The YouTube platform will make it easier for content creators to interact with their viewers. The service has announced the imminent launch of the Handles function, which will allow the identification of channels using the @username nickel. It is interesting that all users of the service will be able to use such nickels and will display them not only on the main page of the channel but also in search, the Shorts tape, comments and publications on the platform.
The use of such nickels is common in many social media, such as Facebook*, Twitter or Instagram*. In YouTube, this function will be implemented in a more reduced form. Users will be able to use Handles to mention other channels in video descriptions or to mention other users in YouTube chat rooms. According to available data, new descriptors will appear not only on the channel pages, but also in short video Shorts, which will make them "fragile and consistent" among the platform's other content. Although the new descriptors will not replace the channel names, they will be unique, i.e. on YouTube there will be no two users with the same nickels.
According to the source, support for the new YouTube descriptors will be gradually integrated starting next week. Popular content creators will be the first to access this innovation, so they will be able to choose the most appropriate nickel. Once the Handles function is launched, users will have access to the universal youtube.com/@username, which can be used to promote their Internet channel.
* Listed on the list of voluntary associations and religious organizations in respect of which the court has taken a legally enforceable decision to abolish or prohibit activities on the grounds provided for in Federal Act No. 114-FZ of 25 July 2002 on countering extremist activities.