New YouTube feature helps creators promote their content

YouTube has introduced a new way for content creators to promote their videos and channels, launching a feature called InVideo Programming, designed to help creators grow their audience.

According to YouTube product manager Michael Rucker, InVideo Programming will allow users to feature a video across their entire video library.

“In addition to featuring videos, you can also promote your channel branding. If you change your branding in the future, you can replace it with a single update,” he wrote in a company blog post.

“InVideo Programming travels with your videos wherever Video Annotations are available.”

The Annotations Editor is a creator tool that lets content creators layer text, hotspots and links over their video, designed to enrich the experience with information and interactivity.

Rucker said if you are a creator “in good standing”, you should be able to access InVideo Programming in your Channel Settings. He outlined several ways to use the tool:

Launch a new show/series

If you’re launching a new series, click on “Feature a video” to showcase a new video to drive some initial traction.

Showcase an old video

If you have a favourite video from your channel, you can feature it to drive some new viewership.

Reinforce channel branding

You can make sure your viewers are aware of your channel branding by using the “Feature your channel” option.

This will promote your logo across your library, and make it easier for viewers to visit your channel page and subscribe.

It’s hoped the new feature will create a viewership cycle, whereby new visitors who like what they see are enticed to watch additional videos or return for more.

Over the coming weeks, Rucker said YouTube will give creators the ability to track the performance of their InVideo Programming.

“[In addition,] we’ll make UI enhancements to help you give your viewers more context behind your promotion,” he said.