YouTube is testing a new option that allows you to share a short clip instead of a full video. The limited tests, which is currently only available to a handful of creators, will let you share short, looping clips from the original long video.
Ability to highlight memorable moments in a video is one of the most in-demand features. Creators and other users have always wanted something like this—a feature that enables them to share short clips from the main video.
As described by Manuel Vonau who writes for Android Police, “when you view a supported video, you will see a clip button among the usual strip of options for liking, disliking, and downloading.” Click the new entry, and you will be able to cut out a 5 to 60 second clip from the video. When you share it as a link, the looping clip will be opened in the YouTube app or on the YouTube website. Viewers can then choose to further share the clip or start watching the full video.
Clip sharing is available on both web and mobile; but no specific date has been announced for a wider roll out.
In December, YouTube announced that it wanted to start giving creators who feel they have a reason or two to believe that their channels were suspended in error to appeal such decision. The Google-owned streaming site is testing a new feature that will let such creators upload the affected video for a review.
The Google-owned streaming site said its policy team will take a second look at such video, and review the channel with the “shared context in mind.” If the YouTube policy team is satisfied with your appeal, the suspension will be lifted. “If your appeal shows how your channel complies with our policies, we will turn monetization back on for your channel before the end of the 30 day suspension window.”
The test is also part of effort towards providing more information on why a channel was suspended and provide clarity where necessary. YouTube’s policies can sometimes be a bit difficult to understand, and this latest effort could help improve the relationship the streaming site has with its users—creators in particular.
Only a small percentage of YouTube creators can access the test for now; hopefully this could change as the need arises—especially if the change makes it to a global launch. YouTube started adding a warning prompt to its platform when in December it announced a new way to help it keep the platform free from offensive comments.
