YouTube is implementing a feature to recommend content based on primary colors

YouTube has introduced a new feature that allows users to customize their home feed based on the dominant colors in the video content, offering a more tailor-made experience. The color filters are determined by the prevalent colors in the videos and do not relate to specific themes or topics. While this feature is still in the testing phase, it serves as a method for gathering data and aiding advertisers in targeting specific audience segments more effectively. Notably, YouTube, Netflix, TikTok, and other leading entertainment apps on Android have prioritized understanding user preferences and delivering content accordingly. YouTube has been competing with other platforms by adding more content selection, primarily based on the color scheme of the first video format. The purpose of these content recommendations is to generate user engagement, providing more opportunities for ad placements and assisting developers in maximizing their revenue. While TikTok is renowned for its advanced recommendation system, YouTube Shorts closely follows. However, longer videos displayed on the app’s Home Page are ranked based on user viewing history, search patterns, and various other factors, in addition to the primary color filters.

13 awesome YouTube hacks you’ll want to try today According to 9to5Google, YouTube offers a new feature allowing users to filter their home feed based on the primary color of the videos. The options for filtering include three main colors: red, green, and blue, which appear as a card above the first video on the list. The selected color filters are then displayed at the top of the approved videos on the Home tab, and are compared with other colors. The algorithm used analyzes the video clips to identify the predominant color. It is important to note that the chosen colors do not correspond to specific themes or concepts as one might expect. While this approach might be suitable for YouTube Music, where the genres are aligned with emotions and thus the music itself, it is less applicable to the diverse content on YouTube. For instance, it is challenging to associate video content with specific colors. Nevertheless, filtering by color can be advantageous for content creators who have established their brand identity around specific colors, such as MKBHD’s black, red, and white or TheStradman’s pink, orange, and purple themes. Users have expressed concerns about the new filter being oriented more towards data collection rather than personalization. Nevertheless, this feature can provide valuable insights into user preferences, which are crucial for advertisers in understanding consumer behavior and decision-making patterns. While the option to choose a color filter is currently optional, it is possible that it may become a mandatory element in the future. Additionally, it remains uncertain how this feature will be integrated into the wider Google ecosystem, considering the company’s willingness to explore new promotional methods, such as the “Play Something” button. However, it is unclear whether this feature will prompt creators to modify their thumbnails and logos to align with specific color schemes associated with their brands. If such changes are implemented, it would be preferable to have a broader selection of colors than the current three available options.

Author: OpenAI