YouTube Disables Links in Shorts Videos to Fight Spam
YouTube is aware of the spam issue it faces, especially with its Shorts feature that has been around for two years. To address this problem, the platform has decided to disable links in Shorts descriptions, comments, and the vertical live feed. Additionally, YouTube will remove the option to click on social media icons on desktop channel banners. These updates will be implemented gradually starting from August 31st.
While YouTube insists it will not continue its “no-click” crusade, it adds: “As abuse tactics evolve rapidly, we must take preventative measures to make it harder for scammers and spammers to lead or trick users through links.” At the same time, YouTube is adding new links to content creators’ channels. A large clickable link will appear next to the order button from August 23. A link can bring users to anything from product websites to social media accounts. The platform also recently introduced more creation tools for Shorts, such as voiceovers. However, it won’t be until the end of September that the streamer introduces “safer” ways to redirect people from their Shorts back to other content.
In addition to links, YouTube is working to reduce the number of impersonating accounts by improving the strategies it uses to find and later remove these accounts. According to the platform, more than 35 percent more accounts were deleted for impersonation in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022 (though it’s unclear if this is due to better practices or simply more fake accounts). Streamers also have more comments to check through the recent Increase Strictness feature.
