Google’s video platform YouTube is going on the offensive when it comes to time-specific emoji reactions. As the parent company has announced, users of the site should be able to express their reactions using emojis at very specific points in videos.
Express emotions
According to Google, the new function, which the company is currently testing, should allow viewers and content producers to see how other users react to certain points in the uploaded videos. The aim of the group is to “strengthen the sense of community”.
Selected users can click on a reaction field in the comment areas of the videos and select corresponding emojis there, as it says. It will be shown live, initially anonymously, how other viewers have reacted. Individual emojis should be tested and added or deleted if necessary.
Emulate competition
With its experiment, YouTube is reacting to the developments of competitors such as Facebook Live (Meta), Twitch and Instagram. What has so far only been possible with live videos on YouTube – seeing comments made by the community in non-anonymous form – should then also be implemented for uploaded videos. Likes or comments are possible, the dislike counter has been switched to invisible in 2021.