YouTube is catering to the needs of its users and creators by making a new app with both crowdsourcing and funding features. The online video platform made a teaser video giving users an idea of what is in store for them in the near future. One main feature of the mobile application is the easier management of the creators' channels. The new feature will also give the creators a way to raise money from their viewers. This application is YouTube's response to seeing creators struggle with the basic management of their account, especially on their mobile devices. Molly Nix, a designer for the website, saw the opportunity to keep up with the mobile trend and at the same time give creators and other users an easier time managing their channels on the go.
On the other hand, the on-site crowdfunding feature will allow fans to directly donate to YouTube content creators instead of having to approach third-party organizations or websites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Additionally, viewers will have the opportunity to submit captions to videos, subject to the approval of the creators, to make language translation easier. This will be particularly useful as about 80 percent of total video views come from countries outside the United States, according to The Verge.
In past months, YouTube has started pointing the spotlight to their creators, highlighting their work and effort put into making content for the website's wide audience. The website launched a new video called Creator Preview, which will allow YouTube followers to keep track and be updated on the latest developments of their most recent projects. The company has not given specific details on what the application will actually include, nor a timetable of the launch and implementation of its new application and features. However, YouTube did say that more updates will be available in the coming months.
