or voice, whether those appearances are original, reused, or potentially AI-generated.

What Creators Can Do with Detection Results

Not every detection is a problem. After a video is flagged as containing your likeness, you have three options:

 under YouTube's privacy policies, especially for unauthorized deepfakes or AI-generated content that misleads viewers.

 if the video reuses your original content without permission.

 if they're legitimate collaborations, authorized uses, or simply not worth taking action on.

The tool doesn't automatically take videos down. It puts the decision in the creator's hands. That's intentional. Context still matters, and YouTube isn't trying to be the final judge of intent.

Of course, we can't expect things to be totally perfect from day one, but there are some glaring issues to contend with for now.

"Now, something that's worth noting is that it does not ask you to speak during the recording process, which can only mean one thing, right? Yes. In the support pages, it confirms that only your visual likeness is tracked," says Rob

The system can sometimes flag real footage, including genuine uploads by the creators themselves, as potential mismatches or AI-generated content. That's not surprising. Facial recognition and AI detection are still probabilistic systems. They make educated guesses, not definitive judgments.

YouTube has been upfront about this. Since the tool is still in beta, its detection quality is not yet perfect. If you're using it, the review step isn't optional. You can't simply assume that every flag indicates misuse. It's a signal, not a verdict.

Why This Matters for Creators Going Forward

If you're building a presence on YouTube in 2026 and beyond, your face and voice aren't just assets; they're also targets. So, the timing couldn't have been better from YouTube.

Platforms like YouTube are under pressure to do two things at once: encourage creativity and innovation while protecting creators from misinformation, impersonation, and identity misuse.

But there might be simpler ways to combat this, as Rob mentions in the video,

"I think what YouTube are missing here is the option they have in the copyright detection tool, which is to simply contact the creator and politely ask them to remove the offending content and not have to take more drastic action."

The tool is early, imperfect, and still evolving. But with this step, we can now establish that platforms are starting to treat identity the way they once treated copyright. And that's a line of action creators should be paying attention to.

YouTube has natively introduced an AI-powered likeness detection system that helps creators protect their identity online. Learn how to enable it, what it detects, and its current limitations.

AI Likeness Detection on YouTube: How it Works

If you've ever been five seconds into a video and got slapped with a loud ad about toothpaste, you’ve probably wondered: Is YouTube Premium worth it? Or better yet, 

 now, and what are you getting for that price?

 and some fresh updates rolled out in 2025, YouTube Premium is trying to be more than just "YouTube without ads." In this post, we’ll dig into what YouTube Premium is offering today, how it's evolving, and whether it deserves your monthly subscription.

No ads, original content, and videos that play in the background: For video fanatics, this is just a small taste of what 

 offers to subscribers. Formerly known as 

, this rebranded service combines a variety of features for the perfect YouTube binge.

Here’s a complete list of all the exciting Premium features:

Offline video viewing (download and watch later)

Offline music listening (download and listen later)

Background play (content plays outside app/when phone is closed)

These are great perks for viewers; however, creators will appreciate Premium for a different set of reasons. While the audience can expect fewer interruptions on the app, creators are getting what they’ve always wanted from the deal: more ways to increase their revenue on YouTube.

The service also lets creators get paid through your subscription, so you're still supporting the people you watch, even if you're skipping ads.

How Creators Earn More Money With YouTube Premium

And now for the big question: How does it all work? How are creators able to make more money on top of AdSense revenue with YouTube Premium?

In a nutshell, YouTube shares some of its Premium revenue with creators. Whatever the portion may be, the platform distributes this money to creators based on much 

So, for example, if one channel receives higher Watch Time than another, it gets a larger chunk of money. In the end, YouTube takes a 45% cut of a creator’s Premium earnings, just as it does for ad-generated revenue.

Nevertheless, earning some extra cash with Premium is something to aspire to. Every video on YouTube’s free platform is available on the paid version, so no matter what, your videos will contribute to your Premium Watch Time and earnings.

Let’s talk numbers. As of 2025, YouTube Premium offers several subscription options:

: $22.99/month for up to 5 family members aged 13+ in the same household

You also get a one-month free trial, so there’s no harm in taking it for a test run.

But here’s the twist: YouTube is now testing 

, a stripped-down version that offers ad-free viewing but 

 background play, no downloads, and no YouTube Music. It's cheaper, and for many users, that might be all they need.

Premium Lite is being piloted in the U.S. after earlier tests in Germany, Australia, and Thailand. The idea? Offer more flexible price points while still keeping the ad-free experience intact.

The New Premium Tiers: More Choice, Not More Confusion

YouTube Premium has evolved into a tiered service, tailored for different needs:

: Just ad-free creator content. No bells, no whistles.

: The whole package—downloads, background play, and YouTube Music Premium.

: Special offers that tie Premium with Google One or family sharing perks.

This move makes sense. Not everyone needs the same features, and YouTube is trying to meet users where they are. Think of it like choosing your gym membership: some people want weights and cardio; others just want the pool.

 is bundled with the full version of YouTube Premium. It lets you:

Access exclusive remixes and live performances

It's a solid offering if you’re already deep into the Google ecosystem. It may not have fully replaced Spotify for some, but it’s a nice bonus.

AI Is Here: Conversational Features and Playlist Creation

Here’s where things get interesting. In 2025, YouTube Premium is diving headfirst into artificial intelligence.

: This AI-powered tool lets you build playlists by just typing what you want, like "chill beats for rainy mornings" or "high-energy indie for working out."

: Watch a video and want more info? Ask the AI directly. It can answer questions about the video content in real-time, making the experience more interactive.

This isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a way to make your time on YouTube more efficient and intuitive. It's still early days, but the tech is promising.

YouTube Premium's Beta Lab: Try New Features First

 to test experimental features before they’re released widely. Think of it like a sandbox for future tools.

One cool example is the 4x playback speed. For power users who binge tutorials or long commentary videos, that’s a time-saver.

User feedback on this platform directly shapes what YouTube rolls out next, making Premium members part of the development process.

You can also opt for specific plans according to users on your YouTube Premium account. Special categories of such plans are:

 is ideal if multiple people in your household use YouTube. Everyone gets their own Premium experience, which avoids algorithm chaos.

 is the best value. $7.99/month is hard to beat, and you still get full access, including YouTube Music.

Just remember that the student plan requires annual verification. So yes, you need to be an actual student.

YouTube Premium isn’t perfect, but it’s getting smarter and more flexible. Between the new AI tools, better tier options like Premium Lite, and a global expansion plan, the service is adapting in a way that makes sense.

If you use YouTube daily (and let’s be honest, most of us do), then yes—

 Especially if you hate ads, want smarter features, or just enjoy seamless streaming.

While we are on the subject of viewer experience, check out this 

different way of watching videos on YouTube.

YouTube logo on smartphone with blurred YouTube Premium on laptop screen in background

Discover how YouTube Premium generates revenue for creators through watch time metrics, revenue sharing, and new features that boost your channel.

YouTube Premium in 2026: How it Works

Have you been feeling like your Shorts have suddenly stopped getting views? You're certainly not alone here! Most creators have seen their Shorts behave very differently from other forms of content, and it's almost baffling!

while others barely see the light of day? Keep reading, and we'll explain how the YouTube Shorts algorithm works!

Forget traditional metrics like impressions and click-through rates; in the world of Shorts, 

. Compared to the traditional route of using impressions to test your content, the YouTube Shorts algorithm is more straightforward. So, if some of your Shorts look like the graph below, and you’re convinced that YouTube is out to limit your Shorts reach, we have good news! There is a reason why.

First, the Shorts algorithm operates in two distinct phases: 

 Initially, your Short is exposed to a small, targeted, “seed audience”. If this group engages well with your content, your Short gets promoted to a broader audience. That initial audience is crucial, because if they're not engaged, your views may become stagnant.

, Todd Sherman, the product lead for YouTube Shorts, explains why this is the case. Unlike long-form videos, Shorts views mostly seem to come from the feed itself, and the element of a conscious choice on the part of the viewer is missing. So, the algorithm tests the Shorts for hundreds of thousands of views to determine its value. We can see the effect of this under the “

The YouTube shorts algorithm pays close attention to each viewer's habits. And these habits can be rightly evaluated from the Analytics tab. A recent update from YouTube has changed how views will work on Shorts, and Rob will tell you all about it.

 required. This is a shift from the previous model, where a viewer had to watch for a few seconds before a view was logged.

YouTube Shorts is now distinguishing between two types of metrics:

: When the viewer interacts meaningfully (watches beyond a few seconds, likes, comments, etc.)

With this update, our approach in understanding YouTube Shorts analytics needs to focus on specific areas.

Swipe-away analytics are a new feature that can help you understand how viewers are interacting with your Shorts: Are they sticking around, or are they swiping away before the video ends? Here’s how to check it out:

the youtube analytics menu option and the content tab

3. On the right, you can see how many chose to view your Shorts and how many swiped away from them.

Viewed versus swiped away data for youtube Shorts

Under Advance mode in Analytics, you can check the watch time you gain from YouTube Shorts. 

With the recent update, creators will see a noticeable jump in view counts—as much as 

—but this doesn’t automatically mean better performance. Other key metrics such as 

likes, comments, watch time, and subscribers

 remain unaffected unless those views are engaged.

This shift may create a false sense of growth, giving the illusion of more success while the actual engagement remains unchanged.

What would you learn after studying 35 billion Shorts views on YouTube? Well, after extensive research, 

 has the answer! And our YouTube experts got some brilliant insights in a recent interview with him. In fact, they learned enough to help you 

Nate found out that Shorts that are either 13 or 60 seconds long tend to perform best. Additionally, there are specific categories, such as original showcases and sensory experiences like ASMR videos, that consistently attract more views.

He also observed that channels that have published at least 200 Shorts tend to see a consistent increase in views over time. So, before you get disheartened with your Shorts views, be sure to upload a lot of them! Also, the first three seconds of your Short are crucial for capturing viewer interest. Make them count!

How to Get 10 Million YouTube Shorts Views: A 90-Day Plan

Equipped with this knowledge, we must take care of certain factors when it comes to YouTube Shorts.

Timing and consistency are key when it comes to Shorts. Knowing when your audience is most active and aligning your publishing schedule accordingly can significantly impact your Shorts' performance.

Fortunately, it's easy to find out the best time to post your Shorts. From the YouTube Studio, click Analytics and then the 

 Scroll down to the “When your viewers are on YouTube” tab, and you'll see the best time to post on YouTube for your specific viewers!

Would you believe it, thumbnails still matter! And for Shorts, it’s the most visible asset of your video. When your Shorts appear in regular YouTube feeds, 

a compelling thumbnail can be your secret weapon for attracting more clicks.

Most long-form creators clip YouTube videos to repurpose Shorts from their existing videos. It's a great strategy to implement as a creator because you can produce a high volume of shorts with little effort. Often, the confusing part though is choosing what to clip.

 can take care of all that. With this tool you can:

Let AI scan it for the most engaging moments

With the click of a button, creators can turn any video into multiple short form videos, perfect for TikTok, Reels and Shorts with this tool! 

Clip YouTube Videos: From Long Video to Short Video

Consistency and experimentation go hand in hand. Don't be afraid to try different types of content to see what resonates with your audience. This might help you solidify the proper seed audience for your content!

While viewer engagement is the main factor for success, metadata still matters for proper categorization. Your video title, description, hashtags, and even the words spoken in the Short give clues about your content.

Include clear keywords in your title and description, add relevant hashtags (such as 

), and state your topic within the first few seconds. This practice helps the YouTube Shorts algorithm match your content with the right audience. Keyword tools can help you spot popular terms in your niche.

Getting more YouTube views is always a hot topic, and that's why so many of you want to understand the Shorts algorithm! 

 Sure, the big numbers look good, but how do you translate that into more valuable, monetizable views?

Well, rest assured: the YouTube Shorts algorithm is 

 when it comes to attracting more long-form views. A new update on YouTube has addressed this very issue, and it’s a great first step! 

A feature allows YouTube creators to include a persistent link in their Shorts,

 directing viewers to long-form content. This feature aims to bridge the gap between Shorts and traditional YouTube videos. Watch the video below to learn more!

Smartphone mounted on tripod recording three women posing in casual clothing indoors

Master the YouTube Shorts algorithm in 2026! Learn how the explore and exploit system works, why viewer retention matters, and proven strategies to boost your Shorts performance.

 How Does the YouTube Shorts Algorithm Work in 2026?

As the new year arrives, we want to congratulate every creator who stuck with their channel in 2025. For all of us, this year was full of ups and downs; now it's time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t, prepare for the coming year, and stay ahead of the game. A channel refresh will help you do that and more!

Gone are the days when formulaic content that doesn't invoke a personal connection can perform well. In the video above, Rob discusses these ideas in detail, so watch it now! Refreshing your channel doesn’t necessarily mean a complete overhaul of it. It also doesn't imply just keeping up with trends. It's about leveraging the power of 

 analytics to drive growth in a meaningful way. 

But how do you know if your channel needs updating? Here are some signs to watch out for:

It's clear-cut. If your views dropped in 2025, your channel is losing steam and needs a refresh.

Likes, shares, comments — they're the heartbeat of any YouTube channel. Are you seeing a dip in these areas? That's a major heads-up that your channel might need intervention.

A thriving YouTube channel is like a magnet, constantly attracting new subscribers. If your numbers are stuck or, even worse, dwindling, it's a signal to switch gears. 

Comments are a goldmine for engagement. If your videos are greeted with silence, it could mean your audience's interest is fading.

Watch time is a big deal for YouTube's algorithm. If yours is on a downward trend, it might be time to shake up your content approach.

This metric tells you how many of your video viewers are watching. If it's falling, it could mean your content isn't as gripping as it used to be.

How to Kickstart More YouTube Channel Growth

In 2025, growing a successful YouTube channel requires a blend of authenticity, emotional resonance, and understanding audience preferences. YouTube's latest report, "Why We Watch 2.0," sheds light on critical strategies that creators can implement to improve engagement and viewer retention.

The report highlights varying preferences based on viewer age like the following:

 Younger audiences value originality, creativity, and educational content. They seek creators who bring fresh perspectives and teach them something new. 

 Older viewers prioritize trustworthiness and storytelling. They are drawn to content that offers meaningful narratives and reflects the creator's values.

Contrary to traditional beliefs, high production quality is no longer the defining factor for success on YouTube. 

The competition is rising on YouTube, so you have to be surgical in your method of getting more 

. In this section, we'll show you how to refresh your channel from the inside out using pure data.

Do you have several videos that are struggling to get clicks? It’s safe to say the current video title isn't working and needs a meaningful update. Maybe it doesn't speak to your viewers' core desires, or perhaps it's lacking the right keywords. Either way, a new and improved title can boost your views, especially if the topic is still relevant.

11 Ways to Write Exciting YouTube Titles for Your Videos

Pull title inspiration from viral videos on the same topic.

Use language that appeals to deeper goals and desires (not just the topic at hand).

Aim for 60-70 characters so the full title is displayed.

Similar to refreshing your titles, you might need better thumbnails if people aren't clicking on your videos. The good news is that YouTube is rolling out 

. This means you can test up to three images with different audiences, and use the one that leads to higher watch time.

How To Make Attention Grabbing Custom Thumbnails on YouTube with vidIQ

But not everyone has this tool yet. So, in the meantime, it helps to know the 

 on your channel. That could be 4%, 5%, or even a whopping 10%. No matter the percentage, you want to create thumbnails that bring in a much higher CTR, and then add them to low-performing videos.

1. Go to the YouTube Studio, then select 

2. Underneath the dashboard showing views, subscribers, watch time, and revenue, click 

See More option below youtube analytics dashboard 

3. Next to the views by content filter, choose a second filtering option: 

impressions click-through rate filter option in youtube studio content graph

4. Change the time period to the last 365 days.

time period selector for youtube content graph showing last 365 days option

Next, you'll see a list of videos, along with your channel's average CTR at the top. For example, ours is 

Now, browse the list of videos, the thumbnails beside them, and their respective CTRs. Which videos are beating the overall CTR for your channel? 

Study those thumbnails, then use similar design elements to create new images for underperforming videos.

Building a series of playlists is an easy way to get more views in 2026. So, check your content inventory. Did any videos go viral or gain more views than expected? Consider adding these newer, more popular videos to existing playlists. If you don't have any playlists on your channel, it's time to build some and take your viewers on a binge-worthy adventure.

How to Grow Your Channel with YouTube Playlists

Do you have a bunch of underperforming videos on your channel? After you've given them new titles and thumbnails, add those videos to some of your existing end screens. 

On YouTube, end screens appear in the last 5 to 20 seconds of a video, and you can use them to send viewers to more content on your channel. So, place those underperforming videos on the end screens of your 

. Just make sure the content you're recommending is relevant and make sense according to what the viewer just watched.

a youtuber pointing to an end screen element

Having done that with one of our videos, we can guarantee it works brilliantly if done correctly.

YouTube End Screens: How to Make Cool Video Outros

Preparing for YouTube growth isn't just about seeking more views. Sometimes, you only get more views when there's a high level of engagement within your wider community. And what better place to engage your fans than YouTube's own Community Tab?

To make this easy, create a bunch of posts this month and schedule them to release in January. You can post relevant memes for your audience, simple text messages, polls, GIFs, and even videos from your channel. Just be engaging, and always aim to start a conversation. In due time, this will bring 

. It got 2.3K likes and produced over 4.4k comments. That's a lot of attention!

A popular community tab post asking users how many subscribers they have

Growing your YouTube channel in 2026 isn't as hard as you think. More than anything, you just need to double down on video ideas that made people subscribe or return to your channel.

How to Get Subscriber Feedback from a YouTube Analytics Deep Dive

 in the YouTube Studio, then check the "videos growing your audience" panel. This will show you which videos are prompting viewers to return to your channel and watch more content.

Videos growing your audience tab in Creator Studio

Next, look at videos that brought in the most subscribers:

which is below the YouTube dashboard showing monthly views, subscribers, revenue, and watch time.

See more option below youtube analytics dashboard

Subscribers gained filter option on YouTube growth graph

5. See which videos attracted the most subscribers. Use those successful content buckets and storytelling formats to get more views in 2024.

A list of videos bringing in the most youtube subscribers

7. Know the Content Types that Grow Your Channel

Most creators want to know which video topics to post on their channel, but have you thought about content types? There's a panel in the YouTube Studio, "viewers across formats", that shows the percentage of viewers watching your Shorts, livestreams, and long-form videos. 

Go to the Analytics section, then navigate to the 

 to see your viewership. This will help you decide which formats are worth pursuing in 2026.

viewer across formats panel in the youtube studio

Now that you have better titles, thumbnails, playlists, and an overall awareness of your best content, you can plan stunning videos for 2026. Start brainstorming ideas, using our 

 can offer more support. It plugs right into your channel, and uses your performance history to suggest video ideas and effective YouTube strategies. 

Get ahead of other creators by refreshing your YouTube channel right now. These are the best tips to enhance video titles, thumbnails, and attract more views and subscribers in 2026.

Uttaran Samaddar

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

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