YouTube disables links to Shorts to combat spam
YouTube has seen a significant surge in the popularity of YouTube Shorts since its launch, in part because creators can now earn revenue from their content. An important feature of YouTube Shorts is the convenience of link sharing.
However, certain changes will come into effect to combat spam. Starting August 31, YouTube bans certain links on the platform. This primarily involves removing clickable links in prominent areas of YouTube Shorts, such as comments and descriptions.
As a result, after August 31, shared links in YouTube Shorts comments, descriptions, and the vertical live feed will no longer be clickable. In addition, the clickable social media icons currently present on the channel banner on the desktop will also be removed.
NEW DIRECTORIAL MECHANISMS FOR CREATORS
YouTube will introduce a new approach starting August 23 to allow creators to direct their viewers to longer content:
Prominent clickable links on channel pages: Both mobile and desktop viewers will notice prominent clickable links on creator channel profiles located near the subscribe button. Creators can use this space to share websites, social profiles, product sites, and other links that comply with the Community Guidelines.
Full integration of short videos and other content: Recognizing the importance of clickable links in helping creators direct their short video audiences to other types of content, YouTube is developing a safer way for creators to direct viewers from short videos to additional YouTube content. This implementation is scheduled for the end of September.
Fighting spam beyond links
YouTube recognizes the detrimental impact of spam and fraud on the user experience. To solve these problems, YouTube is actively improving the following areas:
Reducing impersonation: YouTube has made great strides in identifying and removing impersonation channels, especially those that imitate popular authors and public figures. This led to an increase in the removal of such channels by more than 35% between Q1 2022 and Q1 2023.
Improved comment moderation: YouTube has enhanced its Increase Strictness tool to detect and hold potentially spammy or inappropriate comments for creator evaluation. According to YouTube, these improvements resulted in a 200% increase in the number of comments left for review using this feature in the first week of June compared to May.
